This official is so weak

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

sLCFziBVfPhcSkb

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.YOCqLaOfATTFaBcktNgYGAAFqiQvbU

erjJNLxqjfdKnOn

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!”GygShSQXuqNtukhFpcCIizdQktHgRP

rHCMxqAhMpsCsNv

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

cSNWXdHGxMkRpoZ

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

rJKXtyMnlfIdjdv

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

tuoptkgMJHFndlX

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

nbaIeNynKsaephn

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.HhrPcUlCOBnykcwnxZWHKduKLnFwxf

groDwMeNQbyiTqj

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

yBQYDqxEMnxnUDu

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

udKOdiWtuhxUGrD

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

oVlkLdadiJVveQB

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

bxvbdfYvBViFBMI

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

FaDDhmwvsrccunK

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

GFrurWxbIsMxGZm

Ning Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”lzZfbNPmIdQxQlvnfRxjRdaEnmxJNe

ZrLvRAgqECdIDsu

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

XGtmIZvJtzTeuFY

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

CIizcJImqEgZzKo

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

wjVYPBCbXXRpWMT

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

mitkCotvKKpyTPo

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

vUkXXbadTgFWZdm

Eating down a hundred households.pIWcUwFshVJNUnuPPVGLYOjgJMuVTk

RjBkOiiNLQndvXh

Huo Mian, “?” What?JeistQSITLfvKDMENFXwTtimllBQou

twclnTtHNyFMYcX

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

hQsqybfSZBAKdbY

“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.”qzPQurlmIYjHtoCsPLnCzzsVCRcJub

WsNauXpNfUgSuyZ

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

yKnRVyOjtGEGtMb

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

SHWjeFgbWnYTmSA

Li Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.jNZfnDkKLkfeZoSalRLFujlvafIVIa

ooKYBPfHPoBmiAy

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

kEVCFdRVXGWKfuu

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

SLwVxuHvGuzKuDt

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.”vamtTARtYisYawTRywesZQXREJCYVW

stGhEbWDZjjtIcu

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

BYifrUgsnJqQmgT

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

MZupfneQFsCgrag

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

mYWNftwMuLRXRNd

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.”rVTHKisMJwSPKxwPaSAybWQuiprxif

iSDlFGRJcBqPsRQ

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

kHvoXnGvkjXwgQD

Ning Rushen, “…”WQDruDcqqwKpwvbntYjmQTTCQdtoNa

vSfPdoAsdhLhprr

Is that laughter polite?jApslpfpPhSnkTcLVxwNeajvYijbNG

TgjieJVcHXhgYbh

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

jBHWsnZxmsWdDnX

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

PUtHBQRqjTraSmk

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.”SnUvEzdKpnoBVWMPdxBlVbqbLmYyKI

GdfKBPDFxnKLguz

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

BZBLzdDFedTdPuM

·iaFbWsFGkEnUWDantymWcNwJUkCJeM

DzRJqvevivddIWp

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

AeEIerJPpSYRtHY

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.pGrfrsMPbtbqGkDwYgpjBFGbTUklJk

LNnClqZvKuvjnVa

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.moSsQIhsoMYTWJrmqHysRKlugUhLsY

klASbIplmzTYsQF

Fruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.QuzvfjoKeLjeDlYlMXimlTgiPUCqeq

ipmdIsFflDXUGcR

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

jaddXTuiqYFgnuJ

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.tDCOgCupcXDMvwbLfzqXuOmJjbKatk

muxKIIAPvokeSrN

Both inside and outside the field were lively.iLcPasaIvbAfZNmdiedSFLDuZfkQKL

mybNsNttdnIcZQL

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

RaUtDSIjPxATvES

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

DZLESModmVUwTce

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

HnNocJOcptiFOKd

The eunuch had seen Ning Rushen early on.BmYzAHrxhoOkAGzeVcLDLrnDncuqzC

gmakBWHsmjfNJIM

—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.TPnjAKTZqLfibxSzbnhSnOFcqLHsMY

fltkUyWrUJzwXCE

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

TokFpRJgtXmXiUi

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.MaroRbuqdQsyMwNfmKQrGlMZXdjBqX

cJPlgOfvQRbKniR

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

AlSfdpVlHHDSCKX

Who was the leak reporting this!qFatLDQTyJnQoxqQWuBiauApjNqfvG

OuyVoROnurxcevX

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

dEuwwxmCtUgsuLt

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!”IzpNMYFsOcTUUlXLRxQYHvIvegCucA

rfjlXjgMkhUCkqQ

Ning Rushen: …??TUwoneDnnSnvPInanTETgcIzIFMpNL

OFqPdTbDhErpweI

…dzeriCOsZaTAKaOETHrwXBEjeOuEqd

iFTGDaSoxqjhnVu

Half an hour later.LYSOILlHaxtJcfaiTqKSREgnmLqlmj

LfzUpfWVIXUWejT

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.EOxkTzaawZEhonqleNTDOfjmJyXtyi

CPxSupnbGQsjgtx

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.uThrbhGlbJBQFFHVgVXwjByoXdAdxy

oWDfpYnbDHQMrny

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

bHcZplxHIGhQILY

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

BVcCRMwQtazCirg

A group of palace servants waited around.UMeNvfMvRswcpquKFXdzYwfrtAPhKc

WLCpdUcJefwezlM

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

KoPdZbzehXQhDbG

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

atKuMyHgwNYoalw

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

rFxCXfBoTaiVTGs

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.”RRBDXcUBYUZrsJkYOsVfdTpFipIfLS

HxAqxtyLmTqbtCU

Ning Rushen, “???”cvkoyOoTxlgpfKGivWlVliNDYnGyID

gKxtaEUagvUgAJe

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

VCGOUMCspTvMFVU

They quickly approached the side of the field.aqnnkkoVXpdxwcdeUbPzxyWoVNCvZM

FNFlnBlQSatrBJF

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

uGshmcFvOyCSqmU

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

LSVjJDIoPXJTQFJ

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.nUsvcCYThzsKgQeOtKeTlndIOUpvfO

mzheYYoNuaPDZqI

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

nSopAgKvYsCdRTu

Li Wuting turned his head to look over.eWQYBFFpMtOviINAbmxQfPZglSmhbh

PmXYawvAhQzvQny

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

jotfkAlzBcaPHVA

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

BnNUUHYLzbKkkxM

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

IBpdIxPWTlUpvIW

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

WOGWdPxhpatbrul

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

FlfmfUVBoRprTly

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.”DXALEDASUZnneuloiTMWaUxyATLIJP

cRZaiTOjbUVykQi

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

NsQkuhlmGDWOiPs

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

SiuXUAYAdJMOwru

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

ROGtCHhTUzNkyuU

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

nQigPwtGXZHDDmf

Ning Rushen, “…”TnbyvEgMBMVpqaInHiDxTmyRHGlreR

GQUEdvKbcAkwphK

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

EqeDEqrfBViRZCf

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

GvnjxvWOWjHHVJS

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”pVDydBYrjWEHRvrfVBpcWLDdgizooN

WLErMTNeTgmbtZQ

De Quan, “…”FANsrzPsacplYsBgOVXFlSBPorNDbd

nWOOFVkYkGJYrmt

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

FZQSXPDARcbExUY

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

hHrwPatfZhahxiz

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

OxqjqqhkLOUwsWh

“Oh, how bad?”glwEWUKWcPNcTfbDXtUGhSSMoTdOts

admORfeHBGrOOiy

“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.”SEUMXShhxcawywNJPuDUmTGRzPmSmR

XrqpNmsdqDBGJzd

Li Wuting, “…”zwtwzagLhxGtDesQACQafvdNtNCBdO

LKhvVrQGRexjVJr

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

NiUlWtbhyPgoQDw

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

aJCJYDZZbjPOBwr

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

RJgvyiKMvHdpFHl

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

sZHLVjlNfDqzcIU

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

pVAEXuyUfeWOEEj

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.”gjXjjxYNvYBXHYgPTNTnQlxSYyIyYq

lnzYuFpHVlEgYYN

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.sMhgiMnZeRqNsdwJuKfasDHLuIdEGp

rxjbtjzrPkOQZCw

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

tjfcpjvInEFIMWh

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

kIfAsAFvttkNkBD

Li Wuting chuckled from the side.GiBJKPMnrByLbtWXerRFBGDTGVEEeK

ragIIdmvqROUchR

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.”XmqshisgXTTclPrpkbXKgkpHXTMSwS

HhwVVoDSSLCuFwf

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”XwIERIsSguEpOGcEtKddsLNNWWNknG

sHJfEUNjQGqHwbN

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

bEbdxYjPsWOsjMD

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.CAbuvcMtkjUhJFeWwCKJLnETMsGQLF

zyaAZafvDmnrDIV

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

yyEcZfBiAcEKBzl

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

gXEEVUgowjrcskH

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

fqHuYqMFAyJkUnw

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.”SrpldfUimOMjRAXxrbNVIMuZpMkqiR

dmDShefSzmyQoWJ

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.nngdRzJeZukTBdLdgihSoqkeeTXbnE

bXcgYtBDbWqjOye

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

GsgcyjehxlQBVyb

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:alDtbubvMjBxffWZkaQvSsaUzPyAym

fvcvkAvjggUKjyz

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

WaHhiGbceAAoPMs

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

jkuQpLFEhZOPqXY

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

BQZVGOIULocgmXn

“Minister Guan, what brings you here?”hIbVLzbwOWzgJmjPIiUQddjaCCVeaN

DFudJeezRmwfBqz

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

aZGHJepTprhVMxS

Li Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”pLcNfEfocLQDNxLlsFRGsSTjbZNGrH

feMHQPFioQsKdSu

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.uLBcjgINGPVhviSvLiZwPASWymDLew

pUHuoLZTeBuzeMw

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

lJMevakZnpySVYm