This official is so weak

Li Wuting did not speak, just kept a straight face with a slightly cold expression.wuosHJdOLgjGwFAYNPUBqGuunizRsn

DbgmEhPaMmaAopn

De Quan glanced at the ring and hairband that Ning Rushen had used before, which were still lying aside. The latter treated the palace as casually as his own home, but the emperor said nothing, and the palace servants did not touch them either.fybTMgzXyzDVsEkjCxGDmJejjgIbIz

GwxdXTadNOrJDQJ

He rolled his eyes and cleared his throat, “It’s really something about Lord Ning, not coming here anymore, and not even taking his things away – just cluttering His Majesty’s sight!”VoVSgWgWkHlchznZFyfvULmGbjrazC

ANvmguUAkkBclXl

Li Wuting said indifferently, “If he doesn’t take them, just throw them out as junk.”UVLlRTktKLvJXgWuPIoglGFltDHMYy

XwXFEpahFnuMASQ

De Quan cleverly seized the opportunity, “Ah, I will send someone to call Lord Ning back to collect this junk!”JdJCCrkQqdqBvcSXxqGfWZpwskuNfv

ddyDdNThjGeJHRl

After saying that, he turned his head and waved his duster, “Go quickly.”OllsBewYCPsXXWsJYoViCLROPUrCeR

ljKRIRzzfdsPwXg

However, as he turned to go back to the side, he let out a lukewarm snort.qIChHlOKecNnciwQxOfEdtytFPxuIZ

KqsMTQDUmiBRewQ

Ning Rushen followed Huo Mian into the mansion, and at a glance, he saw the entire residence was simple and majestic, with strong branches in the courtyard and wide paths.fkbCpuATLYnnQUeSJCLFSYDFoWXBVm

eYTRllmSDCNFQuu

Passing through the front yard, there was a spacious training ground behind, where about a dozen personal soldiers were sparring and shouting.ZdbzCEJfrQgQtNniKNORHFhSlApouD

RTwYpKZstYLuRYp

Ning Rushen was in high spirits, “Your home is quite lively.”njgCGlxEelEosFnqsYmLPUgNVKtzbz

bRlyfnvDGmqLThp

Huo Mian pointed out, “These are the brothers of my personal soldiers that I brought back from the northern border.”wIPWDLjmwbOUZqHxEbpJPjkfoELigE

XoCVQXLqEUtOKLX

As they talked and walked to the side of the field, he called out, “Come over! Let me introduce you.”OnhOINAVLsgzxkiDgqpwtAgcJfKXKf

YOKBYyzLkfkcBxH

One of them saw Ning Rushen and seemed to size up his combat ability, “Eh? Is this the live target brought by the general…”wshMbpinSdxMOZBhsNrIznbzDdulrU

qrkSOScXRvkopng

Huo Mian slapped the man with a heavy palm! Turning his head to correct, “Live… brother.”KMACKVrLeBjXgjAizgDbmbALBPgSJK

eqghyeqeLNCEAOI

Ning Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”ztCUtWUMQTEjSxYQgZAhOElfgvAumy

npWOpEwMQNRKKRt

Huo Mian reintroduced, “Lord Ning is here as a guest today. After we finish practicing archery, I will come and compete with you!”pGDDRHzVdDFEGDJlHsblefyVtPbdJx

tumuprNoeoQeogI

Ning Rushen took a bow and arrow and stood by the field with Huo Mian.PmFeGmVuhwZJyLLxAFQuyJDonfRJCN

zOhTRAHctZQdwsm

Huo Mian was not as strict as Li Wuting, chatting while shooting arrows:ySzkYxIfrHABLCZVEOchqUAFELLzOE

LRUyLNIqxKXBAYp

“Are you also participating in the imperial examination this time? What are you responsible for?”NEZpuZZgGyaHAjExsWSKXHRgjDCzEJ

NdmYJYJbUhXNXCW

Ning Rushen’s thoughts suddenly drifted, “Eating.”yLvXqoPvNAKunPnNOuQdMGZdVwoEki

gODUMYtCTELlRzv

Eating down a hundred households.BYDoELxyRxeElzMnhrEBDpexOQeqZt

MdcHyhNSwNcCadZ

Huo Mian, “?” What?zQkewcnFVjORMrxZsBTYubnTpsefSb

LieoQgXOEJvMoFT

Ning Rushen shook his head, pulling back his thoughts, “Responsible for a group interview.”DzoKpkSQAxXZoUpYJxqMtrbEOFjOqm

LWZHRWWnJKGwore

“Oh, I’ve heard about the interview,” Huo Mian said. “The emperor and the Ministry of Rites set a new rule, it seems to be random grouping. There is no communication of candidates or test questions between groups.”TFTdGdhSEDSRWvEXfEadqaRdtceVuy

VgFHBLIFjOMzKLt

Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “It should be like this.”hALSptfdoFEKOxnWDeEGEnRjNFwQAU

ZgqUrPeSiAiizaU

This process is mainly used to clean up the old party, ensuring confidentiality and fairness to other candidates.GIHqoqglsMahyKUhCTYkohfZALhcoX

mcxlkTAnIPnmTlX

Li Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.YzNOYcQirdKnDmRwXwbGMWQbFoaGZT

qPJWTXxkKRTJHjH

—Except that the examiner is himself with a broken brain.MoofDGdVqhDZHqOEHEItzYyEpLQFbB

RfnFmDiPzESvEIc

He murmured, “It wouldn’t be to let me kill indiscriminately…”NnQjLWUIFQKqzbzTjjNHFToowfXVlW

dMyExQRnuIlgDxX

Huo Mian’s body shook, and he turned his head alertly, “What are you thinking? I just felt the aura of a rebel from you.”MQOxLxVvgROrqzsHMTqvsAxhHYXhSp

HRpzkrfrmpxqoYs

Ning Rushen immediately returned to normal, “Nothing of the sort.”maEEaNASOikBPkNWuPteMJzvBvfVDr

VtgLXnSEUEkHMHJ

He paused, then couldn’t help but ask sincerely, “Do you remember where I offended His Majesty?”auNAXkjrFGeMZSAkNjdjtKcLHoRBUo

MZPnIjTgoGaiTPg

Otherwise, why would he always be thrown into the pit?bASrVahhoElGgYBSRrkGhrHOiHtnIA

wPvlQIUUWPPqhWs

Huo Mian was puzzled, “How could you offend His Majesty? You were appointed by the late emperor and have the merit of support. Besides, doesn’t His Majesty teach you archery every day? Look at the court, which minister has this grace.”WjaEuQyPGYZIkxkVUGdnjLginkZXrW

rqEnONjvPGayWwp

Huo Mian laughed again, “Oh! Although you were kicked out because of the flat walnut. Hahaha…”qaMgPCEwiByOIWyBpnWVBFoLKRqjAI

JNplEgRVhODgSpo

Ning Rushen, “…”tIqvNeoyeDYRuSepdQzSBbLuETZRrV

NnMMRmMAdOMbdTf

Is that laughter polite?vUHqDuDJfWIllxpCuXgksSNuJqJEkT

QUdeJCljVJteJUT

He ignored the offensive Huo Mian and started practicing archery again.EGyXKhjItDbegGJUlIRqaxGOMfZNKc

xEVBwwdKXrJyUfz

At this moment, the afternoon light was just right, and the warm sunshine fell on his face, which was quite pleasant.JadpVTOnjuDyPimQvTJiMmVdryDmGM

lRDuBwtyksGmXUt

Huo Mian took a couple of glances at him and suddenly said, “Don’t say, you’ve been practicing diligently recently, and you look healthier.”zJpUkTMdkjzENjrcrvuifpLRCcdwsd

QzznTKruipqIwIk

Ning Rushen was stunned for a moment, “Is that so.”VBGcmQFKBytwJewbuCagMsKDRmllGn

RoOTgnVCsstRRsO

·lsiTpWzJOCeTwwlEMSZDbdkLFykeyO

rXcctdkQiccSWqd

After practicing for a while, the two put away their bows.uTrQfWwdhXinoAhyXDRCvVJejJRNDg

RFKrhYNswsDImco

Huo Mian went to the training ground to compete with the personal soldiers, wielding swords, spears, and clubs in a dazzling display, full of vigor.BFFHHtHezrpUNnasOoVGNkqRrPIXnL

jFenJXNZPxCLlqS

Ning Rushen squatted by the field, watching the excitement with a group of personal soldiers. After several rounds of clapping and betting, he quickly integrated into the group, receiving some snacks and a few cups of fruit brew.erGdCjzNiDrUsyxrGsOvCAdhNwjyyP

mTVRlfJeCBmWRZb

Fruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.UFNNSMmbIDsyAcjgMbMWmDnxkCZrAe

ebnjfkHSdMOGyFL

It doesn’t make one drunk, but it does make one’s face flush.nbeUtylVeHNmeaFloorGawTXGRLUkw

FCXefnHhvyTaitx

After drinking, Ning Rushen’s eyes were bright, and his ears were tinged with red. The personal soldiers beside him frequently glanced at him, wanting to say something but hesitating and touching their noses.yeZHiHTdqLUFgNydLVriQeKwcDgebn

yHVAyzMxJeouLGX

Both inside and outside the field were lively.McXYxcHlHKOoQGgcpmnELUImemfEDJ

NiMtLpgpnbSbfrg

At this time, a servant hurriedly reported that someone from the palace had come.oStAbaLKxzApqjXtgelCiSrSnBMenF

PyKDbnGQvwyJoga

The side of the field quieted down, and Ning Rushen leaned on his knees and looked out: ?CDvaXNKyKFfkCmMHkSfCHGnvLKqOdg

LHYZLrOQdxWWEpl

Huo Mian wiped off his sweat and turned his head to see a eunuch hurrying over, “What brings you here, Eunuch?”TcAytisMckQWKiKUpBcxyQzTmrYjdR

nHnnVIDIwVaQyHE

The eunuch had seen Ning Rushen early on.wzVFCJyRkLgXhpVLvuGXciUWgdbRFD

McdFIdAlOagyFIM

—He saw the man squatting among a group of men, his crimson official robe quite eye-catching. The whole person was high-spirited, simply radiant.BoBhyfyVXcKejFqdPzaIBYPydDXWeY

sxMGtzlAaJBjobn

He hurried over to salute, “I apologize for disturbing the general, I am here by imperial order to find Lord Ning.”nDhofWNakvOgrDNChTJaljoObPIRRX

QKUoVvZvIYRTQwf

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.QVZSVCuRYkseZBTraSbPlFdLJQfVqS

puDJXqmKFRzGjSa

Ning Rushen was confused: How did they know he was at the general’s mansion?EYMahfYFYVDWOpNjBQoFknlSyzPjYG

luDJoaToJccXEot

Who was the leak reporting this!SSXXBPPooLYnjiZPEYyMyPfBEtfzsx

pOfNtOgrDKQOwPe

He stood up and asked, “What happened?”CbhkETBYvtXHyLrDKcaVfyaBSiMVCK

mfbJfZkrPXWQJXk

The eunuch recalled the imperial order, stumbling as he bowed, “Lord Ning, His Majesty has ordered you to go back and clean up your broken, junk things!”RFDGZaZyutTvFKiTttVBPgYlAXoFTR

rkJGFgXMXfbEFMB

Ning Rushen: …??RGHAvqcfcfrGClgKOvPvJQLZkRPsrF

zOwccHDItlDKPWt

…uLlhXVrdYtojyOiTxmeCYqpCWpBQrN

TedefgRaLQjwfeP

Half an hour later.IfMQLzlEUupvGTkSAcohHHMqkYLwqX

ufGFizGKNvFzStU

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.GIlmwsNiOcSQOeVJeRcotjLGBsNhYL

ltjKdnrloSEHePx

He thought that by this time Li Wuting would not be in the archery pavilion, but as soon as he entered, he saw that figure.TJlIulNsLOuMWRjEfDrxuEIjvSCRbK

WCxXkyMaQAmcjKq

Li Wuting was shooting arrows with his back to him.jguUjAZYCzxgZCMpvFpNTJglhYMCWF

pdfTNWzscdiZXRp

His broad and straight shoulders were as unshakable as mountains.bggFSsLWEDRcloqNSTrLxSlEXlFljg

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A group of palace servants waited around.HrsDIMvDbrTFuCDJtgswBNTbDRBIpa

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De Quan stood behind Li Wuting, and when he saw Ning Rushen arrive, he hurried over.thWmFUKqJLNFReeOzLvBzcDyjSqNFX

JZEncoCgoaVBbfi

Ning Rushen greeted, “Eunuch De Quan, I’ve come to collect my pile of junk…”xpLGfgErFHbNOGiUsCbzSazhQhDOGU

FWlrWCDmPCHYKDD

“What are you talking about, Lord Ning!”xrAvELYoZdzhESXKVOkdRhBsrJpZXP

LsuXUijbabXwfVy

De Quan brushed him with the duster, giving him a meaningful look. While leading him over, he whispered urgently, “When you get there, don’t mention collecting junk, you must insist on not leaving.”FWiROGMbXdlTuKZTeXmAQJogHrSMat

iipMjzkTRejhevB

Ning Rushen, “???”rbXDkjPAoEhZIKGdrwzvIKOwCeROBW

GiXKwVEuFyCwVZA

Was he here to cause trouble, insisting on not leaving?GvsnLtEukPsjbmQZLuIDGQycznNWZo

CEiRiQglLgnVeKJ

They quickly approached the side of the field.EncxVUNNczAwwpFWXwLJdiYyfiOJBt

jYiUrgfldfUlGDN

De Quan urgently advised, “Our house won’t harm you, remember!”AtHEjdlgahJgVpDTsXrSaeSzrEZrcb

QAQhWicflVUrwOE

Ning Rushen was shocked and bewildered, “…Okay.”orFPvvKTSAHkRrcaZDrwrjhCVbreNJ

YkRGAtoQywWHZVA

When he got behind Li Wuting, he saw a person shoot an arrow right into the center of the target, with such force that the arrowhead sank three inches deep.dIjszmoehdSxcUEPCMefYQymKRAhjL

lHOJkoxCVeUokVL

Ning Rushen moistened his lips, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”xLmgFrlFlsrkvwsxoZZAWleoEmduBw

rpUgrUJHSmxPLKm

Li Wuting turned his head to look over.xylzQKrAbwnSHtvTjpvTjAReNwoWgN

ngIusQOZficGYvc

He saw Ning Rushen’s eyes bright, his cheeks and lips all rosy, looking very well-nourished.bnQXKrzlNARQEClPDPutROqYPQbmIh

QpMnOAKxhkvnjrs

Li Wuting sneered, “It seems I have disturbed Lord Ning’s mood.”WxxUUrTRjDEeoJDizDhlsNvHEJeHvt

jKjzPkaPdqurhAX

Ning Rushen was sharp, “Not at all, Your Majesty’s summoning has brought today’s schedule to a climax.”gvQCIuoEEFEcNtcqvwQcFkGPaVkMxH

yxQTQkWXgSuujIr

“…” Li Wuting, “Are you mocking me?”pjIVeAuGwEoAJyjvNYmeNFsujyxIzf

qhJqpfYhdtgaBjj

Ning Rushen’s face was flushed red, “Grateful.”ZxqLREIopAVMNdnuKevFpmuzxGzOmZ

HirJjVbiVoHDiEf

Li Wuting looked at him for a few seconds, then took a handkerchief handed by a palace servant and wiped his hands, “Since you’re here, go tidy up your things.”nENIFPRcAMZnHULSHAMnaEZLCsTeGX

JcsFgENIhILunCJ

Ning Rushen “Oh”ed, and turned to collect his pile of junk.UwCHYojzhfMpmabdeTotnZcoULXSWh

LjHmYjWftDXMQHR

He was collecting at a low table, with De Quan standing beside him.FjNbHihicwHMretxsNdwbIYDtMQNvj

wumVenmOnFafjjd

De Quan gestured with his mouth, “Think of a way to stay!”ZxxUQeUMGloSLARbpvGkHMzfSnKoMz

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Go and serve tea to His Majesty, wipe his sweat, massage his arms! Which one can’t make you stay?uuZSDvwZgdfuCTpkrbXPEZzomFlXCv

YCyXjTyfbRqTCow

Ning Rushen, “…”azzBcCnERmMacDdlTSVqwusDAAkkrn

PvtgJvjpcvBsXZp

Just as he was thinking of how to stay, the face of Prince Xuan suddenly came to mind.gudaBUNmQfeSrcRExyUMgmePMahpMh

jozcaptZJEbHotZ

He brewed for two seconds, then suddenly kicked the corner of the table, bracing his knee and bending down, “Ouch, my foot is sprained!”HWZHDXzzTFUlZhZPfImhmkCGxqhrPP

MgAFdRkUxpSttBw

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”VZjrPKVMsRUcqVAoZDDEeRARYaYFtn

BBPDzmurnUWXygg

De Quan, “…”VEJjtFrzTYYPGoHmtCLeHlflciTTWC

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De Quan’s expression twisted: Is this how you stay!baURDLRoKEDQjWOivWcNRFmHuMvJtR

cVpODNJsAlGJOrA

“Sprained your foot?” Li Wuting’s gaze fell.FOSqwhwvMsPXrbvDcADhmzRVhYUpsu

dgGEBKhpwPoJtRu

Ning Rushen hopped and sat down, holding one leg, looking at Li Wuting, “It’s badly sprained.”ToCAxSUrfmbBrVaQumOQRKvrPjOAvR

UifzDlyxZEgcLZK

“Oh, how bad?”FBuVMfUnJjDorEzkohQFkWQRCWQXMX

EhvJTYkFtYmIcml

“It could be a quarter of an hour…” Ning Rushen was halfway through his sentence when he caught De Quan’s look and changed his words, “I can’t walk for two quarters of an hour to an hour.”CKRWgwVWbqKBWNMWASiHoVeYcuXMxZ

ttwYWCiSwmHEyaY

Li Wuting, “…”YRyGmpvSlnyIfBVTFDQxNADEpsTDSy

MJWzYRwKGxpibGc

He almost laughed, “Lord Ning can even diagnose himself.”AdmvMCKAyAThkmamWxcKVlHuJHwshz

EWiAxmjsNcotvlU

Ning Rushen modestly pursed his lips, “Just a bit of strong self-management.”yeRgSJcuwfNphKhpHmhXlMtqcfOYwc

DzuDNTTSUCNhCap

The gaze from above lingered on him for a few moments.jtnAotQWYgVvzkWhboRiJvoFTlAhhZ

bIIuWcCxnkLHuGy

Then Li Wuting ordered, “Send for the Imperial physician.”aneJdmMJXyhJoPlaOcNUSdKEXiUjqr

chNQFqsgxgXfWGI

The imperial physician arrived quickly, carrying his medical kit. Li Wuting gestured for him to examine Ning Rushen’s supposedly sprained foot.CsaNPsxfjrmdLZKJyzBWOzKSTHLQQX

kICxnsPyLMnqwXu

Ning Rushen, still pretending, shrank back in his chair as the physician approached. The physician, following the emperor’s command, took hold of Ning’s boot, “Lord Ning, please don’t move. Let’s remove your boot and sock first.”BHARwrlfhQRjVeaQSDwzsiqsVFtPFJ

iDoYQIqDQFDFlOb

The black boot was swiftly removed, followed by the snow-white sock, revealing Ning Rushen’s slender ankle and a well-shaped foot. Too well-shaped, in fact, as there wasn’t even a hint of redness to suggest an injury.dFSaZzHREjJKoIAKhmczSzUyJWWikL

RWYxTDMNiphJHuM

The physician paused, “Lord Ning, where exactly is the sprain?”YDtTRqbuWHyRyWaOHstWwzmiitqzAk

zebMKZNKDCkWGhS

Ning Rushen’s toes curled slightly, “It’s a deep sprain, not obvious on the surface.”oVIdRaBktpEOmvPnmeTWCBcuqIGaTT

fLkOvZRtlDrljTk

Li Wuting chuckled from the side.RArhOVtmUaiDaauuUJSQLkPRHosFaF

wEFJtFAdmueMicM

The physician, having never encountered such a situation, looked at the fair-skinned, red-robed Ning Rushen, then glanced at the emperor standing nearby. Unable to deduce any conclusion, he simply applied some medicinal ointment to promote blood circulation and began massaging through a cloth, “Lord Ning, you’ll have to endure some pain.”fYKOIUQMNLszRDmPSCuKEgqkTYVukS

FSZORviZkPZjIrZ

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”xplZUfEhmkfnFvNRJuZEewMSBTRreT

zNBuVqnztaZTIUc

His perfectly fine foot was now receiving treatment for no reason. Ning Rushen had no choice but to sit stiffly, enduring the unnecessary therapy.bbqGqvtvkKThlFsIymAWuRgoJZjxrN

BNCXrXeRitSbLmh

His foot was indeed beautiful, the top as white as warm jade, faint blue veins visible beneath the skin, with a small mole adding to its charm. Whether from the cold or embarrassment, his toes were slightly curled, gripping the edge of the stool.JpdAHexXTSPMlHETzBokoGRAfRrXlb

URQcUXBogiKwgUx

Li Wuting glanced at Ning’s foot before asking, “How was your visit to the general’s mansion?”RjwyFOlJgfkUgMcirojSABgGqIGvgv

onnDUqlRmBCBkgu

Ning Rushen, hands resting on his knees, replied, “I practiced diligently.”naqsnWxbzKbmagKIXfHugdXULlDUZq

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“Really? You seemed quite satisfied when you returned.”hthHqCdORrhZsOJODPAvIKiFojuJLK

OmexAYmoDLjSHJs

Ning Rushen, caught off guard by the blunt truth, blurted out, “I practiced archery with General Huo, discussed the imperial examination, and admired the vigor of our soldiers, which filled me with enthusiasm.”gxCfJgjvaPQqQQnbueJTfRBAxSsjdO

BzrPqWaBFzfGTfu

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.MUVVUBYWejKHryxNBfwNJIHIlfhZSc

GOmpzgfhmEBPpbY

De Quan finally relaxed, confident that calling Ning Rushen back was the right decision. Despite not saying it, the emperor seemed pleased.aLjSkfzQHiRvVmepJnfRdqXiZVdEIF

iQNfDNVaWYpfOyq

After the physician finished the pretend treatment, Li Wuting dismissed him. Ning Rushen quickly put his boots back on, just as a report came from outside:MQKalNJruPBAiYGiqQwzqMBLxjKnkT

ZPBJmCjkGEMXtXK

“Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites requests an audience.”EUjwhVILqkxSYMgQHNMisTCqPkbgrx

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Li Wuting glanced sideways, and as Ning Rushen dressed, he commanded, “Let him in.”BOqsjxepnStENNnjsdhZMdqoLUCIJS

kUMircddZbJCFAF

The Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, entered promptly and bowed, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”hOACLzpfMNvDCRGMPwwTrTmCYkriwf

rfMcCkcCGZwFJsP

“Minister Guan, what brings you here?”jguVnnjUCBrQlzIIYTpHUYraBeoHiR

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“The examination halls at the tribute academy are all set up.”xojWoVymCzRMrrlhopqlatwNWvbHWr

jySrMLGvlBqgEMY

Li Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”RvzMUFSjKjaXyAJmumyfaddRdpfjbe

jquVXbycGucjnsj

Guan Fan quickly agreed, and Li Wuting stood up, motioning for Ning Rushen to follow. As they started to leave, Li Wuting suddenly stopped and turned to look at Ning’s supposedly immobile foot.PWgljnmnpltsxYJUNjCJwXpYEkfCAw

uQZBSnLisEXhNed

Ning Rushen also halted abruptly, lifting his foot and hopping towards Li Wuting in response to his gaze.DlgKRirVthYpKgQGoYpWxZmwVNNWgs

qEdVcXsTmUtzwyE