Chapter 11
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!QbqnfeSAJhlzQkPtMVLClDoinhmHQK
InzNVkBoUeRPLVyHowever, he saw Li Wuting with his eyelashes lowered, his lips sharp. Standing still for two seconds, he then turned and walked back, saying nothing.YQdXFDcttnUmGuvingwsQwURZTeahx
sHjvXrNAnGASsXsJust as he took two steps, he heard a voice, “Can you identify them?”KOStnFMhaDhwYqxPimRcsQkaEogIlt
jqeBTkNQbAqnORKDe Quan was startled, then realized the question was addressed to the commander of the Jinyiwei, who was gathering intelligence.YSSQrVjbHopZFRGFAbSCbcTMCNmcop
sJfMerCEETeQsQoYin Zhao replied calmly, “Hanlin Academy lecturer Lu Zhang, editor Gong Huelin, and Tan Feng.”JtUqEfidnZjaUmjNvDqUKQKCptYBFq
ltlEjzrfafUSIkVLi Wuting walked back across the grass to the main tent, “Hmm.”HIhkzGvhgNRWzelVNTbSAVsvNVQhqD
ITVpKMJUXdFnaeQThe guards were setting up fields for horse racing and arrow throwing.uPIcWcnKMdByelzocuRyWRVNynHbol
GSIISOABeMxEsTiNing Rushen slipped to the fence to join the excitement with Geng Yan. Behind him was the idle young Prince Li Jingyu.OjJYMidsuSwyskUzlCVfEhKvBBFVVA
pkpWQvrOLFCabfY“You—he—” Geng Yan, fuming, turned around and almost choked! He hurriedly bowed, “Your Highness Prince Jing.”qzLzPtKshrCymEFmZzDMMKRXjPqYDQ
UHmoSXqwQbZNqVbLi Jingyu waved his hand, “Official Geng, no need for formalities.”HBuWSmLeLFKPdHfKlaZiDOdVegPDDA
HkUQbZNVmUpfOdMGeng Yan: .lxWUIUhAoBzjaqwtulAIVyAIsjWIIY
tHskUFuOOmAsfsqNing Rushen whispered, “Your Highness, this is Lord Geng.”PnUKmMsoEdETMluoQPoMkelJHAkFwn
rBgKqTtNfagpcvoLi Jingyu pondered: To call him Geng Dog.IeSGsURodBOjvVeNPtdGKotQQvGwzd
tpXRuUDzykmctBIWith 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.”MKswzuQrfLVZOKDmpOYYxsCrwasiFz
PCGDlBGxoGpClNL“Why?” Li Jingyu blinked.RNCfkKsJzhMHolTzJMRIJhGQhVpmnp
crKxylrDDknVtBXNing Rushen tricked, “It involves His Majesty’s private matters.”OhGStUHeJrXGnPHZsxWnPlgifIoEoS
hKyGZCJxWbBqFwHLi Jingyu nodded, “Okay.”FbviJVEXSJEXSMiIJlouBeqfrPcoKC
RfVaYPvflAhVHGLThe two leaned on the fence, and soon Li Yingtang also found them, “Jingyu, you’re here. And Lord Ning, what are you talking about?”KPpdrslBhSjKGpmFJHBFEhvjVAGNye
ovmktQLPzHZjidCLi Jingyu acted as if it was a deep secret, “Talking about the Emperor’s private matters.”pxdnVxHDLXNBPVcIMZfGEkFiOQREDw
lfoYTeMQUaswjcHLi Yingtang: ? ? ?WTwApTZZoqBspgLPxYrcQaVhODCiss
pLlSBwaAFNWcDNZ“…” Ning Rushen skipped that topic, “Prince Xuan.”ayNjnzYhAcpdIDcIBpvTNLCoPupwww
lHQcZKZIeyklUGlLi Yingtang looked at him, opened his mouth, then closed it, and finally took out a fan to fan himself, no longer speaking.WPXmmisRVacMhmHxHTMTXPoTYdeWFs
OjvRBAuAAiRlswfAll three leaned against the fence.PozSTINbdHOfnYBHIIZQGGFhDcOFaG
KCRrGfSwlYmBmGmNing 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.dVEbStMwjbJUzbxhmRUzruXJxwGnGF
HhWBHLYJKDuWIhlNow, with two influential figures by his side, he drew even more eyes.lpxdQfyPmKnufSPpcKOyvBZKNdyXSY
CDXlfqvxhPnLYKVHowever, the center of attention was oblivious.UYlnOKduxqzdUDSCKqKOgvmCFzRlms
JbfgZmMgRpifBQINing Rushen still hung on the fence, pondering how he should blend in later.FOqBNCHPhJGxMVkxDMurVECjQwtejc
OzxvLjtaaqpeaVtGeng Yan couldn’t stand it any longer and nudged him, “Tone it down, don’t draw too much attention.”vxMyNpUeMqIBTnmuzITVAIMtIVMLZg
QVVqxtvxlfGzuVxNing Rushen was pulled from his thoughts, “Me? Where??”dGvngtyrVrbspiScOconcEfcBMlBPL
LfjfmvmHdcKalPpHe had done nothing, just a salted fish hanging on the fence!IkxaPIuElLrGxkSEYyZQYYIHbzUieq
ZdKxSzraaxjKHiySeeing 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…”aIAxVuYHoAcJrUbNcXmmnWMsFCIkUu
BEAsWCRWFWFyWnZNing Rushen couldn’t help but retort, “Does he even have the shame to suggest that?”EwytPjJsslVxvVIocRPQSojShdiQgk
gHCZnsaPqNOcUFdGeng Yan was left speechless.ZvWwpajKgfIEJvxMMkZwoUNpMStEJs
lMZBXOSXYTypIKvNot far away, Li Yingtang couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.POevJpcpsKQPAhvKVkkNnVpzhxFVIA
IlYIKLIFmPFmwhu·ssiQmQxsKwZggKKlCzNwSMSaVzYCoH
oTgadzYFJzrxLkPThe field was quickly set up.kvRwBcOMFJAenhYCRpAqnCQSRlELdl
CLqSWncVMpzYZfSBy the time it was ready, the sun was slanting but had not yet set.GVjkhXKYaitiEmeGCOFDIWBEagybge
uXwEGWwqFDIRaHiThe 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.PXpuoaOMgFUtgvBvXUxWxrsslpwAhS
VdFkZRlhbmRMkmQFrom afar, Ning Rushen suddenly remembered the calluses on Li Wuting’s hands and knuckles, remnants of handling swords.XWPAZBQLldrJvCJgFkZxOZmqAQpfZY
KoAHiCaGPNIsmnGThe 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.qVSjVhDFdRNdKLdNtbowMPHfDNywMX
FyrczJiRupnlVUxAs his thoughts drifted, the ceremony in the arena concluded.xIcrOmdwRNIdmwsqmBFqbwZpVpaCsT
UiPTXeOkZtRgGZyThe officials were divided into civil and military for the competition.xeDSptIKYETINqbuzxyeZtvJemROFq
pVWyDqJmyxAzipENing Rushen snapped back to reality, watching people surge forward like carp competing for food, and he relaxed, thinking it wouldn’t come to him.QOVVjIgYCFhUWHzethGJttpFxMNkaH
krLiVbbusGzAAgxBefore 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!”fZqEpkNSJJeHVjFRfusRvSkKBsEKEv
UqLHDNRqrnzuiizNing Rushen was taken aback.PibyeBavqJejjImPpfxuillEYRYSGa
UejMHnMFfWmrUxUHe slightly widened his eyes: Someone really had the gall!YebiqcTJduzoiJljJKppjikPGdCkpO
pcQeoWGcXouXRyCAll eyes instantly turned to him.DDknEcNIBajLLvtFrCqzszyscJQJZb
KyxCNRSsqgTtKxkFollowing the voice, he saw three young officials standing in the arena, the leader seemingly sneering at him, harboring ill intentions.uAtgogRZkosaJgFInnkRrgIcEzMwdC
sQWiOEkrcuofimHLu Zhang courteously offered, “Horse racing or arrow throwing, it’s Scholar Ning’s choice.”ZlMalmmJeZPugQezzQJTAUoVnLffak
BauRQieScSyvSodUnder everyone’s gaze.qPCTeLobgcAReigTgybyBbHKAucdyF
jmAtOGASieXGwPCNing Rushen’s lips moved slightly, revealing a hint of perplexity amidst his confusion…efhexVRmRrRLirgucYlzMQffzCWkAI
UCnotbUDqiEoeKbLu Zhang waited with smug anticipation.AOUFSPQlybiuFhXNqpaMNuddjyUjhy
vGpdploXtJrDXvlAfter several seconds of silence, Ning Rushen awkwardly turned to Geng Yan for help, “Who is he?”GRtNlpGmOCeDtvJjQxfXQkGfuPRnqF
PSoMogqXAwhLcZaLu Zhang was dumbfounded.ZInmkHQKEAxURheLSrkJkuydVuzOGy
AEJVOvfCwNDsnUnThe crowd was speechless.vVnLtyjhUKmRuWFmclQyMxgfGWAVaz
YhbXXHtAfURwYQUGeng Yan couldn’t bear to look, “Your colleague from the Hanlin Academy, Lecturer Lu.”yDBLcWQBasrHIoGjHWUoJBplIkLxMw
qmIIsvGuObHmlXuOn the stands.RjUbmYZUxWFvJtafelTEkYGRmoVyne
tFnDqyFvbpoVMVUDe Quan said to Li Wuting with a smile, “It seems Lord Ning hasn’t fully recovered his wits yet.”KDrbbKrQNqvdpcQhQXocXLcNXiUKWz
YwPtXtMfBUbymJFLi Wuting looked down at the farce unfolding below, chuckling softly.hwIFuZXJVcGxyswtGZmydpxgrvFDXS
wPGgbylSjcSmbWFIn the arena, Ning Rushen apologized to Lu Zhang.XGrmIDFnIVeiPCnNZBAlVUFkKxZlcd
WYuJwFsGpYjYXHlAssessing the situation and the stature of Lu Zhang and his companions, he smiled briefly after a moment, “Then let’s go with horse racing.”DRyjuqsnyGMpIlhNmegWsdDFKUnFtF
zIyYHtmXLzZSMxQThe arena fell silent.spQsEKWfLBeVdNuGsRqhuWqwdhzWkQ
oFPztuRrSpaVsGuLu Zhang and his companions were visibly shocked.ZYnOJgMGuRiacYEUNSmTyGgHaIacXx
kaWxqmWYKbMsVjpNing Rushen had already turned to select a horse, choosing the most docile one with a chuckle in his heart:RSKJePtApaiWrotdOoKsQqkoBokAbf
RkuWXTPEfNGiHOVDid they think he would definitely choose arrow throwing?DsJvCiKFaCqbynCZPUnudVDZvrfhMn
dlNNJSxkxEwcQvNAll of them frail scholars, might as well drag them down together.UwvuOvNHrHyBhaUgCCaxEeaomVDEcP
QzlmqWrPxsrHCOL…QgoXpgcKAqZrBSSwXPmOAxIDFEiOLK
vEswfOmCaNyyuMHSeveral people quickly picked their horses.KxEmscbctchiTRAazPCtKWZiZYIlAm
sFLAbYZBwdRVkDdIn Dacheng, horses not used for military purposes were not equipped with saddles.aYDPGlncJbfggNhElpeIrVPkFFJFqD
mWiGrhxostMUpsGNing 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.QiqDyfROPOcrYiHXOBAKsojKwTbdmJ
nBhQFiYzySDNsSyHis tied-up long hair swung past his lower back, brushing against the hollows.wQDoHgOSWSLxQRatKtPwQwVwFKxdFx
yPfoqsGZSSgbHPOWith his black hair and red attire, he was particularly eye-catching.GEbcJQiyvwemULdrurvUvsTXwQMADq
lbmLqgySQOvDpAnNot far away, Lu Zhang and Tan Feng frequently cast their glances towards Ning Rushen’s slender waist and tightly clamped legs.SrPlkoBYaLRvADCXLoOnKuoawZjGLc
xioochGvKNgXahUThey exchanged a vague and ambiguous look.crEFMmOnXxCUHVVmCTQbtzVGSyAdrk
kzUCiUoPADJyjxpThen, Lu Zhang, pretending to be serious, withdrew his gaze and said, “Please.”oPCHVwZPFJdHYsRqfKziNioLECsOqN
ACclOVXVfvrDbPl·dHnwDwFIBfkxCAvLZsXsOcVfzomixr
auPTUYntCphRIsrThe stands were high, offering a clear view of everything in the arena.JQIRdRuIKfmhyUubRmRkXaTVhoKBbl
GqxLfCnIFpdaySIDe Quan, with sharp eyes, caught the glances of those people and inwardly scorned: Vulgar creatures, you are not worthy!HdoLnEZZxnPvcwKdvcgXsmmyrToOOr
ERXMXNQENwPWjsTHis scorn was genuine, and he even leaned forward a bit.qmoXHffNncMWysnMhtMrPDXGzuyDpv
OuVJZhEIcIHBPLRLi Wuting noticed and his forehead twitched, “…De Quan.”muzwqgEXqZEdwUMMEWzoQkSCQzgRUq
KgyGaUhUPQRakOlDe Quan sobered up and covered his face, “This servant has lost his composure!”xFKwyeCTKVKeexkMhSAceHnUsZPCHx
DgVwgjkQoqwWuzb“What are you fussing over now?”WDQXMoDcjJAnKXLptZbtdkGnIWrfOH
GSeEIgNAdUfjWER“Ah, this servant is just worried about Lord Ning~”DzOyFDOLsSPxqmAVkdsUehgQgELfOa
TkKiKrsivKfIVNLDe 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?”yFxSoKgPSxwdzODLUHjAOTnxflsBTr
gbXIooCfFAavnoiA snort of laughter followed, “Worried about him? When have you ever seen him let himself suffer the slightest?”zEkLLOlPEsokfAkpSVvydxlsoRWDOr
UkbqwbtjqyUNgHTDe Quan was stunned.NPICwysVBmBIRYvMSvyPNvRsTrOztb
KekpNMUgMpzPlPfBoom! At that moment, the sound of drums echoed in the arena.pCaiRgvRmpLZiMMJovdmZciklAKCPQ
BIHNHjQgJviDNKELi Wuting shifted his gaze, “Just watch.”raQgTKokYIhXqlugMbPTIJJodeEUUT
YvQYGfBNUSJCghZ…sGlLtNnQdosOHHVrohAerPYqcWwSKJ
uFYYMrpNlOWxvbPIn the arena, three figures had already dashed out.RwLTVySyNUSNYocNfiMLHlZYZEOTnE
XHeXSPWhanmiJwLNing Rushen sat high on the horse’s back, watching the figures disappearing into the distance, and walked leisurely around the edge of the arena:tPbQjAWVGxEaupiLBxJBGTSKvcnyDz
bmCmHfvMAvDFlDKLet them be tossed around; he would take his time strolling.TYQrXUYJXLqxzwYeBkcDIesWusghWo
XtYIRjKacFfoOJWHis casual demeanor made it seem as if he was inspecting the lands on behalf of the Emperor rather than participating in a race.zWepNBGDGRKEAUwKmbFNPshWAciaes
rfMnDedLLPYIxmmThis made the three who were exerting all their energy and rushing fiercely seem somewhat comical.yefMQDwdmfyvxQfRTzGuraYTTcSQPJ
RCdupSvVVKYZsMtThe arena was large, and completing a lap took quite some time.TSOgzaRLbUQIIOyGkGhnoKbPzACvgM
XPIcZjFVMcrwqkbLu Zhang, holding his breath, finished a lap and was almost thrown off balance.HpBbIhCMzmzSHpmTBTwWoOJMEhCkom
YdoZqIYqFEtsgEELu 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!QISoQTyBUPUqksmcvkUQinzOtANoLD
zovPEwATtTjsUqPNing Rushen had been peacefully walking his horse when suddenly he heard the sound of approaching hoofbeats from behind.iESLApPoxlOiLpKvUquAzVnShoVbWq
tUVQxMQKmgreWhGTurning his head, he saw Lu Zhang riding straight towards him.JGTrMOEMWzKfMnVZOoyQPXMysqhBLY
FnCXMPMNsdECYZDNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he pulled on the reins to dodge.jXfXiVzhugbAsgcbNDnJRAqCSOPjOQ
NwEZbqMGarsGKWoJust 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!QMegvLAeIjcxwOTbEsQbifQJCjHHMK
koNbUKOGRdFzXaZThe horse, in pain, turned direction and bolted away from Ning Rushen’s horse.zLYzLlCoeauKIqdtAFqntiunIgMbri
RAcElbgtGQDDtGgAt the same time, Ning Rushen’s horse was also suddenly startled, rearing up on its front hooves and neighing.UshBAkcfmQNMqSUMnDvdpwKgDtruHC
PpSpkYusyMTZbemNing 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.emHrjBomhVWsythPoOWMPdEhiFbSpn
lWbhuPapQpLnnQOFrom outside the arena, several exclamations were heard: “Lord Ning!”tjWwdYXwkdDbqswjraNwtkcQtrPWsu
agQRtPhXWNXBAHWWhile he was suspended in the air, a figure suddenly descended.IhWMKMXYuJuBIYWmWJODVCQALZHwgv
ljpimjuerivfKXQYin 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.zdFkLpEWFabiBxAEFrLNOxYwAalVLH
SbcdvUFSMLqzrbWNing Rushen barely steadied himself, “Thank you, Commander Yin.”DiXIaSLvESdHvNluKKRBgloZgnQzqa
DnWEwWELTydbYoGYin Zhao simply said, “No need to thank me.”ZdSHxgTjCRrgcaWiJzLXnutginyDLV
hYwdzcuzdZcHBUEHuh? 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.xSDRBWCZuussAhYNLKRPRcYgHQLqnZ
MFrlAxPNrFaQWAH“…”ryhoHitoABnRxBBlZpLHqGmLuOFgzE
ftOWpcNkwyEBKHbThe horses in the arena were frightened, and the competition was forced to halt.ngPHJkxRDuYxPWVIXZfUBFmscbcbpd
OtyoGSiqLphhPhwLu Zhang and the others stood before Li Wuting to apologize, with Ning Rushen standing beside them, still pondering over the sound of that “snap.”dIqtZSwOztZcqLwzXqQbZtdHWvlaFJ
ShCGkyFYZIJvqPaHad there been a traitor among them?ZGSpaSeQbZSqtCSYEqkATyXTaZKhPU
LWNQipnkRFsJuGwWhile he pondered, he heard Li Wuting speak, “The incident was unforeseen, you are not to blame.”odWMxNwvhKvISKtctLNKKhMrkAwiAo
MvfFMaZQjklXrDyLu Zhang and the others breathed a sigh of relief.rxckmkatOPDdUHluYKMvxbwhgOULxe
BJlYQDijRbaqSOCThe 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.”JtQXcmsOgVKjlJIgXJKtDCDVDasKwH
MdCvJLLIGsxxQPu“Twen…” Lu Zhang’s legs went weak, nearly causing him to kneel.buoCshwNpHlKRcTiogqOzDIkOKUeXt
rkdFsIvwplBTYGtLi Wuting said, “Ning Chen’s horse was startled and injured, disqualifying him.”nKNDCeAIQAOawPpngbBQePHeQMsDMA
PWusVrBALQjjxFFNing Rushen looked up from his reverie: Huh?TFCojxpsGnVncjQnKMGxWzwuNKbZPG
beqEFLINhmXJChKLi Wuting spoke sternly, “Return to your duties at the imperial court.”SSZbUNJzbRHGDGmOAhOqbhjZPztJwY
NTznfyXqkfptGZB“…” Ning Rushen opened his mouth, “Yes.”YxzaYfnZBABekWfwCkEOSRYqMzkaXj
qTzxSJRfBCSBavrLu 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.”VxwNdjAbIhjSYZxsubChxkijlrqPDx
VCjCMstWzzANsjCFortunately, he was not “specially permitted” to join them.AYOLpVDOTRaTtFCYzsffkcgetfmgop
MUpYeNMcyyKHWxWOtherwise, after twenty laps, his thighs would have lost three layers of skin.ecZXHHUrhVrkMSJKhKSuyBPScVRqPt
MuJqEIiKoRipFSbLi Wuting glanced over and uttered, “Hmm.”pUgwKvhKhASsDyjTNEtvqoLRHjiklM
OiwzjgCcszuQmZYWith no further instructions from him, Ning Rushen remained at his side.TfTwSzEvpjVxgIYovGaDCBFoaLmYWu
oyGvsvrwClBixICStanding 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.pAVwLXmAHKKkZEPRrFSzlddvQzMibv
InnVuWNaiShpXHYLi Wuting, annoyed by the movement in his peripheral vision, rapped his knuckles on the table and said, “Be seated.”WRQljZSOVHXRMJxyRzcSNAxzrjRueY
BYnLrRwtkURStSVThere 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.kFOIGJYYUEyEetyjEhRCLMnnfqTxZJ
QmYYWCoEcrZjYwPThis placed him very close to Li Wuting.XdKUlUdXuTHMftYQGglhuKnZTaAhph
JLodkSBiNoOeumhHe could even touch Li Wuting’s knee by merely turning his head.esfBlYndhqCGEwuvwwoPtFZkOIMwAn
PmIZzWIxNlUuVxJAs the competition continued in the arena, Li Wuting watched intently, sitting upright in his seat.vhtOUrQFiHjPYpSVzaKAIfWFypRJOg
kCllUeSOTmceHPOAfter 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.JFlSKItSwytiNpaEFvWQoKuqSyaIiA
dgsNPRWLDkiSfqD“Speaking of which… the horse was nearly hit just now, saved by a pebble from who knows where,” he said.wLmzKREEMBBWLmKTvgslvDmQCWhwvL
CFlFWFUHnbLSUlVLi Wuting looked over at him.kxXdrsGJWYYVURwEQEoJekJSrgzAbq
mwOSWCzBXFmBZRKNot 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?”pIEeSYfLOYSQOSIJFWljVNiwLYXQEr
AhPNaSJHkgwDOChSilence followed.EsdMRrGbCWqkSZGMtUDlRvgQrfTghR
IhThZxpapcJdhrGSuddenly, a large hand clamped his cheek, turning his head back.UXCvipIFsePsRklaOKnQUBevZsdWEy
JBUTKIeMEcrsaAC“Uh…” Ning Rushen raised his eyes to meet Li Wuting’s, feeling the sharp, star-like brilliance in his deep gaze.jZTPLqeaOxVQeCWeVPhXaJBcDilCBF
xCqmuVLXsUtDVfDLi Wuting scrutinized him closely, “Since when has Ning Qing started, liking to claim credit for those around him?”YIZBqxtAKzLZBqhVjHhagYQLukcSiw
zMDManUFxicgfymEven when it had nothing to do with his own interests.uQtHWRmUepsyLBixtXFwbQtRcZuvAk
xPGbJUHvjqUBCHCFor the Geng family, for Shiyi.fMjPkgfFyDvtvIRERFRkhHAjYCtyMw
RnDOhVvkLziaYxZIn the closeness between them, the atmosphere became even more imposing.EwoYrYLaWpHNfQDTOdBBrJisrVwpoj
YAXpdhfiQXHIzeQAfter a moment, Ning Rushen moved his compressed lips, “Since… they began to show some spirit.”YBrahYvuBVCqLqWIoqtpdCVqHvNFrK
coqCHiDETzMGuPGLi Wuting fell silent…PzrEGCdCvdfCTKMvZDMtbQzKEsUoGs
FOtCDeDqEUFkoESThe first match had ended not long after it had begun.FAMTbIdnAUKBRjxwrRIcPPeKINoyfX
HduVLNQDIbWNdurLi Wuting stood up and left the stands, followed by the palace attendants and guards.nsNbmZxZgIZGwLcBVHPfqbnOoPQXmD
OEfbUuwPYKSoiXuAs the emperor left, the officials surrounding the field also dispersed one after another.hsPjuIJMersbhETquNeicbIsRCLfVV
ZkgxMjwKsjsqrMoNing 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.xllWIaGUiGxyBrLZbuZITKhllqOrJI
lmDQOKlScqONAAOYin Zhao held a spring sword at the side, tasked with supervising.kwCgJqJXcsgCImSLHLzIYkDQKXMGYm
cuLDKhQMwuydAZkNing Rushen approached, “How many laps now?”nFNgOwzUaRYhpyJoGnZoOoVtoNdHHl
eUNIIPytMrvDviuYin Zhao replied, “Twelve.”TOEGRdMXwxbusVpzkTWbWjorbElqEw
UyqqOaLRvnazYudNing Rushen was surprised, “It’s been so long, and only twelve laps?”rfKVZbMHLHPrAiovMUcYhornLiVaCZ
SyozQedsmDYJEoTYin Zhao said, “I got distracted by a game of touhu in the middle, so I lost count.”kjMiEyGujkBpEFEbfcuOxnYFaByGFK
FkeQNSZhGrFaeKpNing Rushen was speechless… That was very dedicated of you, my friend.jixPGyCSlvYSgFwKAJbHxKzyOKRcuL
WUXXEIMktPyjHHeAfter parting ways with Yin Zhao, he returned to his tent.WRNfbbQzFqrbmDsMUOVtmwxCXnXXlf
cGZttaRvrHEyqVOAfter 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.AxnzENupmkHCXEycrtEXUgmtqHUMWh
ICJxvjRhjNcJqFrFires were lit all around, and guards patrolled in pairs or threes.wyqXeJoerWrIVxYNJibQTPsLAXrkat
vFqsUAayUlUGmNZNing Rushen thought it over and decided to go to a quiet, less crowded spot, calling out tentatively into the night, “Xiaoshi Zi?”NXqLLokolBeBUOKnSfnLnFjEmGByZD
YpOfpmsrlBPazovThere was no response in the twilight.oNUSmPIpbkAcmiDJAsWFrEiYwLVFpr
ZUQEASKCGshhalpNing Rushen then bent down to pick up a pebble, tossing it with a plop.CtTqOzwBIkCOAoUrXSkmPjvAPcYqZq
UxqYZgysjNYEOxqTwo seconds later, Shiyi appeared silently before him, “Is there something you need?”ccErCumvUNFfOQPifNCbyhygCcThon
YMUwRndoOXRUcew…He really had followed.sCubpPpTbYcbYpmHxKbEfteGnutmXo
HkKwDSqKeannNikNing 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?”vrkitRuTaHQOWbcVaWunxQufhzpVVK
LUaTKVAtBXNKtzFShiyi answered, “No, but the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) all recognize me, and no one stopped me when I entered.”YNZEVAUlTgYveVxAFwwoQhifcKETZK
ijpFndptkALvbcaNing Rushen pondered: Oh, no one knows you’ve been sent away yet…fCrfKTIFgpwLdLpWNDDPBOTDpjwhjh
gBvpmBhHShPnqrhShiyi added, “Moreover, the leader said to follow you.”vFVcvSBefseluMkoctdOgrGhtJAArm
kDwiMhTtXmVKiZg“…That probably wasn’t what he meant by ‘follow’.”SOTdYdRVSxAghTLrzKtFzKSodyAPvH
QVkGgGXZGViTiodNing Rushen felt a headache coming on from his honesty, “Alright, you should go back first, don’t let people…”XKTJlMxwzyYfNpmQIMDnLXsRgzSCdy
dEulQunMtOgutFrHe trailed off, suddenly noticing Shiyi’s pupils quiver, as if wanting to slip away but, out of instinct, remaining rooted to the spot.IVYOUMIwzqQHVjSSwtGXKurSLdgLZo
ODciOcoUvJNSnRqNing Rushen had a premonition, his heart skipping a beat.HYWzBHNRnwMjgJIHuNpcEzwqvnFUIy
ElytjkixcgsbIFSThe next second, Li Wuting’s voice came from behind, “Who is Ning Qing speaking with?”cQEaFKXnPXEcDpPFRqcLPfUzGNnjyE
sbKfdTAOyMRSrNEStanding 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.RXTemuFBHXsvYnVZWZeptnCLifjXkJ
PQnUpLMopvnPfWNStruggling 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.zJwFKXhvGWtJFmTQcvAbnmDrxddvfm
DPoxbvNJcLrxmKsThe three of them were caught off guard and faced each other unexpectedly.UFqMWqoDTdTOisiUxpQiWtJDHSihiK
mxSlJMkAdJyvnxPThe atmosphere turned somewhat silent instantly.GWMrKDGTBAwIoalKVgCkGoHjDDUcSl
KOfLtXeHJAQbZreNing Rushen, standing in the middle, felt this moment was exceptionally awkward in his life—yWgGZfeqBstMyjSHKKNShXpFRenaQa
NGhCWkrQJBByjLPHis former boss, his current boss, and the “dismissed” flip-flopper all gathered together at once.yWtThskluNaPGcfbCupIECCjSAWJCk
hUkPpxmiNTrHKzkThe most awkward part was whether they should address the elephant in the room.SneyBAQiFuAdLnrUjltshUjpEJdnkP
CEOmGSxLFnbbwexBut once it was addressed, the matter of Li Wuting having the Imperial Guard toss pebbles at him every day…LwCvxAANpOlnnGiknCoLKGBwybUgkd
ZrSbVmwmZbeicVNShiyi’s duplicity in dealing with both sides…PkobIcfWGMFHmiBjngHNZJApyyvyfZ
afbBbIkYqqUZtzsHis own humiliating performance in the imperial study…DQmgmgarJuDDHdoWZIwHNalmUMpryb
qJYNtWeWlVgjhKTAll would be shamelessly exposed and criticized openly.CoPLIVzLwIscLxTcAlctfVxlvrRafr
pYIVwwPcuXbVXqXIt was evident that the other two had thought of this as well. In the exchange of glances, no one broke the ice.MllgMcbBxpbYPNIUcOsBkGpGCZUNjZ
yvxYgHWCKeQBOoMLi Wuting looked at him intently, remaining silent.ZTxNTbrGlSuvBVJjiBFDPhtCJFcWNU
fYQwZuDZnjPbLwpShiyi resorted to playing dumb, using the “fool’s escape” tactic by hanging his head low.htQYrJBRWvJbkhiAZdnYuandjFjrKu
UtYzAmUGWNIUMkYNing Rushen took a breath and decided to leave some dignity for everyone, maintaining this unspoken agreement,GfYikFnURWOHEZFCNqSiGxkeiGOcgO
SqEqTsCLKkaQnTF“Replying to His Majesty, he is my guard, Xiaoshi Zi.”lyqpdYdylJcTQSKgsWYWEkBBUHySkZ
MmOrBUZkEWybKYxLi Wuting was silent for two seconds, then simply acknowledged, “Hmm.”cdjjmspLuYVvHukUYYRZRHjOfqugKE
TOsIyblaiuGHmdyHe didn’t ask further, seemingly agreeing with Ning Rushen’s decision.jqBhtCymIqLVuUfrBwRxnNDGyEYuSJ
TdIGvSpaHjgsfZPNing Rushen, going along with it to the end, said, “Alright Xiaoshi Zi, you can go back now.”DsoDkeOqilyCLugMbQgujjcLMEFqrh
ADrQGbBpgoEISYnShiyi gave a bow and turned to leave.JyPWUTtAqWSCnrBTzQxHTiAiKsnwRr
LnMeSCmbvUjsFFqAt 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.zJhQkwIfwbxlysXpsEHrjRFQTSQVQI
vLTYcwueOuqrRGk“Oh, Shiyi, are you also here to report to His Majesty?”BpMHxVRUvbAnvUWPzPYrynpKdpdxCK
RAGjMvTRykhRwWWonvYseXhqVDyXZkhIsJoxXFVfxUUEP