This official is so weak

ABIObakVPWhBwhtTable of Contents

Chapter 15

Li Wuting smiled indifferently, “Oh, which grain of rice is my jade ring among them?”eIdlfGOPoDBJytODcuimvnbYVAELpR

ssCnfszoKOhRqrc

Ning Rushen cherishedly caressed the ring, “The pivotal grain of rice.”HzzzcOkFffhcKbVxdgUaUemyWJPUFg

DqfyUpWyNSgrtEG

The jade ring was adorned with a long tassel and was carried around. Although it seemed common among the masses, it was still given attention.fhrXhHljiHFGhlzmOBStQgDUNjdSTu

YQzVhnzysBTIOKG

Soon, a palace servant wrapped Ning Rushen’s knuckles with two loops of gauze, making it less tight when he next drew the bowstring.ygvQCVOjanmleGucyTEBIRpdTrpoyJ

fTKQwBCiWbkFmVK

Ning Rushen flexed his fingers in surprise, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”monkpVgOJhiHZaeUfQLYDVtaOcUQIX

KJZkWcSmfDpXkjV

“No need,” Li Wuting replied curtly, “Continue.”ROhuZZBouyhAavlqOqicgDjLJgeWuV

AamJsxVIPTZuocx

Ning Rushen shot arrows until his shoulders ached and his hands hurt, while Li Wuting watched by his side, a figure of strict supervision.hJnSuEWiBZtSXAWwqUJMDkDFBnBYQl

aVDbILOyHwzJkHa

“Your hand didn’t lift again. Ning Qing, you’re known for your agility, why fail now?”xLdCRhIHnWLDWAyoqWddWbBNFDpJzO

TTJwCLMnNwnSmHN

Just as Ning Rushen was about to respond, a large palm suddenly gripped his shoulder—a twist—”Ugh…!”qNGEFNDMQILxcBcMsLVZkmhJpxyBGC

PZctUlUbIgSuFQk

Li Wuting’s palm was firm, making it impossible to break free, firmly holding his shoulder in place. He felt like dough being flattened and rounded in someone’s hands, a shiver shooting up his spine, “Your…Your Majesty.”DYvqCeZbYvgPEprJwpFldMwvqoQgQx

HUJVLqQPuKhwjdM

Ning Rushen trembled, “I…can’t withstand such force.”SwVGOBjornNUVaLzJkpZMRpkTfCKNx

KNFXFkgYqOUJOSX

Li Wuting, “……”rOCfwTMXHwZQhWlANcrJtkJdBBHKxc

eJmErSvwwphgLWs

The two stood in silence.VPTdpfYrfFOSeEKQCNvZTwGYffuqni

KBLctNBOUEDQlih

At this moment, a guard hurried over, reporting, “Your Majesty, General Dingyuan has arrived!”efHzQaWuqEnoPjMIiupTFEsWfUjwnC

VqDZLNaxJaFnHfj

Li Wuting seemed unsurprised, “Let him in.”keUJeioqOXAfRjriIwaIWXrnDtCbgt

zkAUYpiqmsZwIpL

Ning Rushen blinked: Who?bIKAsjPpJqoheRbnYkzPCxMwJlnLpy

pUUzRcKzPHIosIN

The arrival of the general meant a pause in the archery lesson.muFXVFeuCMaIzcybfDwpBprnWyAJjs

TsFilfqXXVbFuDg

Ning Rushen put down his bow, only to catch a glimpse of two pairs of eyes behind a horse, burning with intensity. He, “……”DbauhiPkTlUlPsRcnifodczjfpgjVJ

nRPNzxwjjMOevYI

What was this about?FuMgLhygvrVNxrZHNrkijIqmvgzaLJ

goCSkevDQSUWxMv

An assassination attempt?LXNJdvqUULMQtiCUpcmMofsFdFmSKG

QqZlXFQpFicUxJN

Meanwhile, Li Wuting’s irritated voice rose from beside him, “What is this behavior, come out!”omjTBoiTHpRXreyHfobsNELRveOOVL

KxgRzIBYKVhKCoT

Li Yingtang and Li Jingyu slowly appeared, “Oh.”IqQVDYKugVrEEzNnnNrUzIgsnUlbWk

ikClQpTiPTfhipv

eHFxnEsKIALJyEBrPvppEuaulVFcak

osvVbuMRfSJiqzy

Soon, General Dingyuan was brought over.CgkEwqAaLMdLYWljJzOBrcNOwGrJPp

oVmRpZzSEYvVTqH

Ning Rushen saw a tall, handsome young military officer approach, his military attire unchanged, with sharp eyebrows and a straight nose, his stride as if carrying the cold wind and the clanking of weapons from the frontier.eFlqFgdXAZJfIRScHXjxUdKOnICQaq

PRTExnSYZfVUBgS

He suddenly remembered—RWIbyUYXIBDzdanopPsObckbISeHPI

iRXAMOYDsNSdVZu

He had seen him at the coronation, General Dingyuan: Huo Mian.KkwEUMyNljMNrAeJhfNabuEwRgzgit

ynaPlAvdMtLzOvo

But after the coronation, Huo Mian had returned to guard the northern borders, and it was unclear why he was back now.XseBTiQBEAzzJivNHDNxfFJmlSWXWk

LaQumlBHkDvJgdJ

Was there a problem at the border?ZgtyJOErwmVUirzMcimlvZRqpDaCTO

vAvGyEzWysfbyse

Amidst speculation, Huo Mian approached, and the conversation with a guard by his side became clear:jLnDcNmfTKTLkvKINrDIdxLXtysovK

dQDQtLvNRuLXjTv

“Finally caught up, it’s not over, right? Watch me show off, kill, kill, kill!”AfDsbLOLxSODhaDZWNAkyZdCbdwZsm

MqfrhCxjOfXCSZm

After speaking, he heartily slapped the guard with a strong palm, slap!JmuXXsBPpIRaNflYgxgpVvBMJyuufr

IJqpPErVgDtCvcr

Ning Rushen, “……”CtPfkoLGfmzFOyPwdQtXFJCSHcKNGu

lbqTywgszglRUuQ

It seems the problem lies within the mind.LkBURyHFoTvKNqpxCwUzKGufwhMFkC

hgTppolrfYJOQmD

Huo mian walked over in a few steps, half-kneeling to salute, “Your Majesty, I pay my respects! And to Prince Xuan, Prince Jing as well!”VLxxnDqvPjKRGriHoCqovTswvsXdST

mjNHduDiqiOTFSP

Li Wuting said, “Dispense with the formalities.”fhlxrAokeRiJzfyDwFTVIamoZqmzUU

SjivpkfoTVRBVKg

Huo mian got up, turned his head, and then noticed Ning Rushen, seemingly curious as to why he was here. His gaze fell on the bow in Ning’s hands, “Oh?”htfuCBkdQAFXAhAVnJxYAnqrButpux

ORHvyyrbnzbSBvR

“…” What does ‘oh’ mean?jmxogwuMIEXEgLTzbvAKQTeRyOnuDF

lECBHxQLQMMEMUI

It’s as if he and the bow shouldn’t appear in the same picture.uRjcqkXrusjpzIQMLJPFJXXLkFRSga

MxgCtUSWBTJsXcR

Li Wuting didn’t speak, so Ning Rushen said, “I’m learning archery from His Majesty.”haBmCmrXaZNlThgkWqTFIpChNvBScT

imrETOecAflYHif

A look of shock immediately appeared on Huo mian’s handsome face.ccPcHlhCVxGsKyLRXXaVwIJlHHMhQH

bQXQrVAKHZQhNYY

Ning Rushen explained, “Mainly because there’s no one else…”GfzUNOWsumlwPPleiscBIviAqsHHvv

sXziEjvqASuwIQo

Huo mian exclaimed, “You’re actually using such a heavy bow!”QZXPKkUqQssMLhJytAmCBYivIpuaXw

fIjOGREXeEihemq

…So that was what shocked him!cQCUDEUKLexIImgGYIiwfEPdcgekFm

zWxREkbAaVMFBAL

After saying this, Huo mian straightforwardly and familiarly began to give advice, “Beginners should use this, no—”xOsPLtzarbAsjDzmECzoPdziLxSIZy

nMpkHqbdbgySsWC

Li Wuting’s gaze shifted over.pQcoqXofUzMZcYLjtesYgLcyVeGpfg

AlrzXVjGqXsKaTA

Ning Rushen felt a tightening in his heart and hurriedly said, “Mainly because it was a gift from His Majesty, an honor.”mrqMwCYmPuSTiAZovlATgkRJpoaTTC

fidQrNAQZgDrgKP

Huo mian abruptly stopped and corrected himself, “…Isn’t that quite good?”pasQywScXzhJvbfTTZTdVyWMBCEuPl

HhGIUCXNbznWCQH

“…”CqdXYIdlfMjJjbutWrzLbCRXqdqOlK

lxJKKDQMeluwjHY

The familiar change of tone seemed to return to two quarters of an hour ago.VuqvkBPXKeHmVJKhZgVRGRHnpUdTQc

LzCTuHxZrEJAuaq

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, whose expression was colder than the north wind.kNvaqbAmlFcHWhspxEnhQvEPlmmxzv

cUEBnRkslPraZYd

After a few moments, a cool voice fell:mwxpepDakTAgmBqJsaJMCBroXBKUqI

iUsQnMzZPSRLqMb

“It seems General Huo has not acclimated to the hunting ground’s environment, speaking unclearly. Perhaps it’s best to return to the Northern Border?”smIAthdFgOvQZTyTUdsfMelKGmeXzc

DGUbiTNUkoDFtQu

Huo mian quickly waved his hand, “Not at all! I still wish to serve like a loyal dog or horse.”qRKDewQPsendNHRbGXokTGPLyEGiqX

wLsnbQPjonnRueU

Seemingly reminded of something, Li Wuting raised his hand, and someone hurriedly rolled away.KpxUgYmiVvzOKaKmEsEnmCuadAFxht

uWvkNVKCCPhyWeW

As that dusty figure disappeared at the entrance of the hunting ground, Ning Rushen withdrew his gaze, his heart pondering:xOqimsGomNqztyCjGWNmNUmTszbYrp

iDPwEgcKBtWnIoK

What exactly did Huo Mian come here for…DnjdMmTCJqVuYwwWnpZZWsziLNydcl

JRMsyTWrQkbXVxL

His expressions were too transparent.NHkXtmPSNjZTyLLerPXIlbzgxVzAsz

jnzvsvubcnrEwXB

Li Wuting glanced over, “It seems Lord Ning doesn’t remember at all.”ItvQownKywIwjAeYBWtfqKPCnUfHgV

BfcMaYpKPavAyMt

Ning Rushen turned, his eyelashes trembling slightly, “What?”aRmfUGXkGXdiFqgJRSXuusALfdVsHE

hBhGeULRSVkdosX

“The imperial examination was delayed earlier, postponed to the end of this month. Huo Mian, being the martial champion of the 38th year of Chengping, was specially called back to the capital for the military examination.”oFXgWvJghIXolyLszGmsTFDYgLZNLG

GYZJuEeUhkqYJHL

—It was delayed.bwMWPluhEHYgObWOKKCxYKodSOofaa

GzAYAqotPCbJezv

Ning Rushen suddenly recalled the struggle for the throne, the passing of the former emperor, the mourning period, followed by Li Wuting’s ascension, the purge of the old faction…ptUFVmZEhqixhIOWaxhhWAjLQhzVPg

jQBYqpGrXsRPVXH

As his thoughts wandered, he suddenly felt a deep, lingering gaze upon him,MMBtaQozsNrKyzkZIWGtCzHbCMNVUB

zQseGXQYoyaHTIt

“Speaking of which, Lord Ning was the literary champion of that year.”dDTMRsiUdNXZDqbfadGNYWLKUqpTsi

tKXhuMSSeJIKQyk

Ning Rushen looked up: ?TPVgYgjKoIvEunBKwObyHEiZOxGIQH

HYcGMlLPyMfrraT

Li Wuting gave a barely there smile and turned to leave.mmNvEuXyghVWiBguafrlojnxzmIkVB

SdtGpLNjAIDQPiz

Ning Rushen: ???dZQbvtmjtLhIdQLSUlCKiAEWTDWcte

XbyIKjORJukmbtl

Ning Rushen found himself unsettled by Li Wuting’s laughter.dnHcrHTFLzzerAUjKjCNbOZrzOGFWc

IxPvPVdckBaKmdU

After returning to camp, he remained vigilant for a few days, but the latter acted as if nothing had happened, not mentioning a word.ZcLtHYkIhkdPLfzlcikJDSphWfzerV

FmJONLYpRhgryAq

It was while he was eating melon by the fence, watching the sunset, that he ran into Huo Mian, who had come for a drink.GdVRwjqRapzjhXlrVsgdepOymlHLHv

zuqHFIpaIluLrJv

Ning Rushen greeted, “General Huo.”MHPPGdzcNpWoYFDdwmdZOlIaEqnLef

LLPNNpDNKixlhbg

Huo Mian looked him up and down, “You’ve changed a lot.”VTjNgOWdGTbAukVHfVzPCdsvwqhAxS

NWPMGqMLrvEUMjf

Holding a jar of wine, Huo Mian sat beside him and started chatting, “But you seem much more at ease now, much more than before.”JkCPLwhhFesoWiDLfhtmhHSLytnyEa

dZMqAtSoQLyeUov

Ning Rushen looked puzzled, “?”hAYcNIapLUwhtoQOPzNmZykjsoBPcc

pKiayHQUkUPtfuW

What’s new, another story of love and hatred?uBpPOIUHIihPwbvSBgMdAoGceBMHoi

mDsvrzlKFTHqhAl

Huo Mian, straightforward as ever, said, “Oh, we were both top scholars of the same year. Back then, you seemed overly eager to climb higher.”NRRCESgHKYskDOXgBFUSYtrBgmTuUC

sQaXQgCXObrSKxK

Ning Rushen hummed in response, “Is that so.”XVRCuERWawDiQSnzVUaUOZNvHaNlWl

kAtucYVWIaZRNxa

He remembered his younger self, orphaned and of humble origin.QLqLhOqparnkNTOxDlyNqRnMwDeQnp

nvnXedjCSMocvqq

Perhaps it was the environment he grew up in? The more one lacks in youth, the more obsessively one might chase after it later.TzZQGTMYMENFucDleMWhuSEeASOoHT

TRZrHRHOtHfxPcS

Huo Mian sighed, “For those of us who have spent years on the battlefield, life is uncertain. Fame and fortune are like fleeting clouds, and one never knows when their time will come… You probably can’t understand this feeling.”XZaSrNYxxiZPbZKgCfeorqLFXUbCTz

TzNXinPpnXQjPMR

Ning Rushen thought of the moment he missed a step on the stairs, feeling suddenly nuanced, “I understand it quite well.”IETIKwxvfuFBetVvuRjEmqsiiXvsat

IMjrQHdnOVWkgMs

“Really?” Huo Mian looked at him, passing the wine jar with a hearty gesture, “It seems you’ve really come to terms with it. Here, let’s have a toast!”eCZXpbcLhZUqiLqxsCpRigxpgkbazx

hUHlQLRRbWYBDcq

Ning Rushen raised half a watermelon, tapping it, “Let’s use melon instead of wine.”aHwyEJTnOwFnLCaeTNWSAKYWXHmyzJ

xdkwnCgiSmnwVLL

Huo Mian, “What, you don’t drink?”FFzJQXdCPeWyrbieYcWNUSTfElubzh

LNFMDWvzTzybdkl

Ning Rushen shook his head, “No, I tend to see bridges and flowers when I drink.”AREiNCxTLBUZKrNgwDQnaRvnNhiDee

niDQMaBpojijazo

Huo Mian: ?bAjVhaUCEuZVXXejdLfWJoagPCfCtU

AIkAlryCYjCXRuB

WGzCZLFSzzXDOCiWzqZjnSkfmRlsLS

HMaItEuRvvaeUEg

The spring hunt concluded after about ten days.gVWARkMNlTMZIhaiuMPATbnLzqDTxR

aOuAOvzEAqrTpaz

Ten days later, the civil and military officials followed the emperor back to the capital in a grand procession.felTfHxcGlrMBAjsjQLeXJgXBXGKxX

KyLteMtNqXzGOag

Having been away from the capital for ten days, Ning Rushen finally returned to his residence. Upon entering, he almost bumped into Shiyi.baAlHHfRHZyJoqysslaqjzgxZZnvSJ

mWbBSGlUNgGorml

They exchanged glances and then looked away, tacitly agreeing not to mention the incidents during the spring hunt.DuWMQDwxkBgJVkZWfWowhLKCdoVdbg

vXcRNMQlESSGcch

After returning to the capital, everything resumed as usual.qjxJuWFqQQMAxxzcwKDRtlpYOOBqVn

BKgUdunRDfZQibd

This time, Ning Rushen, free from illness and calamity, went to the morning court session for the first time in a while.wBGApkZNFRZLYUEGBWfkxPCmVyCQNS

CKVrLEBUlCVodtF

The session started so early that he nearly fell asleep standing in line, longing to go back to sleep after it was over.qUXfhIkTyuEUgyTDebSVEXzyKAjIWl

nFZhTmnsgtXmsIT

Finally, he heard the announcement to dismiss, “Court dismissed—”BCBjpGpSDMpdCyrerUmtVmVpIUsZle

twPfavXIsEVMCtm

Ning Rushen turned to leave, but then heard that lingering voice, “Summon Scholar Ning to the Imperial Study.”MYaHCPIknEgzYjXFhtEGbHvPHDhlhS

KAvpDUTqDjlAnEH

He, “…”HOGhAJwdipDIKNfldDWGthnskMZaOz

UinNcHOZMNCddQF

Did Li Wuting have a vendetta against his sleep?sEeGSxEWxaBlZEIjEDwqLiyPHYJrJi

XEuxSiIuZrcUgPE

·EvMNFUCVSdsIrJQqJEAtWEXrLNGOdm

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Following a eunuch, Ning Rushen arrived at the Imperial Study to find Li Wuting washing his hands at a basin.DUDkRDxAJodWQpaEpjSfhoefsePJKl

OWjfpLGSnaUVfGa

“Your Majesty, what matters require my attention?”OzUADUJyOaMbopyeHuXHFzVjtykuEw

QNWvMaLYQTWKTiB

He yawned discreetly, his eyes tearing up.ASKNgcgAOoZwBHTcKYmibFQhLVOGIM

uPKSqptnomykcwt

Li Wuting turned, his movements pausing at the sight of Ning Rushen’s teary gaze, “I haven’t even spoken yet. What’s with that expression?”QzgpOfTQxyhcJqELCtawzjTbLORQjn

VGAHLOIDJGKdLGp

Ning Rushen, “Excited, tearful.”WPbbAQADvCgmiVMbwvwzWhKUtIlWYy

oOcxqMxBHHstyKs

Li Wuting, not wanting to dwell on this, moved to his desk to toss a document over, “Take a look at this.”hVqfleiicrsqacNtDVhqrvVdmLPbmG

cvnRqgDjEwPRiQw

“Yes.” Ning Rushen approached, flipping through the document filled with unfamiliar surnames of noble families.IevrKpVwjEXzpBdsuXnGTQKbmWlNpz

kusFRYGAWPtQmsT

Holding the document, he looked up, guessing, “Is this a feast of a hundred families prepared for me?”dwlgYbKRCSEpRcCTaGbsKLqSNRuEbk

HnOslpLeHeyKowD

Li Wuting, “………”UovQmyghUcOPqotjbjZcDIDRRodNAF

EiXAzbAZnnKzNMB

De Quan busily dusted off his duster and sighed, “Ah, Master Ning, you really have a short memory. Those are all families that once attached themselves to the Cui family. They were not charged last time, so their family members will participate in this year’s imperial examination.”fwKmGoIjaFPBpFwWVrBxNjfcTQAjMm

cLKGdkVWEgaiNfl

Ning Rushen suddenly realized: all those intricate connections with the Cui family.cXkGWDekZJsAZByQspxEwlPHSsECDj

qdqHHhsnHKjrIsG

Li Wuting looked at him, “Master Ning, do you think we should give these entangled families another chance to return to the court?”axCWQzIWfgxrkxIAeyjRMQfeaabaXP

ptSSzcVSpOlkJLv

Ning Rushen nodded, “Of course, we should.”vEkQDdhhWLSVBFTDrutjHXKOQmYhQi

hjneaNRxvgFydBQ

Li Wuting’s gaze deepened slightly, then he heard someone say, “But only give them one chance.”psgiKFNlhKanjMtcRGAcILyUwbkoCP

gRmuXMiLTtJYvGu

Ning Rushen’s mind raced, “Just throw out a bait, and they will fight over it like fish, consuming each other in the process.”KqtmQiTgdGAoPUBoRfgeINCigyvVtn

pjZzittJGTLeZmd

It was just internal competition, something he was all too familiar with.NozQEeflQLDRJwAAOLxhIQvXVNRxKW

XJthqcyHozeMgSj

“…”lQkuAXtiudUfbofzXZdVhPTPYJHpOz

PCSPaCBbgqdJdFN

After a pause, Li Wuting’s tone lifted slightly, “Oh? With so many candidates participating in the imperial examination, how do you plan to make them wear each other down?”wzrAAJXCYJIcHoJKgizxRdgvanPING

ANGBJCsEBtLBlSB

Ning Rushen didn’t know the procedures of the Da Cheng Dynasty’s imperial examination.GAeBBqWZZROdDPGOFsmBwoMYOKPGzU

AttpWnPTIKqNuJp

He began to plan based on his own ideas, “Add a group interview before the palace exam, and put those families in the same group. As for which family to support, that would be decided by His Majesty.”nucmpjEqyUkKgrsvesWOUhMfbKmbFs

zPeijOyjScwNXMb

After he finished, Li Wuting did not speak.ZVjMkKrbjFGolDUZqgtwyVwAfIfifb

dvTvbhujpQCvhrz

De Quan, however, looked shocked:RANrbYslsmCvobJbZUReVwWVQTAAJn

ccfXZAlHefkuNlt

He remembered vaguely seeing the Emperor drafting something similar to what Master Ning had suggested, only in more detail.dRiEwFDAUxUzIeqNRuagIDnpbwPPnz

rqfBHKAnUSuwFJE

The study became quiet for a moment.AvfbJxWToONsqFYiDzaTUxldxDcmJA

mXGNSzHKTQsQNTm

Then suddenly, Li Wuting laughed lightly, “Master Ning.”CUywoMOnekSNJrFNuNjmtkGByUbxbC

JfNhXolamDQukJW

Ning Rushen looked over, only to see Li Wuting’s long eyelashes slightly drooping, his lips curved in an indescribable smile.uEBdrNVfqZMgyTBEwVnpODFzhDDPPy

nBKwBMlfRNZxBfZ

A rare non-sarcastic and rather refreshing smile, like jade.NPmKIgyAhRwlWWvXbbRsNevVDObjeL

bEJrVveECorbwUJ

Ning Rushen hummed in acknowledgment, “Yes?”PxvikWdTuxlMfvYnoHvzXsOaqxbPit

ZyeNgqjtQFfanyx

Li Wuting said, “Your idea is very good. This group interview will be entrusted to you.”bmPDNXeceTBlsYPpQttQsrJAMdYwCr

pWELSKHwWksMkto

Ning Rushen: ???fdADnWbnhoOvrPtcXyXzBeiHLRNERD

YCGRKcswNLnhcUd

He was shocked; he had just spoken off the cuff! And, “Your Majesty, but I must have knocked my head!”kDiXuqzyFkZxdtShTgOFTOLVoNEUPm

JfIAxAfvtPDgucl

Li Wuting nodded, “That’s why I’m letting you take charge.”uYDmxSbBsOSKBluZmXmQxXdJuCAzeQ

ahITOfKapRECXjx

Ning Rushen, “……”RjzodWjHwmlKjSchmDZAvvAlsMopCu

rMRkqpdWXQVeNoL

Did you hear any respect in those words, even just a little?qLInYEzHdXZeKOuVuQCUVzrIzjcAfL

SsJgsoQBsHwTNdh

His gaze deepened, “Your servant obeys.”fqqNBiNLlZRsuPbdQppWEQyHkfloXV

DNgfmJcVUkhFpzS

·SxzecWKbDDClhsMGRkftsXKqlufDFv

hYjmaEzverVCEhy

Somehow, he had taken on the task of interviewing a hundred families.AlsRyVQEcHydVMWKoPKUKCbvzIQucK

ErJPJptExAxoMgw

Seeing that Li Wuting had nothing else to say to him, Ning Rushen prepared to return home to catch up on sleep, “Your Majesty, your servant will take his leave now.”JLywXWrxUqAJRxbQqSGYCkcExnJVmr

BRIkeBVYWwxknkW

Li Wuting was organizing memorials, “Master Ning, you’re not going back to sleep, are you?”YxKwJPFpulJuYitciZKCKzxtBmyCNU

irgYnhvOtmkzZSC

“…” Ning Rushen, “How could that be, your servant…”EnahtcWITApJtnWwLbfPkPrnqGRsCG

yfiihYPQwWJiJlh

He paused for a moment, recalling the bow bestowed upon him, “I am preparing to go back and diligently practice archery, to not let down His Majesty’s grace.”ofJDtNwdUwCxUAPRVWDCznExwBbuzy

xpwnADMpyjMmFay

The action of reviewing the memorial to the throne stopped, “Is that so?”EAFByvXgjNyNfoMVdbgDMVcxlqzzmv

GwNIILkZIPJogxq

Ning Rushen’s eyes were sincere, wrapped with tears.OePWshsddKKEdceitHlVLMqGxOLTuq

vAhfxzDYVUVYSDt

Li Wuting gave him a glance and chuckled, “With such determination from Minister Ning, I shall bestow more grace upon you. From today onwards, you shall practice archery with me at the Archery Pavilion.”VpqhmQflWEznAZfiPSPCoovnmJoKma

WktVnEKSvyJIVGP

The tears in Ning Rushen’s eyes somewhat receded, “…What?”QqgqRhktZpMlUXNtQniujYGFXzjpxq

SyBatCBcAyoUjZd

Li Wuting had already put down the memorial, “I was just about to go practice archery. Let’s go, Minister Ning.”DKAYvuUoMTHwDDZRuPNgSsQRidSmdA

aTUZtTKeyijKvKO

Ning Rushen: ……%*]#<$!wdwBZlrbyacMXyiskArvpzQOTgDvRx

knUHkwOYjxtkgKA

The Archery Pavilion was located beside a pond near the east gate of the palace.pWCubJCYkRSldjcGXZkussnnPTHQoO

hYHIxSFBikVyOjA

Surrounded by red walls, several clusters of pear branches drooped down, with pure white flowers resting on the red walls and roof tiles.WOYCTGxDbmjCLzIoAQFJLAeDhuhKEU

mDKMVMpTAOfTZIA

Directly in front was an archery target, with low tables around for resting.PpGuNnwcQoBfYcUqJGgWqZgAsipWne

rTQcTkIkIqNSnBW

Palace servants were in attendance on the side, with thumb rings, various bows and arrows all available.RyTsnkdHCNvRMjLprJJCNxSUXBhIgq

vTVsDiDZocHQMJv

Li Wuting changed into lighter clothing, bundled his sleeves, and took his usual bow, casually ordering the inner servants to pick a lighter one for Ning Rushen, “Not too heavy.”oozdcxnGGNtRdNKHHBpXTsKnECcNun

HburgsdhuAAYUbh

“Yes, Your Majesty.”nZjfcJplBMWEjUcOdqEzjfJbXUcUOH

DBLRSBgPGrwCROS

As Ning Rushen chose his bow and turned around, an arrow whistled through the air.vseRJgqqGyIqwjRpIrXZkxUTuBIbLE

hhdSCxJQJwSEgRs

Shoo——XgwcOcDWLZoHPCBVBYgEuhUxZBdloq

FjzlbSCwDPliBrm

The tail of the arrow trembled slightly as the arrowhead hit the center.vnHoVoZVLIbVWXUoNOAhmXXvfwLlZU

JcwkmcQFGLJQduQ

Li Wuting drew another arrow onto his bow.AMzFlleMDGXtZxLjWOcBZaXrJqccNq

KWWqfPCPyPcMlPa

His distinct side profile was handsome and focused, his usual attire accentuating his tall stature, slim waist, and the beautiful, smooth lines of his forearms.iObvSrnmJUBxmxvKcwiYrszvoNZlJJ

DGYasSVZPKvdPkD

Ning Rushen glanced at him, then stood in the same posture.XpazfbWJlaDlmQmlJrYkXOQQVZJkNX

WgFcigsXhXiHfgr

Just as he lifted the bow, he suddenly heard De Quan sighing beside him, “Minister Ning, your posture isn’t quite right~”JtOPcxWxYahYTmBfhzljyQGIPQsZRO

DixffyMUBOEAhAj

Ning Rushen, “?”qoEAwSCjTWruNMHKbnAGsiFxkvPCNi

OnFOnlEtKjfFQeB

Li Wuting, a few steps away, turned his head, scrutinized with a frown, “Have you forgotten what I taught you?”lzSmEnjIByGRQaBRFxuHzWEPHkpKWR

MIFdvOaDKrGOONm

Ning Rushen shuffled around, “I remember.”VunCUFLikYJgeHVRErOCMxLpefwfNm

qcWgAUESwqaBrVa

Li Wuting watched for a few moments, unable to bear it any longer, put down his bow and walked over. He raised his hand to touch Ning Rushen’s shoulder, then paused mid-air, implying,NOALfjtqtSIKqXEgzBervSclNwOhxf

IunAzsEpHwGqEQG

“Is there anything Minister Ning can’t withstand?”szSsAHzQrweCHFQjMmLjaRXGMeaHIp

cDUnSKMkjpinabC

Ning Rushen hurriedly said, “I’m prepared, I can withstand it.”MgnLKEJBZBsVNRgsSxxnDfHucAKiRS

VlXGWfsAYKDPnrk

“Still trembling?”HubBcqxEHRIagAGdzqwywzcclHWskx

cJEXDHrhXRTGIOO

“Not anymore.”axMRDVFIhIfoBGSiLZVJAQIBBdfcmw

fYTQvyPMZAHfsUO

Li Wuting then adjusted his stance.IaIamEYTzaerHCSrtgvaiMCvNIbcjU

suDvlJpXUDMXoBa

Ning Rushen, enduring the natural reactions of his ears warming and waist trembling under Li Wuting’s adjustments, suddenly recalled Li Jingyu’s words—sIMAktSUmShzXwYwnLEhXKQTCjeoCk

FuNdzGJAJFlURTp

See how the emperor is going to manipulate you.QRtvXXGfhdSOxXpgVPLtiSfKgAWfys

EEncpPWexlJNcru

“……”XUFdhXxYlOXpsbUYhlfattmkLNsLbl

JQkqLIjXtqawzCk

When Li Wuting said “from today onwards,” it indeed started from that day.OXbRQxEuKMkSctoflGyTicUOmtHSJx

soRRbYENFllFUNr

In the following days, right after the early court, Ning Rushen was taken to the Archery Pavilion to practice archery, day in and day out.CuMXyEJHffNuGPsInNXrgWStEylSxy

ZsWWJKuozhDwMtc

During one visit, they encountered General Huo who had come for an audience.LHOmKbHYHSPHLQdCwJgZkiAVBsQlqq

JFGmkzpyGqIiCrk

Upon seeing Ning Rushen, General Huo exclaimed with admiration, “Official Ning has truly undergone a transformation!”HeUUplLmhuXKAVlYGwhumkmcbukphj

KKZusWjTMYsIcAO

Ning Rushen smiled weakly, “A few more days of practice and I will transform from a chrysalis into a butterfly.”ORVtIcsIScbhVAdepxzXxuguQSVVqJ

cgktEKIICVDfdlN

Li Wuting glanced over and asked, “What is Official Ning trying to express?”XKBSzSxUMWcxTjWnGSjvezXMHgctub

lTwUdTXIEuYuKgU

Ning Rushen replied, “Some feelings of gratitude.”cbjnnZyTtEmVvSXzUwcKcAuuQZhTvk

ersdlZBzaKlWofV

“…”WfGuDRfRBaahPemcwCmSUjwYrhshOF

FjfQpMKvqKomUVT

·jdKsAMGRvAaWHLueEwoDOgYYkYJxUI

LeOncMkxzekYqQZ

So, five or six days passed.ZLhCouyjGBtCqZzNJcVzIwxlyrZgQq

JxvyGpOZVnRCzyW

Today, after leaving the court, Ning Rushen, as usual, went to the archery range.VYcpJZVpjvnZISiNrEbnKJtrBiJvRr

DDCBoinXtKhPBPp

Li Wuting, after court, had to discuss the imperial examination with the Ministry of Rites, so Ning Rushen practiced alone at the archery range for a while.oDwagoSZjbMSatNOliPuMOoKzrPtGV

sPAlAFROpoUkLvc

After about half an hour,obdOuooPqyoXyyaXfIKNVFjPbFllui

noVQERIsTLtxDIg

Li Wuting finished his discussion and came over, spotting Ning Rushen from afar, “Your waist is loose again, I told you to keep it tight.”PizsvkSQZqGVmTwLOBBAhhlEvjytoT

mToPCgCJTZPiNvq

Ning Rushen sucked in his stomach.SRLOzHtPBfviFskghQETNejjOSOCUL

PrGjugpixmwbcTP

“…” Li Wuting said, “That’s not how you tighten it.”HfmWGGoGTduxdSDFpfneSolJpDrwsA

eiMPacAqjsuSjyk

Ning Rushen straightened his waist again, the silver belt around his waist shimmered as he moved, “Like this?”JgZORffpcmalpXytXgdLYmSjimnuKA

HvCHPqkoamnpVPl

Unable to bear it any longer, Li Wuting raised his hand and slapped Ning Rushen’s waist, “Here.”zeZjnBmPRSPsCGGFovwSEpSxhFswnC

YMMiYCnaXpMlRoq

Just as the slap landed,dAbbYXGekfduwfkVhwOFCUrIpIonio

ltmYpHYesprqStJ

The person whimpered, bending over while holding his abdomen, his hair falling forward to cover half of his face, “Hmm!”XEwWRNNGnNwfkyOdFfCPPUTDJSoQiF

kQSPXxkQqXhnMKM

Li Wuting’s hand stopped mid-air.jUGvrNTEasabEPWfmcwLceMWeeWSAA

CtUJvYZrgubxvNF

Had he used too much force? Or had he hit somewhere sensitive?ahnTKKrmhVABRVRJBQycHMkyErdphE

RuqjrFCNuRAmItZ

“Ning Chen!” He frowned, grabbing Ning Rushen’s arm, turning his head to command, “Call the Imperial Physician—”aTisWDdYFSHkjxeYOfAiFkxJrIXODL

WXUyfrKpqjjTrig

“No, no need,” Ning Rushen hurriedly stood up.WJArRwdmrmkxpzhriaUhZzWXVXUxZX

asEeeaerSOXatlF

Under Li Wuting’s gaze, he lifted his belt, embarrassed, “Your Majesty hit my flat walnut, it’s a bit painful.”JHzUWiJwSAfaYYbNpczAbHtZcvBWSu

QLCmebwMdAmXfJp

Li Wuting, “……”PhDWqLgyuBHkhcXDrXAOXAclwKjqBk

doYKjriLyRJebPN

He looked down to see several crushed flat walnuts in the belt, along with a jade ring.TBpQWvYzRiEwblkZQdoEFDbuqMrHEn

qMZBWsBcoyQcziV

This time it wasn’t sunflower seeds, but other bits and pieces.BCawOOCKOfqoNXNlnFyqBaMquRdfdz

ohlAfSHRBhXRaWZ

Li Wuting’s expression darkened.HpDeWOEwLgBoEdCTSGEbBHGVEuBRNf

CpBjwYCiydyHGoU

HBEXyoaYSwuPmaqTqlDfsGWifkQVOa

oKwzgTSFRAJmbez

In the end, Ning Rushen was sent away.EWJKXRNXLaJGWWPUoBiHsyCRGJIVND

dATnpYQKQUyMYSP

He remembered Li Wuting’s gloomy face, telling him “no need to come anymore”—zAuAGRarEBazLPhMpruYSdghgPpuBK

ySdCVdxjBgqVlZg

He wasn’t sure if it was because of the flat walnuts in his belt, because he nearly caused a misunderstanding by calling for an Imperial Physician, or because his practice had shown no improvement…XcUyhGpTVxyIHlYEWhVCXRWzdUiyaM

MiqXHxCOdiEWJwp

After listing all the reasons, Ning Rushen paused for a moment.XDZqBsqZOTVXJikgipAmDItltrJXpc

LpCayvXvuSZzNNp

He really was good at making people angry!echoSungUokwOhENZpHDOZWcsfHxiC

htZJuExtAWSWkAj

He sighed lightly, walking out of the palace gate while cracking open a flat walnut: crack, crack.xKqHIRoYsdFIKVUhMUJyVFYqbjivWc

aUSCVTfdTLbznxi

Just as he stepped outside the palace gate, he ran into Huo Mian.pQPIjCCHtkmQkUbbShotnjjyIDWiSQ

hpdjKEWPiLKuTbC

Huo Mian exclaimed, “You didn’t accompany His Majesty for archery today?”AGwQpeazjCCuWWFwNDqQmlvFXzKjbc

QjHxwaZmdxkyoPQ

Ning Rushen shook his head, “I stuffed flat walnuts in my belt and got chased out by His Majesty.”SupYRYtwySIgaEwPLljXUndnGwxRtW

AGzCgUUYwtXQCGV

“……”HIFrezUifLogQpUmnDdrsLcmRSqkpE

bUnxPtHOElsQdmG

Huo Mian didn’t understand, but was greatly shocked, “Stuffed flat walnuts in your belt and got chased out?”sahbLFcEwXiqoWqOcWtRWzmgUuYVrv

wRKRCVNOKnZqUwm

Ning Rushen replied, “There’s a lot of history behind it.”FeEiuWQqmKrExDKLPCjeluNDGJHSUK

zeVLVSMczuxjyGd

After pondering for two seconds, Huo Mian patted his shoulder, “Don’t be too sad, come to my general’s mansion tomorrow for practice.”ctqnRaIpVwyhyqDKLaDneJRTljAkes

bpcXxloxIpVoQOf

The flat walnut in Ning Rushen’s mouth almost fell out:tLbdZrixNZEGtcmBPComUYUToTxRyH

JexzJFNSaXBFWsT

When did he show any sign of being sad!nzodlKXwDJlCDufKlHDpGXmBwDOWcP

lqGGTMreDlCtbjd

“No need, I—”jYtCirPnvRhEojDxEmXOcvZEInYMpW

WWJZuvOaJmWCSLf

Huo Mian had already walked away, waving from a distance, “It’s settled then, come to the general’s mansion!”AiQzRlwXYGnxaPOsxEddXoInGwdRmn

AquAtTIoeoRhQSQ

Ning Rushen, “……”RMqQOHRrkjloLnDYwzfGkeYcNbYVzF

QPJNqBPjaLGhGvI

He was really taking liberties.BaWlpbxsoLtfzyDmQVWkXNCaYjuAKK

EZaGJZowkEZtqFK

Well, it was fine since he hadn’t seen the general’s mansion yet.komwnJtVjdhyrvKKFRUgHAsfJXTZBq

MkdMtIXbVCwhhip

Ning Rushen, still intrigued, patted the residue in his hand and got into his carriage to return home.rnnEpQzpTlyHgbmkIyKIrZtGFxIiED

iGgmWGlMCbgCaxn

The day after the early morning session, Li Wuting, as usual, went to the Imperial Study to wash and change clothes. He changed his clothes and, accompanied by De Quan, went to the Archery Pavilion.LgFDUDExSuGSYXntKEjRFEPWgLzsFu

mQKNbJUGmFaTtvL

The Archery Pavilion, usually lively and resonant, was somewhat quiet today.sunUKbYqaswssEfIrLIWfziSjaNqol

cbQGrvTVgoKWouM

Only two rows of palace servants stood on the side, heads bowed.FQMtMusdBgjRIWhWnFyTJAoOoEFZpw

qePLOqhoRCEnuTU

De Quan stealthily glanced at the emperor’s expression, only to see that the latter appeared as usual, picking up a bow and immediately starting to practice. The arrows flew with fierce speed, and the bowstring never failed.qHkoMRWPHqqvVqxPatZLrRXQpdqfqK

sqWVnFUzACbkjpg

Not far away, Ning Rushen’s usual bow was placed.SUhfqGNNCuPwmfKGWVXYmppJSUMGmz

JYEDrqycYGnKAjz

On a small table beside it, Ning Rushen’s thumb ring and tea set were also laid out.PohPZJJVhcJiivqXEbozSEjKPGnmMT

zAHadOoYIUERfLO

De Quan was internally sighing when the sound of archery in front suddenly stopped.OWDxjJcLprdKJDuWeOHOkRjDxdvfWY

uatBzearZsBIzIw

Li Wuting put down the bow and turned to drink water from the table.LMWEAMQbzwHolpgohgFDHfzRXhpGWF

LTHClVwhjFEYJZS

His gaze paused for a moment on the other cup before moving away indifferently.DVwgQkGfXqkLaqjnZvCpBNTTuoNuLC

LqpgCbHeHOjPKCm

De Quan, with sharp eyes, noticed this and immediately pretended to scold, “Oh, which careless palace servant is this, still laying things out here? Didn’t you hear His Majesty has sent Ning Great Man back home~”uNtBqZWGsDNEYZstsNsGJAzhSILUOH

zDdeEyhyyPbZhos

A palace servant was about to step forward to take it away.OBDDjGQzqievqmsHgXMakdLjxdNSMV

rDqSfmFqThvOTqI

Suddenly, a cold laugh fell from the front of the table, “I see if I send him back, he dares to be lazy, sleep, and defy the imperial command.”bSkqHtfHxqGkDDPFDpnPKOVIeimlxL

xPMyiVrKSzawJaz

“Ning Great Man is still practicing…”ujTMcIFeEhmaXeRKgZweUsFJiBoECi

IOAZEHtDOPekgMP

Li Wuting swept a glance over.UiJElEQzhwnuYLYyRnhEaNgxIIlDsC

WjUFhMQeajytRYL

De Quan, recalling what he had heard from a little eunuch at the palace gate, carefully observed the emperor’s expression and cautiously said,cqwOBAaDaBVmqHxPZqLAOmKlwLEdib

xtStdjwHXksATtg

“He went to the general’s mansion, together with General Huo.”hiILodVedCjYjbOkvYuyZZzqFbULTT

jMwItZghrUaGnlj
Table of Contents
OGiwOTIaHqTZdwVunXhqUuZcMJRKhJ

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