Chapter 15
Li Wuting smiled indifferently, “Oh, which grain of rice is my jade ring among them?”eIdlfGOPoDBJytODcuimvnbYVAELpR
ssCnfszoKOhRqrcNing Rushen cherishedly caressed the ring, “The pivotal grain of rice.”HzzzcOkFffhcKbVxdgUaUemyWJPUFg
DqfyUpWyNSgrtEGThe 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
YQzVhnzysBTIOKGSoon, a palace servant wrapped Ning Rushen’s knuckles with two loops of gauze, making it less tight when he next drew the bowstring.ygvQCVOjanmleGucyTEBIRpdTrpoyJ
fTKQwBCiWbkFmVKNing Rushen flexed his fingers in surprise, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”monkpVgOJhiHZaeUfQLYDVtaOcUQIX
KJZkWcSmfDpXkjV“No need,” Li Wuting replied curtly, “Continue.”ROhuZZBouyhAavlqOqicgDjLJgeWuV
AamJsxVIPTZuocxNing 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
TTJwCLMnNwnSmHNJust as Ning Rushen was about to respond, a large palm suddenly gripped his shoulder—a twist—”Ugh…!”qNGEFNDMQILxcBcMsLVZkmhJpxyBGC
PZctUlUbIgSuFQkLi 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
HUJVLqQPuKhwjdMNing Rushen trembled, “I…can’t withstand such force.”SwVGOBjornNUVaLzJkpZMRpkTfCKNx
KNFXFkgYqOUJOSXLi Wuting, “……”rOCfwTMXHwZQhWlANcrJtkJdBBHKxc
eJmErSvwwphgLWsThe two stood in silence.VPTdpfYrfFOSeEKQCNvZTwGYffuqni
KBLctNBOUEDQlihAt this moment, a guard hurried over, reporting, “Your Majesty, General Dingyuan has arrived!”efHzQaWuqEnoPjMIiupTFEsWfUjwnC
VqDZLNaxJaFnHfjLi Wuting seemed unsurprised, “Let him in.”keUJeioqOXAfRjriIwaIWXrnDtCbgt
zkAUYpiqmsZwIpLNing Rushen blinked: Who?bIKAsjPpJqoheRbnYkzPCxMwJlnLpy
pUUzRcKzPHIosINThe arrival of the general meant a pause in the archery lesson.muFXVFeuCMaIzcybfDwpBprnWyAJjs
TsFilfqXXVbFuDgNing Rushen put down his bow, only to catch a glimpse of two pairs of eyes behind a horse, burning with intensity. He, “……”DbauhiPkTlUlPsRcnifodczjfpgjVJ
nRPNzxwjjMOevYIWhat was this about?FuMgLhygvrVNxrZHNrkijIqmvgzaLJ
goCSkevDQSUWxMvAn assassination attempt?LXNJdvqUULMQtiCUpcmMofsFdFmSKG
QqZlXFQpFicUxJNMeanwhile, Li Wuting’s irritated voice rose from beside him, “What is this behavior, come out!”omjTBoiTHpRXreyHfobsNELRveOOVL
KxgRzIBYKVhKCoTLi Yingtang and Li Jingyu slowly appeared, “Oh.”IqQVDYKugVrEEzNnnNrUzIgsnUlbWk
ikClQpTiPTfhipv…eHFxnEsKIALJyEBrPvppEuaulVFcak
osvVbuMRfSJiqzySoon, General Dingyuan was brought over.CgkEwqAaLMdLYWljJzOBrcNOwGrJPp
oVmRpZzSEYvVTqHNing 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
PRTExnSYZfVUBgSHe suddenly remembered—RWIbyUYXIBDzdanopPsObckbISeHPI
iRXAMOYDsNSdVZuHe had seen him at the coronation, General Dingyuan: Huo Mian.KkwEUMyNljMNrAeJhfNabuEwRgzgit
ynaPlAvdMtLzOvoBut after the coronation, Huo Mian had returned to guard the northern borders, and it was unclear why he was back now.XseBTiQBEAzzJivNHDNxfFJmlSWXWk
LaQumlBHkDvJgdJWas there a problem at the border?ZgtyJOErwmVUirzMcimlvZRqpDaCTO
vAvGyEzWysfbyseAmidst 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
MqfrhCxjOfXCSZmAfter speaking, he heartily slapped the guard with a strong palm, slap!JmuXXsBPpIRaNflYgxgpVvBMJyuufr
IJqpPErVgDtCvcrNing Rushen, “……”CtPfkoLGfmzFOyPwdQtXFJCSHcKNGu
lbqTywgszglRUuQIt seems the problem lies within the mind.LkBURyHFoTvKNqpxCwUzKGufwhMFkC
hgTppolrfYJOQmDHuo 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
mjNHduDiqiOTFSPLi Wuting said, “Dispense with the formalities.”fhlxrAokeRiJzfyDwFTVIamoZqmzUU
SjivpkfoTVRBVKgHuo 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
lECBHxQLQMMEMUIIt’s as if he and the bow shouldn’t appear in the same picture.uRjcqkXrusjpzIQMLJPFJXXLkFRSga
MxgCtUSWBTJsXcRLi Wuting didn’t speak, so Ning Rushen said, “I’m learning archery from His Majesty.”haBmCmrXaZNlThgkWqTFIpChNvBScT
imrETOecAflYHifA look of shock immediately appeared on Huo mian’s handsome face.ccPcHlhCVxGsKyLRXXaVwIJlHHMhQH
bQXQrVAKHZQhNYYNing Rushen explained, “Mainly because there’s no one else…”GfzUNOWsumlwPPleiscBIviAqsHHvv
sXziEjvqASuwIQoHuo mian exclaimed, “You’re actually using such a heavy bow!”QZXPKkUqQssMLhJytAmCBYivIpuaXw
fIjOGREXeEihemq…So that was what shocked him!cQCUDEUKLexIImgGYIiwfEPdcgekFm
zWxREkbAaVMFBALAfter saying this, Huo mian straightforwardly and familiarly began to give advice, “Beginners should use this, no—”xOsPLtzarbAsjDzmECzoPdziLxSIZy
nMpkHqbdbgySsWCLi Wuting’s gaze shifted over.pQcoqXofUzMZcYLjtesYgLcyVeGpfg
AlrzXVjGqXsKaTANing Rushen felt a tightening in his heart and hurriedly said, “Mainly because it was a gift from His Majesty, an honor.”mrqMwCYmPuSTiAZovlATgkRJpoaTTC
fidQrNAQZgDrgKPHuo mian abruptly stopped and corrected himself, “…Isn’t that quite good?”pasQywScXzhJvbfTTZTdVyWMBCEuPl
HhGIUCXNbznWCQH“…”CqdXYIdlfMjJjbutWrzLbCRXqdqOlK
lxJKKDQMeluwjHYThe familiar change of tone seemed to return to two quarters of an hour ago.VuqvkBPXKeHmVJKhZgVRGRHnpUdTQc
LzCTuHxZrEJAuaqNing Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, whose expression was colder than the north wind.kNvaqbAmlFcHWhspxEnhQvEPlmmxzv
cUEBnRkslPraZYdAfter 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
DGUbiTNUkoDFtQuHuo mian quickly waved his hand, “Not at all! I still wish to serve like a loyal dog or horse.”qRKDewQPsendNHRbGXokTGPLyEGiqX
wLsnbQPjonnRueUSeemingly reminded of something, Li Wuting raised his hand, and someone hurriedly rolled away.KpxUgYmiVvzOKaKmEsEnmCuadAFxht
uWvkNVKCCPhyWeWAs that dusty figure disappeared at the entrance of the hunting ground, Ning Rushen withdrew his gaze, his heart pondering:xOqimsGomNqztyCjGWNmNUmTszbYrp
iDPwEgcKBtWnIoKWhat exactly did Huo Mian come here for…DnjdMmTCJqVuYwwWnpZZWsziLNydcl
JRMsyTWrQkbXVxLHis expressions were too transparent.NHkXtmPSNjZTyLLerPXIlbzgxVzAsz
jnzvsvubcnrEwXBLi Wuting glanced over, “It seems Lord Ning doesn’t remember at all.”ItvQownKywIwjAeYBWtfqKPCnUfHgV
BfcMaYpKPavAyMtNing 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
GzAYAqotPCbJezvNing 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
jQBYqpGrXsRPVXHAs 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
tKXhuMSSeJIKQykNing Rushen looked up: ?TPVgYgjKoIvEunBKwObyHEiZOxGIQH
HYcGMlLPyMfrraTLi Wuting gave a barely there smile and turned to leave.mmNvEuXyghVWiBguafrlojnxzmIkVB
SdtGpLNjAIDQPizNing Rushen: ???dZQbvtmjtLhIdQLSUlCKiAEWTDWcte
XbyIKjORJukmbtlNing Rushen found himself unsettled by Li Wuting’s laughter.dnHcrHTFLzzerAUjKjCNbOZrzOGFWc
IxPvPVdckBaKmdUAfter returning to camp, he remained vigilant for a few days, but the latter acted as if nothing had happened, not mentioning a word.ZcLtHYkIhkdPLfzlcikJDSphWfzerV
FmJONLYpRhgryAqIt 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
zuqHFIpaIluLrJvNing Rushen greeted, “General Huo.”MHPPGdzcNpWoYFDdwmdZOlIaEqnLef
LLPNNpDNKixlhbgHuo Mian looked him up and down, “You’ve changed a lot.”VTjNgOWdGTbAukVHfVzPCdsvwqhAxS
NWPMGqMLrvEUMjfHolding 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
dZMqAtSoQLyeUovNing Rushen looked puzzled, “?”hAYcNIapLUwhtoQOPzNmZykjsoBPcc
pKiayHQUkUPtfuWWhat’s new, another story of love and hatred?uBpPOIUHIihPwbvSBgMdAoGceBMHoi
mDsvrzlKFTHqhAlHuo 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
sQaXQgCXObrSKxKNing Rushen hummed in response, “Is that so.”XVRCuERWawDiQSnzVUaUOZNvHaNlWl
kAtucYVWIaZRNxaHe remembered his younger self, orphaned and of humble origin.QLqLhOqparnkNTOxDlyNqRnMwDeQnp
nvnXedjCSMocvqqPerhaps it was the environment he grew up in? The more one lacks in youth, the more obsessively one might chase after it later.TzZQGTMYMENFucDleMWhuSEeASOoHT
TRZrHRHOtHfxPcSHuo 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
TzNXinPpnXQjPMRNing 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
hUHlQLRRbWYBDcqNing Rushen raised half a watermelon, tapping it, “Let’s use melon instead of wine.”aHwyEJTnOwFnLCaeTNWSAKYWXHmyzJ
xdkwnCgiSmnwVLLHuo Mian, “What, you don’t drink?”FFzJQXdCPeWyrbieYcWNUSTfElubzh
LNFMDWvzTzybdklNing Rushen shook his head, “No, I tend to see bridges and flowers when I drink.”AREiNCxTLBUZKrNgwDQnaRvnNhiDee
niDQMaBpojijazoHuo Mian: ?bAjVhaUCEuZVXXejdLfWJoagPCfCtU
AIkAlryCYjCXRuB…WGzCZLFSzzXDOCiWzqZjnSkfmRlsLS
HMaItEuRvvaeUEgThe spring hunt concluded after about ten days.gVWARkMNlTMZIhaiuMPATbnLzqDTxR
aOuAOvzEAqrTpazTen days later, the civil and military officials followed the emperor back to the capital in a grand procession.felTfHxcGlrMBAjsjQLeXJgXBXGKxX
KyLteMtNqXzGOagHaving been away from the capital for ten days, Ning Rushen finally returned to his residence. Upon entering, he almost bumped into Shiyi.baAlHHfRHZyJoqysslaqjzgxZZnvSJ
mWbBSGlUNgGormlThey exchanged glances and then looked away, tacitly agreeing not to mention the incidents during the spring hunt.DuWMQDwxkBgJVkZWfWowhLKCdoVdbg
vXcRNMQlESSGcchAfter returning to the capital, everything resumed as usual.qjxJuWFqQQMAxxzcwKDRtlpYOOBqVn
BKgUdunRDfZQibdThis time, Ning Rushen, free from illness and calamity, went to the morning court session for the first time in a while.wBGApkZNFRZLYUEGBWfkxPCmVyCQNS
CKVrLEBUlCVodtFThe session started so early that he nearly fell asleep standing in line, longing to go back to sleep after it was over.qUXfhIkTyuEUgyTDebSVEXzyKAjIWl
nFZhTmnsgtXmsITFinally, he heard the announcement to dismiss, “Court dismissed—”BCBjpGpSDMpdCyrerUmtVmVpIUsZle
twPfavXIsEVMCtmNing Rushen turned to leave, but then heard that lingering voice, “Summon Scholar Ning to the Imperial Study.”MYaHCPIknEgzYjXFhtEGbHvPHDhlhS
KAvpDUTqDjlAnEHHe, “…”HOGhAJwdipDIKNfldDWGthnskMZaOz
UinNcHOZMNCddQFDid Li Wuting have a vendetta against his sleep?sEeGSxEWxaBlZEIjEDwqLiyPHYJrJi
XEuxSiIuZrcUgPE·EvMNFUCVSdsIrJQqJEAtWEXrLNGOdm
elWdIoHCQSLvbrsFollowing 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
QNWvMaLYQTWKTiBHe yawned discreetly, his eyes tearing up.ASKNgcgAOoZwBHTcKYmibFQhLVOGIM
uPKSqptnomykcwtLi 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
VGAHLOIDJGKdLGpNing Rushen, “Excited, tearful.”WPbbAQADvCgmiVMbwvwzWhKUtIlWYy
oOcxqMxBHHstyKsLi 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
kusFRYGAWPtQmsTHolding the document, he looked up, guessing, “Is this a feast of a hundred families prepared for me?”dwlgYbKRCSEpRcCTaGbsKLqSNRuEbk
HnOslpLeHeyKowDLi Wuting, “………”UovQmyghUcOPqotjbjZcDIDRRodNAF
EiXAzbAZnnKzNMBDe 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
cLKGdkVWEgaiNflNing Rushen suddenly realized: all those intricate connections with the Cui family.cXkGWDekZJsAZByQspxEwlPHSsECDj
qdqHHhsnHKjrIsGLi Wuting looked at him, “Master Ning, do you think we should give these entangled families another chance to return to the court?”axCWQzIWfgxrkxIAeyjRMQfeaabaXP
ptSSzcVSpOlkJLvNing Rushen nodded, “Of course, we should.”vEkQDdhhWLSVBFTDrutjHXKOQmYhQi
hjneaNRxvgFydBQLi Wuting’s gaze deepened slightly, then he heard someone say, “But only give them one chance.”psgiKFNlhKanjMtcRGAcILyUwbkoCP
gRmuXMiLTtJYvGuNing Rushen’s mind raced, “Just throw out a bait, and they will fight over it like fish, consuming each other in the process.”KqtmQiTgdGAoPUBoRfgeINCigyvVtn
pjZzittJGTLeZmdIt was just internal competition, something he was all too familiar with.NozQEeflQLDRJwAAOLxhIQvXVNRxKW
XJthqcyHozeMgSj“…”lQkuAXtiudUfbofzXZdVhPTPYJHpOz
PCSPaCBbgqdJdFNAfter 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
ANGBJCsEBtLBlSBNing Rushen didn’t know the procedures of the Da Cheng Dynasty’s imperial examination.GAeBBqWZZROdDPGOFsmBwoMYOKPGzU
AttpWnPTIKqNuJpHe 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
zPeijOyjScwNXMbAfter he finished, Li Wuting did not speak.ZVjMkKrbjFGolDUZqgtwyVwAfIfifb
dvTvbhujpQCvhrzDe Quan, however, looked shocked:RANrbYslsmCvobJbZUReVwWVQTAAJn
ccfXZAlHefkuNltHe remembered vaguely seeing the Emperor drafting something similar to what Master Ning had suggested, only in more detail.dRiEwFDAUxUzIeqNRuagIDnpbwPPnz
rqfBHKAnUSuwFJEThe study became quiet for a moment.AvfbJxWToONsqFYiDzaTUxldxDcmJA
mXGNSzHKTQsQNTmThen suddenly, Li Wuting laughed lightly, “Master Ning.”CUywoMOnekSNJrFNuNjmtkGByUbxbC
JfNhXolamDQukJWNing Rushen looked over, only to see Li Wuting’s long eyelashes slightly drooping, his lips curved in an indescribable smile.uEBdrNVfqZMgyTBEwVnpODFzhDDPPy
nBKwBMlfRNZxBfZA rare non-sarcastic and rather refreshing smile, like jade.NPmKIgyAhRwlWWvXbbRsNevVDObjeL
bEJrVveECorbwUJNing Rushen hummed in acknowledgment, “Yes?”PxvikWdTuxlMfvYnoHvzXsOaqxbPit
ZyeNgqjtQFfanyxLi Wuting said, “Your idea is very good. This group interview will be entrusted to you.”bmPDNXeceTBlsYPpQttQsrJAMdYwCr
pWELSKHwWksMktoNing Rushen: ???fdADnWbnhoOvrPtcXyXzBeiHLRNERD
YCGRKcswNLnhcUdHe was shocked; he had just spoken off the cuff! And, “Your Majesty, but I must have knocked my head!”kDiXuqzyFkZxdtShTgOFTOLVoNEUPm
JfIAxAfvtPDguclLi Wuting nodded, “That’s why I’m letting you take charge.”uYDmxSbBsOSKBluZmXmQxXdJuCAzeQ
ahITOfKapRECXjxNing Rushen, “……”RjzodWjHwmlKjSchmDZAvvAlsMopCu
rMRkqpdWXQVeNoLDid you hear any respect in those words, even just a little?qLInYEzHdXZeKOuVuQCUVzrIzjcAfL
SsJgsoQBsHwTNdhHis gaze deepened, “Your servant obeys.”fqqNBiNLlZRsuPbdQppWEQyHkfloXV
DNgfmJcVUkhFpzS·SxzecWKbDDClhsMGRkftsXKqlufDFv
hYjmaEzverVCEhySomehow, he had taken on the task of interviewing a hundred families.AlsRyVQEcHydVMWKoPKUKCbvzIQucK
ErJPJptExAxoMgwSeeing 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
BRIkeBVYWwxknkWLi 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
yfiihYPQwWJiJlhHe 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
xpwnADMpyjMmFayThe action of reviewing the memorial to the throne stopped, “Is that so?”EAFByvXgjNyNfoMVdbgDMVcxlqzzmv
GwNIILkZIPJogxqNing Rushen’s eyes were sincere, wrapped with tears.OePWshsddKKEdceitHlVLMqGxOLTuq
vAhfxzDYVUVYSDtLi 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
WktVnEKSvyJIVGPThe tears in Ning Rushen’s eyes somewhat receded, “…What?”QqgqRhktZpMlUXNtQniujYGFXzjpxq
SyBatCBcAyoUjZdLi Wuting had already put down the memorial, “I was just about to go practice archery. Let’s go, Minister Ning.”DKAYvuUoMTHwDDZRuPNgSsQRidSmdA
aTUZtTKeyijKvKONing Rushen: ……%*]#<$!wdwBZlrbyacMXyiskArvpzQOTgDvRx
knUHkwOYjxtkgKAThe Archery Pavilion was located beside a pond near the east gate of the palace.pWCubJCYkRSldjcGXZkussnnPTHQoO
hYHIxSFBikVyOjASurrounded by red walls, several clusters of pear branches drooped down, with pure white flowers resting on the red walls and roof tiles.WOYCTGxDbmjCLzIoAQFJLAeDhuhKEU
mDKMVMpTAOfTZIADirectly in front was an archery target, with low tables around for resting.PpGuNnwcQoBfYcUqJGgWqZgAsipWne
rTQcTkIkIqNSnBWPalace servants were in attendance on the side, with thumb rings, various bows and arrows all available.RyTsnkdHCNvRMjLprJJCNxSUXBhIgq
vTVsDiDZocHQMJvLi 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
DBLRSBgPGrwCROSAs Ning Rushen chose his bow and turned around, an arrow whistled through the air.vseRJgqqGyIqwjRpIrXZkxUTuBIbLE
hhdSCxJQJwSEgRsShoo——XgwcOcDWLZoHPCBVBYgEuhUxZBdloq
FjzlbSCwDPliBrmThe tail of the arrow trembled slightly as the arrowhead hit the center.vnHoVoZVLIbVWXUoNOAhmXXvfwLlZU
JcwkmcQFGLJQduQLi Wuting drew another arrow onto his bow.AMzFlleMDGXtZxLjWOcBZaXrJqccNq
KWWqfPCPyPcMlPaHis 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
DGYasSVZPKvdPkDNing Rushen glanced at him, then stood in the same posture.XpazfbWJlaDlmQmlJrYkXOQQVZJkNX
WgFcigsXhXiHfgrJust as he lifted the bow, he suddenly heard De Quan sighing beside him, “Minister Ning, your posture isn’t quite right~”JtOPcxWxYahYTmBfhzljyQGIPQsZRO
DixffyMUBOEAhAjNing Rushen, “?”qoEAwSCjTWruNMHKbnAGsiFxkvPCNi
OnFOnlEtKjfFQeBLi Wuting, a few steps away, turned his head, scrutinized with a frown, “Have you forgotten what I taught you?”lzSmEnjIByGRQaBRFxuHzWEPHkpKWR
MIFdvOaDKrGOONmNing Rushen shuffled around, “I remember.”VunCUFLikYJgeHVRErOCMxLpefwfNm
qcWgAUESwqaBrVaLi 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
cDUnSKMkjpinabCNing Rushen hurriedly said, “I’m prepared, I can withstand it.”MgnLKEJBZBsVNRgsSxxnDfHucAKiRS
VlXGWfsAYKDPnrk“Still trembling?”HubBcqxEHRIagAGdzqwywzcclHWskx
cJEXDHrhXRTGIOO“Not anymore.”axMRDVFIhIfoBGSiLZVJAQIBBdfcmw
fYTQvyPMZAHfsUOLi Wuting then adjusted his stance.IaIamEYTzaerHCSrtgvaiMCvNIbcjU
suDvlJpXUDMXoBaNing Rushen, enduring the natural reactions of his ears warming and waist trembling under Li Wuting’s adjustments, suddenly recalled Li Jingyu’s words—sIMAktSUmShzXwYwnLEhXKQTCjeoCk
FuNdzGJAJFlURTpSee how the emperor is going to manipulate you.QRtvXXGfhdSOxXpgVPLtiSfKgAWfys
EEncpPWexlJNcru“……”XUFdhXxYlOXpsbUYhlfattmkLNsLbl
JQkqLIjXtqawzCkWhen Li Wuting said “from today onwards,” it indeed started from that day.OXbRQxEuKMkSctoflGyTicUOmtHSJx
soRRbYENFllFUNrIn 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
ZsWWJKuozhDwMtcDuring one visit, they encountered General Huo who had come for an audience.LHOmKbHYHSPHLQdCwJgZkiAVBsQlqq
JFGmkzpyGqIiCrkUpon seeing Ning Rushen, General Huo exclaimed with admiration, “Official Ning has truly undergone a transformation!”HeUUplLmhuXKAVlYGwhumkmcbukphj
KKZusWjTMYsIcAONing Rushen smiled weakly, “A few more days of practice and I will transform from a chrysalis into a butterfly.”ORVtIcsIScbhVAdepxzXxuguQSVVqJ
cgktEKIICVDfdlNLi Wuting glanced over and asked, “What is Official Ning trying to express?”XKBSzSxUMWcxTjWnGSjvezXMHgctub
lTwUdTXIEuYuKgUNing Rushen replied, “Some feelings of gratitude.”cbjnnZyTtEmVvSXzUwcKcAuuQZhTvk
ersdlZBzaKlWofV“…”WfGuDRfRBaahPemcwCmSUjwYrhshOF
FjfQpMKvqKomUVT·jdKsAMGRvAaWHLueEwoDOgYYkYJxUI
LeOncMkxzekYqQZSo, five or six days passed.ZLhCouyjGBtCqZzNJcVzIwxlyrZgQq
JxvyGpOZVnRCzyWToday, after leaving the court, Ning Rushen, as usual, went to the archery range.VYcpJZVpjvnZISiNrEbnKJtrBiJvRr
DDCBoinXtKhPBPpLi 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
sPAlAFROpoUkLvcAfter about half an hour,obdOuooPqyoXyyaXfIKNVFjPbFllui
noVQERIsTLtxDIgLi 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
mToPCgCJTZPiNvqNing Rushen sucked in his stomach.SRLOzHtPBfviFskghQETNejjOSOCUL
PrGjugpixmwbcTP“…” Li Wuting said, “That’s not how you tighten it.”HfmWGGoGTduxdSDFpfneSolJpDrwsA
eiMPacAqjsuSjykNing Rushen straightened his waist again, the silver belt around his waist shimmered as he moved, “Like this?”JgZORffpcmalpXytXgdLYmSjimnuKA
HvCHPqkoamnpVPlUnable to bear it any longer, Li Wuting raised his hand and slapped Ning Rushen’s waist, “Here.”zeZjnBmPRSPsCGGFovwSEpSxhFswnC
YMMiYCnaXpMlRoqJust as the slap landed,dAbbYXGekfduwfkVhwOFCUrIpIonio
ltmYpHYesprqStJThe person whimpered, bending over while holding his abdomen, his hair falling forward to cover half of his face, “Hmm!”XEwWRNNGnNwfkyOdFfCPPUTDJSoQiF
kQSPXxkQqXhnMKMLi Wuting’s hand stopped mid-air.jUGvrNTEasabEPWfmcwLceMWeeWSAA
CtUJvYZrgubxvNFHad 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
asEeeaerSOXatlFUnder Li Wuting’s gaze, he lifted his belt, embarrassed, “Your Majesty hit my flat walnut, it’s a bit painful.”JHzUWiJwSAfaYYbNpczAbHtZcvBWSu
QLCmebwMdAmXfJpLi Wuting, “……”PhDWqLgyuBHkhcXDrXAOXAclwKjqBk
doYKjriLyRJebPNHe looked down to see several crushed flat walnuts in the belt, along with a jade ring.TBpQWvYzRiEwblkZQdoEFDbuqMrHEn
qMZBWsBcoyQcziVThis time it wasn’t sunflower seeds, but other bits and pieces.BCawOOCKOfqoNXNlnFyqBaMquRdfdz
ohlAfSHRBhXRaWZLi Wuting’s expression darkened.HpDeWOEwLgBoEdCTSGEbBHGVEuBRNf
CpBjwYCiydyHGoU…HBEXyoaYSwuPmaqTqlDfsGWifkQVOa
oKwzgTSFRAJmbezIn the end, Ning Rushen was sent away.EWJKXRNXLaJGWWPUoBiHsyCRGJIVND
dATnpYQKQUyMYSPHe remembered Li Wuting’s gloomy face, telling him “no need to come anymore”—zAuAGRarEBazLPhMpruYSdghgPpuBK
ySdCVdxjBgqVlZgHe 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
MiqXHxCOdiEWJwpAfter listing all the reasons, Ning Rushen paused for a moment.XDZqBsqZOTVXJikgipAmDItltrJXpc
LpCayvXvuSZzNNpHe really was good at making people angry!echoSungUokwOhENZpHDOZWcsfHxiC
htZJuExtAWSWkAjHe sighed lightly, walking out of the palace gate while cracking open a flat walnut: crack, crack.xKqHIRoYsdFIKVUhMUJyVFYqbjivWc
aUSCVTfdTLbznxiJust as he stepped outside the palace gate, he ran into Huo Mian.pQPIjCCHtkmQkUbbShotnjjyIDWiSQ
hpdjKEWPiLKuTbCHuo Mian exclaimed, “You didn’t accompany His Majesty for archery today?”AGwQpeazjCCuWWFwNDqQmlvFXzKjbc
QjHxwaZmdxkyoPQNing Rushen shook his head, “I stuffed flat walnuts in my belt and got chased out by His Majesty.”SupYRYtwySIgaEwPLljXUndnGwxRtW
AGzCgUUYwtXQCGV“……”HIFrezUifLogQpUmnDdrsLcmRSqkpE
bUnxPtHOElsQdmGHuo Mian didn’t understand, but was greatly shocked, “Stuffed flat walnuts in your belt and got chased out?”sahbLFcEwXiqoWqOcWtRWzmgUuYVrv
wRKRCVNOKnZqUwmNing Rushen replied, “There’s a lot of history behind it.”FeEiuWQqmKrExDKLPCjeluNDGJHSUK
zeVLVSMczuxjyGdAfter pondering for two seconds, Huo Mian patted his shoulder, “Don’t be too sad, come to my general’s mansion tomorrow for practice.”ctqnRaIpVwyhyqDKLaDneJRTljAkes
bpcXxloxIpVoQOfThe flat walnut in Ning Rushen’s mouth almost fell out:tLbdZrixNZEGtcmBPComUYUToTxRyH
JexzJFNSaXBFWsTWhen did he show any sign of being sad!nzodlKXwDJlCDufKlHDpGXmBwDOWcP
lqGGTMreDlCtbjd“No need, I—”jYtCirPnvRhEojDxEmXOcvZEInYMpW
WWJZuvOaJmWCSLfHuo Mian had already walked away, waving from a distance, “It’s settled then, come to the general’s mansion!”AiQzRlwXYGnxaPOsxEddXoInGwdRmn
AquAtTIoeoRhQSQNing Rushen, “……”RMqQOHRrkjloLnDYwzfGkeYcNbYVzF
QPJNqBPjaLGhGvIHe was really taking liberties.BaWlpbxsoLtfzyDmQVWkXNCaYjuAKK
EZaGJZowkEZtqFKWell, it was fine since he hadn’t seen the general’s mansion yet.komwnJtVjdhyrvKKFRUgHAsfJXTZBq
MkdMtIXbVCwhhipNing Rushen, still intrigued, patted the residue in his hand and got into his carriage to return home.rnnEpQzpTlyHgbmkIyKIrZtGFxIiED
iGgmWGlMCbgCaxnThe 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
mQKNbJUGmFaTtvLThe Archery Pavilion, usually lively and resonant, was somewhat quiet today.sunUKbYqaswssEfIrLIWfziSjaNqol
cbQGrvTVgoKWouMOnly two rows of palace servants stood on the side, heads bowed.FQMtMusdBgjRIWhWnFyTJAoOoEFZpw
qePLOqhoRCEnuTUDe 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
sqWVnFUzACbkjpgNot far away, Ning Rushen’s usual bow was placed.SUhfqGNNCuPwmfKGWVXYmppJSUMGmz
JYEDrqycYGnKAjzOn a small table beside it, Ning Rushen’s thumb ring and tea set were also laid out.PohPZJJVhcJiivqXEbozSEjKPGnmMT
zAHadOoYIUERfLODe Quan was internally sighing when the sound of archery in front suddenly stopped.OWDxjJcLprdKJDuWeOHOkRjDxdvfWY
uatBzearZsBIzIwLi Wuting put down the bow and turned to drink water from the table.LMWEAMQbzwHolpgohgFDHfzRXhpGWF
LTHClVwhjFEYJZSHis gaze paused for a moment on the other cup before moving away indifferently.DVwgQkGfXqkLaqjnZvCpBNTTuoNuLC
LqpgCbHeHOjPKCmDe 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
zDdeEyhyyPbZhosA palace servant was about to step forward to take it away.OBDDjGQzqievqmsHgXMakdLjxdNSMV
rDqSfmFqThvOTqISuddenly, 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
IOAZEHtDOPekgMPLi Wuting swept a glance over.UiJElEQzhwnuYLYyRnhEaNgxIIlDsC
WjUFhMQeajytRYLDe 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
jMwItZghrUaGnljOGiwOTIaHqTZdwVunXhqUuZcMJRKhJ