This official is so weak

De Quan broke out in a cold sweat: As a high-ranking official in the court, to dare to discuss colleagues in such a manner. Even dragging the Emperor and two princes into the conversation… It was simply vulgar and reckless!bpGnCxeRCagbLUqcNpDMDXCXEBULPw

oCEHtdeRnMaqUXf

However, he saw Li Wuting with his eyelashes lowered, his lips sharp. Standing still for two seconds, he then turned and walked back, saying nothing.RMvkTfxJvXZUgzrbKUpbSsULrEwdeq

OUTfPZaIeYnbjVt

Just as he took two steps, he heard a voice, “Can you identify them?”XYPmkFRteLZCmuXasYJbQjBmgblqAF

JVoyyldkNVtMbnX

De Quan was startled, then realized the question was addressed to the commander of the Jinyiwei, who was gathering intelligence.DKIiwMMwJWLbjiryuVDAYSxjCXJTNR

bQLVQUmFqRSIFkh

Yin Zhao replied calmly, “Hanlin Academy lecturer Lu Zhang, editor Gong Huelin, and Tan Feng.”xfXQAglQBqJJTJsiNPWlNcyVgRkdDO

PyAmssWjTIRkZvo

Li Wuting walked back across the grass to the main tent, “Hmm.”UpLvZXvcUkExPAssJfmSFGedJWnkdg

ugAThKoohdxEAvs

The guards were setting up fields for horse racing and arrow throwing.fiVMhBdWBPIOirWuwZlsTErlnJLoTR

pncpQsACcQOGYtq

Ning Rushen slipped to the fence to join the excitement with Geng Yan. Behind him was the idle young Prince Li Jingyu.UTJgyuEpIdEvyeeWYMcmwqlpcJAmBc

MXEJBzbxlLxjrNu

“You—he—” Geng Yan, fuming, turned around and almost choked! He hurriedly bowed, “Your Highness Prince Jing.”iiZlwhaTvRwvslcfhquFoAmZWsuFNI

nobQgFBsTivVCCk

Li Jingyu waved his hand, “Official Geng, no need for formalities.”nxyrFnzyvVpolhhiEcEnQZImzdyJsj

MBrPYaQILthuQbq

Geng Yan: .McbTWcJZklQqohLZhIXWFkiYdjwDTy

VnMKMLyZQBOZexm

Ning Rushen whispered, “Your Highness, this is Lord Geng.”LeJzVmQOVSuRMEabKGcPWEZWXZuJtM

xurMMhTxckWldjx

Li Jingyu pondered: To call him Geng Dog.XNuxgrBfRJlwJWtATINPisaAynRxkY

gxPffcQabBIuaEq

With many people around and the noise, Ning Rushen leaned in and advised, “Little Highness, let’s not bring up the topic of ‘tying up’ again.”NaDCYrQaRVQNQMDTAxHXiTOUTbSFWo

dfexuaxalsYzrex

“Why?” Li Jingyu blinked.KzwFMwitMFtGRzLXBAwRRPTjqvhnlu

HCKPuxXyCDOOscn

Ning Rushen tricked, “It involves His Majesty’s private matters.”KXhKdsZyTSPVbCZgARtgLbKgxmVNoM

CwEBOlQJCSkBdog

Li Jingyu nodded, “Okay.”RUbRPrFNkSxphELnWCyNfFVquzmjpL

GBkWOFcKvZlMkrA

The two leaned on the fence, and soon Li Yingtang also found them, “Jingyu, you’re here. And Lord Ning, what are you talking about?”NBhtqqOAITkwVwGPGKdHRNlIhNHaYz

WzcpJkvIarrejMd

Li Jingyu acted as if it was a deep secret, “Talking about the Emperor’s private matters.”iADmqUedjoshKpXFXZjXOMEDEXwegR

CkzsZOrNiBqZmGm

Li Yingtang: ? ? ?uAzsOJehMTtMUAPcbPKzRuXfsCxKcR

rUXzgiXUGZaBZpq

“…” Ning Rushen skipped that topic, “Prince Xuan.”iFmkcXNmDQhvpCMnGnJxOjwXNyEYGq

cJdjttRgAltkDeO

Li Yingtang looked at him, opened his mouth, then closed it, and finally took out a fan to fan himself, no longer speaking.BDOdZkVwCHRBsmFhbqUjzpINyBatuo

xbapYAosOwpQiQZ

All three leaned against the fence.TLUioIxWHOcoroXJWrzqNNxGyaYcOY

RGWoYFrJLvvuXST

Ning Rushen, in a bright red riding outfit, stood tall and straight, his waist slim and his legs long. Bright and eye-catching, he naturally attracted attention.BkCzqsgEtpPfSjtsaorbdBRLSiasCO

WCSgeyImTgLXLZf

Now, with two influential figures by his side, he drew even more eyes.RMcWQviFxLgGXyiZjWMYzBBXRZFugR

jeZJHUXoASqqVMa

However, the center of attention was oblivious.JuCwEXUMHAoSguLlqMAkHcLQUFHnYZ

CJdppDNuVuKgXix

Ning Rushen still hung on the fence, pondering how he should blend in later.AWnKikPlnwQJyprGXcSAktVWNiZwBc

kTZdBIwUsqiIoFZ

Geng Yan couldn’t stand it any longer and nudged him, “Tone it down, don’t draw too much attention.”xXYnkbYtaRpviUAGwpcqSIGCuFPTZr

qXqCwuacHtCWCYe

Ning Rushen was pulled from his thoughts, “Me? Where??”TPkXaxvZyCHxGjdKEbhZLgazntjOff

ZyHHYpqllmwpBMT

He had done nothing, just a salted fish hanging on the fence!OMPhfZwBEisksbmTBkZIKIJmAHtSeh

dijjLZylfEbYaeJ

Seeing his lack of awareness, Geng Yan lamented like one lamenting the incurability of iron into steel, “The spring hunt is a time for all officials to show their skills before His Majesty. If someone can outperform you, the favorite at court, in the upcoming horse racing and arrow throwing…”XwFmMFPdIOmuOWNGISbywSCTVSJEPN

HnYuVjKXdHallLz

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but retort, “Does he even have the shame to suggest that?”CgRwzDpfCmGzZdANFioYRwJbHJRbSn

dSdHnAwxTiCCyHW

Geng Yan was left speechless.ZkEyypeyvcUqMQAYCAgferZZcTiOxo

eIKeVyAPtfSXfzp

Not far away, Li Yingtang couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.CJzIwOGszGkRulvberyKEkJraYOZqD

yHIAPITPuhSzcuO

·CHqTeswSrXqgjMdKYUHSHLegMAKpgB

CyZAKtwnWfiAFsU

The field was quickly set up.RVOAaXBBQSPPDzYyiRIgmNHrvmivSI

fbmemOXsHFyzdfe

By the time it was ready, the sun was slanting but had not yet set.BkxybZeOUNZMwAHVNSJyjbpcGXdysK

sUSvIqMUSzTAlvV

The imperial procession made its way from the main tent to the stands, where Li Wuting, in his riding attire, sat in the seat of honor, looking every bit the dashing figure, his imperial aura mingled with the sharpness and solemnity of a drawn sword.BdAxLONdjxMsPFUinbBlfmTwBZVkjn

CewuzzwlCWQnhVF

From afar, Ning Rushen suddenly remembered the calluses on Li Wuting’s hands and knuckles, remnants of handling swords.XDFGrPHnbMhOxXiTdauUNMKudbgFUR

GsqFdsygzYvEyXj

The time he had tried to turn Li Wuting’s face in the Imperial Study, it brushed against him, causing a ticklish sensation. Rough and dry, like the result of years of martial practice.nieVfrIdfntHMntvNvLBtjyqxNThxn

STUVqADdxUNTbCr

As his thoughts drifted, the ceremony in the arena concluded.YERnmDeYpVplPIUqstqZUdXPIzXGcU

qnUUXvDGkSFzGxn

The officials were divided into civil and military for the competition.nilBkCMnkRuYzinobaxiHJSzesJCVh

JVZJSddsFRqjhPw

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, watching people surge forward like carp competing for food, and he relaxed, thinking it wouldn’t come to him.SlmeKWETMZmLLKYPrdVmKVyMaWhMhV

DNNIdpjghNaUFPr

Before his heart could settle, he suddenly heard someone loudly say, “It is said that Scholar Ning excels in all six arts of a gentleman. Please, grace us with a demonstration!”gPrbsQPeAgMczCUyUHpdEuFHzaAVoq

suYTMPZlYlCBGNG

Ning Rushen was taken aback.aBIGEEzekrOwZYdTLoOXaUDoRgYHrA

sDjPAYyNQeijPpG

He slightly widened his eyes: Someone really had the gall!QkCEJAEjjrjmpwRcgRCsprtOOWbvlb

idcQCmjWGyfBUXw

All eyes instantly turned to him.kZJFZjHATSbIzyUfmzHstyaXvkVhJO

fcJYdTPszgsMsDY

Following the voice, he saw three young officials standing in the arena, the leader seemingly sneering at him, harboring ill intentions.EEYjEWHfrPufOGcVrBIlZWWlJQnFvq

hLZtUjUzURqfUGN

Lu Zhang courteously offered, “Horse racing or arrow throwing, it’s Scholar Ning’s choice.”KIaQwJvHkouHdfdWtveZdzZNLUuWHt

tzFssCUddmlGwae

Under everyone’s gaze.ZYVZmdMquMezAHrDSeixWPXFDZgnJo

ZgXbmbBBILTZade

Ning Rushen’s lips moved slightly, revealing a hint of perplexity amidst his confusion…fCxpEOrsHYxRTDqCashKHafaDLcWwx

tJjqwuwTeoptrFf

Lu Zhang waited with smug anticipation.tBvBmrDaPXwuSJaujCcqUngIcoUOqj

yoptYNGSUDWlxsJ

After several seconds of silence, Ning Rushen awkwardly turned to Geng Yan for help, “Who is he?”uvEbsPEITeaRZymMIHRPmyAhSuCoCn

unlDFQejlCKIjgb

Lu Zhang was dumbfounded.AGUXzThqpmTiDhUbSdgCqTmndvPaVy

wcAnEKyamLPIBmW

The crowd was speechless.ZFuxYsafbvjmixamMQsiOQdAKASeWQ

titHhMMIykSIgjq

Geng Yan couldn’t bear to look, “Your colleague from the Hanlin Academy, Lecturer Lu.”yEhUpeiaIDoAHRlXEoFKkHcTNfjDFL

mZUXkdioofzYkjC

On the stands.yhVFENGPCaZbumdtCoUrOLEzdrZpcr

ISlSQZnCOcsLvqy

De Quan said to Li Wuting with a smile, “It seems Lord Ning hasn’t fully recovered his wits yet.”wbVsUprbhErQHBHxvkDzYpVnJcOyJd

UDUulppuQMHyQFG

Li Wuting looked down at the farce unfolding below, chuckling softly.JWVRasJXfteRDqJSwIkUaBiKZPZjdW

rjhujHtuQzetBLz

In the arena, Ning Rushen apologized to Lu Zhang.zhALJEulzfuWelApuOHamRCQBAWOio

uuESOCkScypJCMd

Assessing the situation and the stature of Lu Zhang and his companions, he smiled briefly after a moment, “Then let’s go with horse racing.”fcGzJVEKZVZBVhkTsKZLqsGMAUljbh

mlYliMsosTXbEQC

The arena fell silent.bpjvyQrbofbjvEMgyzqSNYkFpySHom

CepPvgDGdWXUDxc

Lu Zhang and his companions were visibly shocked.XVAlogfkHJfOYjWDJSwAixuuxSRVOY

fcCbskQJTbgKoQz

Ning Rushen had already turned to select a horse, choosing the most docile one with a chuckle in his heart:qfuJkwOSVALMaccySqlCxswpTJMAhc

VlndlEYFBuCjMKm

Did they think he would definitely choose arrow throwing?vynVzFAWBVSFmAGizSJUEnxArQvOFU

JLAxRadWHmEvWGt

All of them frail scholars, might as well drag them down together.RmpMDJxjlTFMhPVHlmRyCKIRZDPNAt

KAYXidRuAxnCElX

…orRfmKXzpOVryXoUdkCooFfqHwEDUi

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Several people quickly picked their horses.jPtHCwwIbCJXjfdsFigblghKWkNkBh

RDdSxBLsJktoKfx

In Dacheng, horses not used for military purposes were not equipped with saddles.TIMnmberBfIrluvJlHMfkjXMIgSfxa

rBwdAgYepnjknCk

Ning Rushen sat on the horse’s back, not only with his feet dangling but also feeling quite uncomfortable. He felt a bit uneasy in his heart, clutching the reins and straightening his waist, his long legs tightly clamping the horse’s back.KGuPhmtaxifgmRDdfQelEthwEwUZgG

IIrndYXyFkCVVPh

His tied-up long hair swung past his lower back, brushing against the hollows.TvPBqmgAiiDZoOqByqaXGsgzzXTPjO

lLEcuxMsBejLlaj

With his black hair and red attire, he was particularly eye-catching.jqSBmAbMiKaumhRXlYGRTgOLGCdyCU

EeGvZfeUlBmUcAc

Not far away, Lu Zhang and Tan Feng frequently cast their glances towards Ning Rushen’s slender waist and tightly clamped legs.gKQtQTnEaxGxymrylUPYZZYkgEyqxU

MgHGLhWmbtjpFaW

They exchanged a vague and ambiguous look.SdAxshsIkRwSuhMBeblAOTyxYKhxCp

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Then, Lu Zhang, pretending to be serious, withdrew his gaze and said, “Please.”sgwgUuJuDTAYYdCoKRDsPMNysIjWZf

mvGEpkZCykshHsB

·XxIlkbFiLbyeNoFaHNbyteBNftqGKh

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The stands were high, offering a clear view of everything in the arena.GZfaixlhlNvxYCXiUVxcDBQRyMcYsi

MtzYuOtpTIrZYCv

De Quan, with sharp eyes, caught the glances of those people and inwardly scorned: Vulgar creatures, you are not worthy!ByJDBvFhLollFDbhjEmcdfgRHmntkw

DCvUfGluoXFWkgc

His scorn was genuine, and he even leaned forward a bit.rGyoavmBTRsTnUSuuCchLFiyRuoTgH

XhnjMMVAPeutDdj

Li Wuting noticed and his forehead twitched, “…De Quan.”ezGvZnhrFJcdzlWQMBfYihiLNCYQSV

GUXjOMeSDtStKFz

De Quan sobered up and covered his face, “This servant has lost his composure!”JiZnZULqshVqcLlzpfZifVscsyWcfC

JKgUADZUiWNYzJm

“What are you fussing over now?”wfiIIzKvzZEigJkiWvNwAoDRqKXrsF

pnZXNubwifKlEJI

“Ah, this servant is just worried about Lord Ning~”tKRssDHSjsUUbnKqgnnyMbJqOgTHvD

bIQwLPEztDKsBsg

De Quan, pondering the Emperor’s intentions, shifted the topic to the figure in black hair and crimson clothes in the arena, “The race requires each participant to circle the arena three times, and the first to return to the finish line wins. How can Lord Ning’s body endure such tossing?”wuvdWBKwCyrSNRUDzcmwecBmvpiBPF

KnesBozDyAGytSl

A snort of laughter followed, “Worried about him? When have you ever seen him let himself suffer the slightest?”ZkexroQknBhemOGtWjsnDBwXCBZyyN

WmpIxiNZSAHvySQ

De Quan was stunned.bbkSUDZDHeEYBbzKbUpeQeBtqDDctt

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Boom! At that moment, the sound of drums echoed in the arena.mhLzzbrPuOeNXOfdgiyrJPdiEQdvQj

mPouEainBKLIfaY

Li Wuting shifted his gaze, “Just watch.”AhqgBwoqkfmOKDwFmKRMgnfwtiOVyZ

bJvOEtejronQuHq

…PcEFMNdOsvAuRGMntXTzgsqiWIcfxx

AWtLejPagZYLgyY

In the arena, three figures had already dashed out.oyfPZdgFYptLIcvLazUqEaWlLmWXJy

VyrkEUQMAMKiDiS

Ning Rushen sat high on the horse’s back, watching the figures disappearing into the distance, and walked leisurely around the edge of the arena:guEcnARNYAtKRbhoDYojBoFPChgukI

VnoMHMfrZljJWbo

Let them be tossed around; he would take his time strolling.oGyLlctrqgwJozHDeykIAYYrfRMpma

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His casual demeanor made it seem as if he was inspecting the lands on behalf of the Emperor rather than participating in a race.iaQUUkbRLAYbaqSTNnHFJNYuhuClcW

YXozPjFaGqDUFEV

This made the three who were exerting all their energy and rushing fiercely seem somewhat comical.xscfxzLeGngrxFgXulwOBthuJVKGkg

hZfkjlwxkUtbpta

The arena was large, and completing a lap took quite some time.uaPAGwZSUqSzkTkwiydCSwcoIrtyob

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Lu Zhang, holding his breath, finished a lap and was almost thrown off balance.qasllwanfCSuVAjhIkYDACHuCoTssl

CxlLyHRIJLAJikO

Lu Zhang, upon looking up, found Ning Rushen leisurely walking his horse and immediately felt a surge of irritation. In the few moments it took to close the distance between them, he had an idea, kicked his horse’s belly, and abruptly drew near Ning Rushen’s horse, pretending to swerve past him!gOCNkmknTaDNTWSDHOUXlUvUNxvUmm

RmbLIJJwkYspmRl

Ning Rushen had been peacefully walking his horse when suddenly he heard the sound of approaching hoofbeats from behind.VzcvglFpHbagTvOciCkWJkMNFyQgpD

uTxqPxyMZyAxadl

Turning his head, he saw Lu Zhang riding straight towards him.UNKbAbQwZgPyqTsQkGVFDVAhCsWfvj

ZyhhAeHNqArcvjP

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he pulled on the reins to dodge.rWqTFiGjEYdnJbXluyVraYjVHrjcOJ

OLqgMdZDDMNRtyv

Just as the two horses were about to brush against each other, a small stone suddenly shot out from the side, striking the rear leg of Lu Zhang’s horse: snap!GvGQAPYeLshaXDPaCjkQVnpVoRfwES

KcXPUIzzbDlVYDR

The horse, in pain, turned direction and bolted away from Ning Rushen’s horse.jsXoayLTacnRTnLzjoHHeNXlGirIvU

ubXsRGKneFpRpeB

At the same time, Ning Rushen’s horse was also suddenly startled, rearing up on its front hooves and neighing.wyPMWOJHRtqxuNvmHnJhSdOyUiGmgs

WJyhAgFnAJOWCbv

Ning Rushen was lifted high, frightened, he hugged the horse’s neck tightly, his legs clamping firmly around the horse’s body, his crimson robe fluttering in the wind.vjICOhgRuzCQSwudaDMgGPMfZNdkGk

fiqSQwEZJIoVkBa

From outside the arena, several exclamations were heard: “Lord Ning!”mLoLaAySfYsuTUDvRcmyFlpNnVZDVZ

ofoeqZFNWuseFBH

While he was suspended in the air, a figure suddenly descended.bjIvmTwaGOYjpKLayTNRfHsPtrjJPD

BduuEILpjdRWFWC

Yin Zhao, a commander of the Imperial Guard directly under the Emperor, grabbed the reins, and the startled horse landed safely, stamping its hooves a few times.MfpeBxWKKVAErTPwsjOylFIXTMMjGd

RUQXmDdsnUQgglM

Ning Rushen barely steadied himself, “Thank you, Commander Yin.”djaNOOjLKJGlXnBwtQAliWbtxkqLLk

tFwZjqsEcygcmMl

Yin Zhao simply said, “No need to thank me.”pRUwLoqHkiSqQXjsNjfPdhTxUHuTDy

RlgJiYePOtJenoA

Huh? Ning Rushen hadn’t recovered yet when he heard panicked calls from ahead. Looking forward, he saw Lu Zhang being carried off by his horse like a deflated balloon bouncing away.hkTtKsFlDsBHsIOGaNNNmZJDYHvIOX

ZUcHZmsNHREVmDH

“…”ntSkvBGEDOYgzCXTaHBlbdiujaXIwX

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The horses in the arena were frightened, and the competition was forced to halt.IMtbRQhpYpJDTCWQzPdpYZQwEekMxH

pTysxVtjQZsZUQo

Lu Zhang and the others stood before Li Wuting to apologize, with Ning Rushen standing beside them, still pondering over the sound of that “snap.”kovQKEYoRsJmOoSjiFThluoQFBDwzf

JojtbOYmLeIqJJd

Had there been a traitor among them?BvIXKQxGAELnJdYEoyXCKfsjFzYqQA

CbuwSjNKaSKVpIA

While he pondered, he heard Li Wuting speak, “The incident was unforeseen, you are not to blame.”IZmWIeYFqjSpvwMegrRQWkSBRfpVqY

dUFRPvreyqSSGmb

Lu Zhang and the others breathed a sigh of relief.DQrTDagiOvfZqdRuNsvbSfjfSJPVqP

PYxdIKFJAvDuvZu

The next moment, they heard from above, “I see your horsemanship is excellent and can serve as a model. You are specially permitted to compete again. The winner will be decided after twenty laps, so your colleagues may learn and enjoy watching.”oFgWZvKAOEXHnqYuHWYeKulwgLeahv

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“Twen…” Lu Zhang’s legs went weak, nearly causing him to kneel.iiOuXjcNpVzlLCwmQuAESyvYKPDmIR

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Li Wuting said, “Ning Chen’s horse was startled and injured, disqualifying him.”ruyLUrpzjdLZiejsUZrrBmzmuxMrrz

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Ning Rushen looked up from his reverie: Huh?cLILASyqhjnLoJZOREqwHgnFrSDCXq

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Li Wuting spoke sternly, “Return to your duties at the imperial court.”IUFncjPOfHAtSYcPqotEnjXpHGaCub

cpGsTLugkrqofIg

“…” Ning Rushen opened his mouth, “Yes.”EYpsagwcoGuEHiBWaFaGTBvNvdJuzU

ZWqqHCUmxqEfBdu

Lu Zhang and two others, feeling like they had lost their mothers, went off to ride horses as if mourning. Ning Rushen ascended the viewing platform, stopping beside and slightly in front of Li Wuting to offer his respects, saying, “This servant thanks His Majesty for his consideration.”pmUBPeVzPHsabintoSsKyKIBJydNta

aMgqVxIxwMMjzjB

Fortunately, he was not “specially permitted” to join them.TbFjgyxpqklBZEKMaAjhNNCOPzULYq

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Otherwise, after twenty laps, his thighs would have lost three layers of skin.CfcgmJcxNtvbePBVaCtwyRWecnDkCN

gSOTamQdTECEKyi

Li Wuting glanced over and uttered, “Hmm.”kVKJIOvPyvFHCGPVqUluvcJPPDpYVi

kSMfdGOjNmVMsLG

With no further instructions from him, Ning Rushen remained at his side.TekzajCXmYVgzKRrjsrnKpJWvIJGvn

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Standing there, the places where his thighs had rubbed felt somewhat prickly, and the area below his lower back was jostled until it was sore and soft. Ning Rushen moved his legs and rubbed his waist, seemingly trying to ease his discomfort by fidgeting and scratching.tjMSQMkfbDZOFaOinSbvRUDmEBHWJD

bEtqfuTQHAMmSPf

Li Wuting, annoyed by the movement in his peripheral vision, rapped his knuckles on the table and said, “Be seated.”vWMNKSMUMnPzqBtmsbZRTJXPqtMNMZ

BgOKUDfuWENqoBi

There was a low stool beside the table, generally reserved for the king’s subjects or concubines when they served him. Li Wuting had yet to take any concubines, so Ning Rushen sat down on the stool.kAMPdbbQDSkASSitCzYrMNrzETXkTv

VbHbChfEJkVzegb

This placed him very close to Li Wuting.FybjKXlVGvtIiUqoGQucaiuyHslrhQ

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He could even touch Li Wuting’s knee by merely turning his head.ZFaquTwfYAqgDqXPIPYuxeNsztnqGa

kkRPENvAobfkiCT

As the competition continued in the arena, Li Wuting watched intently, sitting upright in his seat.HQPXVRAPHToxiRtnydoxiskcufETAe

OBWLQDuYzBdYKen

After sitting beside him for a while, Ning Rushen remembered the “clack” sound from earlier. He pondered for a few moments, preparing to casually suggest someone’s merit.vxWbFfTZskIBjrphldZKrElvnkjGEf

vltnWYKRYfEkUMV

“Speaking of which… the horse was nearly hit just now, saved by a pebble from who knows where,” he said.kmZAZkygWNVAAQsmqfHnksszwFgTkJ

sKeRmCWxIRGtzDQ

Li Wuting looked over at him.QMEaWDiGvrQBRtJvZlivJakhbKTqrc

veOOeNOkMqIutep

Not wanting to make it too obvious, Ning Rushen turned to watch the arena and muttered, “It doesn’t seem like something Commander Yin would do, I wonder who intervened to save us?”kmGfROhtwqtmNNBgCZBVXQmqdsNgEU

dEGUNzuVBsyBzPP

Silence followed.muWKjXamMBnJSrcAuMbLjOeqCwTKAd

vLxPOeCInwetxRq

Suddenly, a large hand clamped his cheek, turning his head back.xgBimfNsadedhUbnhxVOWLsWBhAUVw

GgmQynUllUAjnxY

“Uh…” Ning Rushen raised his eyes to meet Li Wuting’s, feeling the sharp, star-like brilliance in his deep gaze.BytrEjYmZrcjXJrRYodIgOqdMemBxJ

iyKDXLIxLcbGWZT

Li Wuting scrutinized him closely, “Since when has Ning Qing started, liking to claim credit for those around him?”xCKasFlpHgBDLMcYUodZTcdJWFKZJi

dkcGgykwiVmYmRD

Even when it had nothing to do with his own interests.lHNQYmaZRSVIAZbpoCjsGkNWjmhVBF

eMcXyhtjNEPxMJZ

For the Geng family, for Shiyi.EpzldkhAfYjzxmlGFFeWbCQzItFCYH

jhQmdCCZOcAPnWR

In the closeness between them, the atmosphere became even more imposing.RXDlnQWbZJVcyXjvmZbmtenuwBGPCB

nSFQseuTUFHYcqE

After a moment, Ning Rushen moved his compressed lips, “Since… they began to show some spirit.”GUxFxcewBQzwWFCewKgKnhPZaeuAAV

oRlyjiiuoHnlbXb

Li Wuting fell silent…EkEXftgqHFrzEAAJyCojWwUSTcxgSc

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The first match had ended not long after it had begun.dzILPewoPtaQWElwDPkXQeNiRlWHAW

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Li Wuting stood up and left the stands, followed by the palace attendants and guards.IDsBQzMyFPQoaHCoFxmJqYqmFFxSTz

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As the emperor left, the officials surrounding the field also dispersed one after another.vEKExipVOckugUbbBlIfUWlmggHUtB

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Ning Rushen descended from the stands and looked around. The sky was growing dark, and the setting sun stretched long shadows across the ground, while three figures on horseback were still bumping over the broken terrain.MdUFgLRrPkLfSbiUdcxRVJsGcyhKhe

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Yin Zhao held a spring sword at the side, tasked with supervising.ukVpByLYaWPCkvGzEPmOcWnUCjXaQc

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Ning Rushen approached, “How many laps now?”CgzOndAQwhaRNeqXcgWAKfNiYpzarO

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Yin Zhao replied, “Twelve.”rhiNAajNkdwSOiNckfkphSChCyQDFm

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Ning Rushen was surprised, “It’s been so long, and only twelve laps?”XDKeCaOuxNtUJpioGKrbvfvHBOhRVG

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Yin Zhao said, “I got distracted by a game of touhu in the middle, so I lost count.”QjarnatgssCGxGExfRwXhVciSikZim

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Ning Rushen was speechless… That was very dedicated of you, my friend.ADtbEyjZgWQMcLtLIRzOtWtaailPfe

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After parting ways with Yin Zhao, he returned to his tent.AvtbkjwxbFdSUYsyTPybsIfXJHqXos

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After a long afternoon of turmoil, Ning Rushen took a bath, changed his clothes, and by the time he finished, it had already become dark outside.AsfEyBDdQmaJgqJOgfwLRrWXeflWqN

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Fires were lit all around, and guards patrolled in pairs or threes.EHfcsDUyowzJsSboAsXjgZUqKwJEzN

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Ning Rushen thought it over and decided to go to a quiet, less crowded spot, calling out tentatively into the night, “Xiaoshi Zi?”ftxBJckxswIjkicTpgQGhRbnrDwHXu

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There was no response in the twilight.OmksyKUKwochTCnJYNMYFRTIKOVPxR

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Ning Rushen then bent down to pick up a pebble, tossing it with a plop.QgrKaSDWXvnodOuDhnYeeffmZxjfrh

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Two seconds later, Shiyi appeared silently before him, “Is there something you need?”BnEaXhfYrnTJmPOLjeuaaNwzLpBerd

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…He really had followed.OBYJnMIibaRWcdIHEUWKAdSYzYKtTU

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Ning Rushen sighed inwardly, “Thanks to you for the incident with the startled horse. How did you get into the spring hunt enclosure? Are personal guards allowed?”yPqdNZTxgmwyAtahExcBZUTunZpceH

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Shiyi answered, “No, but the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) all recognize me, and no one stopped me when I entered.”PbeetqpSYymswJTYoEutUDHrZvnXcM

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Ning Rushen pondered: Oh, no one knows you’ve been sent away yet…mcmycAueACTBiuXpCFHcjKwXERfxWt

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Shiyi added, “Moreover, the leader said to follow you.”kekcfeFCJZMfqPEsJYbLldAmFPxnxR

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“…That probably wasn’t what he meant by ‘follow’.”FsAHpCidXWELesbFdvWBJwMRiJPSWW

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Ning Rushen felt a headache coming on from his honesty, “Alright, you should go back first, don’t let people…”MYrCnajNoStYPcMMpEBRRccBJisKXe

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He trailed off, suddenly noticing Shiyi’s pupils quiver, as if wanting to slip away but, out of instinct, remaining rooted to the spot.pekGClUzEuoeIUuMpqFfkxINhJwryN

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Ning Rushen had a premonition, his heart skipping a beat.JOKUkLlqxkmMxLuwdqQjeOzjbrgkBj

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The next second, Li Wuting’s voice came from behind, “Who is Ning Qing speaking with?”yWhKZzOSoAjHxeyrbFjqWjMztXJBPa

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Standing at the boundary where light and shadow met beside the tent, Ning Rushen turned to see Li Wuting, accompanied by De Quan and a squad of guards, standing before him.HoQtXpSmDxxaXBxIBqPlKdCzzpipMa

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Struggling for words, Ning Rushen slightly moved his lips, while Li Wuting’s gaze shifted and caught sight of Shiyi, who had been inadvertently revealed behind Ning Rushen.dbffaifpjjGukOmoCCbkTuPacpQwIn

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The three of them were caught off guard and faced each other unexpectedly.yVurNinlDlisYYJfaDVXsIYZxUVsts

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The atmosphere turned somewhat silent instantly.NjuYiVvLQOuSgUGKYyHTkQcvuVEXdE

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Ning Rushen, standing in the middle, felt this moment was exceptionally awkward in his life—bNzlXPNxCbWJwElOwZhsyMJQDNzMAZ

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His former boss, his current boss, and the “dismissed” flip-flopper all gathered together at once.YFITLFzxNXvAuxSIQEXasoujdVdQQm

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The most awkward part was whether they should address the elephant in the room.jfUwBLKeXKfoHvShHARDwVqyBVmfMN

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But once it was addressed, the matter of Li Wuting having the Imperial Guard toss pebbles at him every day…eIydnCtXmlVNIuetccTnyheQBfzSBa

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Shiyi’s duplicity in dealing with both sides…xzbaQPEPcEuWhxrfQaOqGDIfOthSHu

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His own humiliating performance in the imperial study…nbDWxSEQaOCLKXADGbKZbFBdeqXHtc

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All would be shamelessly exposed and criticized openly.dAXONkdluKYkCmUqZhrfioBijgPznU

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It was evident that the other two had thought of this as well. In the exchange of glances, no one broke the ice.OpypxwbBAXYckdrolEweERYGCYgbpI

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Li Wuting looked at him intently, remaining silent.HdxTGiUKEbHfRBeaULKCovEvqyjNgu

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Shiyi resorted to playing dumb, using the “fool’s escape” tactic by hanging his head low.vRyNYrFhvLWjYYyWAanzWcBcJJsiHq

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Ning Rushen took a breath and decided to leave some dignity for everyone, maintaining this unspoken agreement,BnzEDgrrYikOIGmWpgVMqwwnzMaPnD

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“Replying to His Majesty, he is my guard, Xiaoshi Zi.”wpimMBcnUTsfSMQviyoBOFcLZtxsAo

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Li Wuting was silent for two seconds, then simply acknowledged, “Hmm.”xFZwWpdpCViQIGsqUUTlOTKLsXcFFZ

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He didn’t ask further, seemingly agreeing with Ning Rushen’s decision.RWboakKgbxPzErpZOUOxKbjSkIiTKk

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Ning Rushen, going along with it to the end, said, “Alright Xiaoshi Zi, you can go back now.”XvbwPxDCZjglEErvtxgktTBFIbxnyo

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Shiyi gave a bow and turned to leave.ZOeHCrpdhQFygNSddkofrPDuiajPxG

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At this moment, Yin Zhao, who had finished counting the laps, came to report to Li Wuting, “Your Majesty.” His eyes then fell on Shiyi, giving him a once-over with the spring sword in hand.BrxiATjFNDFplhmmxWyBHuaGFnDcUP

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“Oh, Shiyi, are you also here to report to His Majesty?”YzyPjbZkmnQdFYuAMkamGCxlOiYpMj

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