This official is so weak

“Li Wuting stood still, then suddenly leaped toward someone.FZryETUrlXAakbIUGEumwkflAdmjeP

njbpnWHdamYjaOb

The leap was too far, almost crashing into Li Wuting. Ning Rushen was startled and stumbled to the side!yFxJsmuqeHLfEfZamhczDLzDmRNpZc

kxcPekZVFTQVigB

Li Wuting reached out and grabbed his belt to steady him. ‘Déjà vu?’ he asked.SOKPfQaeFFUdvSmsRXaOefEpFkgoWZ

ebmoGMGognNePRk

“…The scene of falling in the Golden Luang Hall flashed back in my mind,” Ning Rushen replied.wxrbWXLNWTfRzEWjjRohLMSVnYDOAz

nxYwTmNgPwCAgXr

Regaining his balance, Ning Rushen continued, “I just tripped.”fCtZdOFczZASxzYHlJnCqBuqjQQzWr

wBZEesgDhHnfScg

Li Wuting sighed, pressing his forehead. “It’s been two quarters of an hour.”yFPKlLOljekNbaedoOLdAsptnhFWVz

EmnpronwIojUojY

An unspoken understanding hung in the air as they locked eyes.LVMktwpugFCunkzYzHRdZrmHdsBQXp

ZRhgCLGFiIEjhbr

Ning Rushen followed the ladder, landing back on the ground. He feigned surprise, bouncing in place. “Oh, indeed.”UhWvliLHJogadlpoCJUNMnYVcnGokS

thaNHTtNbJJjMDc

The examination grounds were vast, spanning three streets and alleys. High walls enclosed orderly arranged examination huts.VrAnwaBKwFgqruwgmlafohsgyRqRDy

tSkHeWbiyJLtOKf

Li Wuting’s inspection seemed impromptu. He wore a dark, fitted robe from his archery practice, maintaining a low profile with only a few discreet guards.JoQycFtQEYqKvlXcXSVNyGoqZCZOGw

lYAdDrElaFdhvOR

As they entered the Gongyuan gates, a tense atmosphere enveloped them.SvXLkMDhJIILaKYRbDFWVYByglrNnO

fcfpcbhujognWym

Ning Rushen took a deep breath. Li Wuting asked, “Do you have any impressions of this place?”ieFphEFUUWSIYWCKMlYGHdUcAynEkK

NZuadlLcsoxzHvV

Ning shook his head. “I dare not revisit this place even in my midnight dreams.”xuEAanbUdvQaijCAIOuLyTlHjbwUDr

zWSDQvTCNKVPbld

Li Wuting remained silent.LFCLHbjvMVxYJLevglZScXJyACyojl

EziDzSTfFVCnfSs

Guided by Guan Fan, they proceeded. “Ning, you were once the top scholar here,” Guan Fan said with a smile. “This way, Your Majesty.”XhmqiNCbTYPBnfLDZmJJtIGsUJciyX

mGqSJBtSJzFVKLB

Officials within the Gongyuan hurried to pay their respects as the emperor arrived.SzqhWCpqpaqKYRalkBNBFhJFeRDBOL

wDlpuMSUleGpBWY

With many officials in attendance, Ning Rushen discreetly positioned himself at the rear.msafkhxWuyXEeWyxvUWngHPqKadBXM

ENuMcZTiqavxuuI

Li Wuting’s stern expression intensified as he inspected the examination hall. He engaged in conversations with accompanying officials, each question cutting to the heart of the matter.DcATDynSUzjEPKPomPuHlZKxjMrBKd

TBZCoRQRCyCdEuW

The Gongyuan was vast, and it took them quite some time to explore.TeouGHhVktsPMYnYGlfoLuPwgpBAMa

enoZjvrUCEImiPH

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:SKCbgMSBQxNzWkfmlLzBCiwPaPojIm

lypRhTlLVuOOoNt

Ancient examination conditions were abysmal. So many candidates crammed into one courtyard. Shelters separated them, enduring cold winters and scorching summers, confined for days on end. Their fate rested here.gSACeSzzhaSrtGEMsuBYVEHCeVAYCD

mRyxrbUduLWEJqO

A decade of diligent study, all culminating in this place.QjWxVeHMwViOoGRYfBzLcLVhFaqSnI

pkwihccFfkOyWNP

But it was the limitation of their era, beyond their control.kRHmJLzxFDbHDByjxLcqHfRKqnSLVw

IPRSlaRNDfUkegS

As Ning observed, he suddenly heard Li Wuting’s voice ahead:tnEkCIwTQsrrcyzshWsiKUuuEcChip

vmtqCkMJdKduBcV

“Ensure better accommodations for food and lodging. Get the funds from the Ministry of Revenue.”pctMjgLpjRPfCThPQkDqxeArzvIUiM

oleIwUxEVSgnzTj

Guan Fan bowed, acknowledging the order. “Yes, Your Majesty.”FcVUjWRpquWLsLmijvNcuTCKMBdZrz

yizEIstXxqvduQp

Ning raised his eyes.vBtqTaXjjXWtZWputgFfmfIBifdkre

MfEGndYFBOBuhPV

Across rows of officials, Li Wuting stood regal, the slightly desolate courtyard behind him. His eyes didn’t hold aloofness but rather the concerns of common people.havgqIyAxEPUzzdAdOoMPCxOWbTBat

lxrzRnlhdtEReqs

In that momentary daze, Li Wuting turned to leave.AFQeICiZMvhytjANiLBsfNQFrWwjxG

wbdhkrwgKFgHLGW

But before he could, he stepped closer to Ning, meeting his gaze. “Do you have any doubts, Ningqing?”lllmGAxZlSAeAeyGtoSURtkUZGPDkI

HOpcGFASHGZQtnU

Ning’s thoughts gathered. “Is the money sufficient?”ISnezwBGvbcvvjMZmABtjqpWPRHBSo

GMnAUFLyaXDaESd

He remembered the near-empty treasury half a month ago.RcJMYHtjqpEQQBjxLQPGibdmKbfPli

MYFecFxLfjFnKbl

Li Wuting’s lips curved. “I’ve collected from a few sources. It should suffice.”UmMwuStUBUPAsnCtlTpvICEAxReUEE

ZMzRzTFjdgbimCZ

…Almost forgot about that.”CPEEwjUkVonhZSVkDOOqozwJJxgqcY

AcXVFuiSzYoeXdY

Ning Rushen sighed softly and resignedly, “Fine. What is taken from the people should be used for the people.”dQuHiNewCKQUPORFNgtGIjDTHvLOSF

dqsiHhHaJJmZfYP

Li Wuting, “…”TUEUIpsHptDqNCpPsPiZSWikdADyEA

PbnlXwUWWTjIMVj

Minister Guan laughed with difficulty, “That’s not how the phrase is supposed to be used, Lord Ning.”ELKNnxLvSAQsdzNYlciRJwZLLFFigi

PjZbomiKQbXPTHf

After inspecting the Tribute Academy, the imperial carriage began its journey back to the palace.jIJFFwVteUoZeLOIEJeorlNJHqlsPq

UyRiImIvXIMEAUx

When Ning Rushen arrived, he was brought by Li Wuting in that modestly styled azure carriage.bclSaBdwEwgjlXdcImxkHxXFLGpNXE

qYAvunUmmJXvwEg

Now, standing at the entrance of the Tribute Academy, he began to ponder how he should return home.THbMePbOqRiqUjWwAToCNzYTaeNGYd

TAPHzsshOjQhQcn

Throughout the day, Li Wuting had shuffled him around various places, similar to the shell game. Ning wasn’t sure whether Yan Min would come to the academy to pick him up.KSiotEoChDaNLPDYDysDMfWdbFWjZB

zvXwZSIdnljyuTo

As he was contemplating, the curtain of the azure carriage at the entrance was lifted.btdQsINeritMSHTTGAfnQpEBPZgJEX

MLBIQVpFvNoBSij

De Quan peeked out from the edge of the curtain, gesturing, “Lord Ning, why haven’t you boarded yet? You’re making His Majesty wait!”xpremcAsUpiCOtMgxWOxYFBaYqKipI

diqTEPNbXINgMWe

Ning Rushen was puzzled.IyyiCRPFcjMSkItwvUAIMaNBbXEkrb

YpOdmLnWgAgRgGV

Under the gaze of other officials that read “He really is the favored one,” Ning boarded the carriage, only to be faced with Li Wuting’s cold and handsome face.vpOuruZJEBlzcZuNMpKwPdXqZiMSTJ

cdIxYGcCAmdTXwC

Li Wuting, “What’s the delay?”DouTrNQJNDfxknaTkHsYZdMFhGrtPU

oLoFzqSrOrBKIEz

Ning Rushen was speechless…BqQoNuWCOLiLgAJrBsEBvBxKPrdfJN

vJqsxwOTiGnBaOn

“Don’t act as if we had agreed to leave together.”ryrFACoWSExfUjIFkvgrrccduFNVwG

wytfMAqyOFvotAv

He remained silent for a few seconds before graciously climbing in, thanked His Majesty, and sat next to Li Wuting, comfortably settling into the ride.RnDJoelFjEjHMdxrQtskzbQxOSoxXQ

uHxTUiDetYzJYlB

The carriage smoothly traversed the streets of the capital.uoTEluAbZevPODzlKDuMJxnaWhaWpz

NNmkRtHYBQCPYlq

The carriage was well-equipped and comfortable, with silky and delicate cushions under them and a faint fragrance in the air. Tea and snacks were placed on a low table beside them.evMTLpoOlUgOHJhVFlfipxUQaWrqYT

EDBLfOOsDtCbhhf

Li Wuting sat upright, only drinking a few sips of tea.DmyPBoCSeSBOsiDUUkHvbLACEKROgQ

DHbfRCyllqAoBky

Ning Rushen, sitting beside him, frequently glanced at the snacks.CZwjgOfPHixPPlDkezotzHGhOVwEwP

cHKyDIifCgQBgKh

If he didn’t eat them, they would go bad, right?xAERZVsAsjfchkowmpyloxjnQAGGxX

AuRzSBiWfiwgHUz

He swallowed subtly.GKDvOvYhKlGAmYsOQZGVrVtTWxmZZZ

IDzHZjvSvWSfjBU

Initially, Li Wuting ignored him, but as Ning’s swallowing became more noticeable, Li couldn’t help but say, “If you want to eat, just take some.”aFnizudCAUvCPnzaERWWFHgorwmsof

NHCDIOKOjKiFlKt

Ning Rushen’s eyes lit up, reaching out hesitantly, “That wouldn’t be proper, it’d be impolite…”MWbbVfbZcyymBvwvGNYoZrRqoYmoQz

tTNFxCOFmRbZeUH

Li Wuting snorted, about to respond.MAUwweeWkxVaWBdlFXwsjKKAVhRnwl

pLeMCGBdjQXgHZo

Suddenly, the carriage jolted sharply and came to an abrupt halt!CnvJbQWfzmVTGstsDuKHTEnKEhnoJT

yxjVcTQrXYkphiQ

Ning’s hand, midway to grabbing a snack, suddenly leaned forward, “Uh…” His hand landed on something smooth and soft — warm fabric with firm muscles pressing against his palm.grMiQwMFbplsiLsrQgFgnWUAmRrXTB

FOEiLUsxLhLLlOL

Looking down, he realized he was leaning on Li Wuting’s thigh.ozYGqNYtuvYwiTJWDGyEsDLvRTLfII

nSHwfsGvAmGlwWU

A few strands of hair fell and wrapped around Li Wuting’s fingers.QVjHGgegyUgarrQeELAkacmsXSeihm

ImEiGcNDmtEDYxc

Ning’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly withdrew his hand.MgHUgnSeIzjcoKryrjpiXyoITTWkTm

dUkBFYolzuvmDqZ

Lifting his gaze, he saw Li Wuting’s indifferent expression, as if he had no reaction. Even the fingers brushed by the strands of hair remained unmoved, merely casting a glance at him.VYqoicKpLuDFlgygTCVVoWfRlfMcpm

yhJOKKGmozhYcHc

Ning Rushen pursed his lips, “Your Majesty, I…”woTBMzgMPDhPCYsfHxrCmFctcTKAHL

FDWixSphkkEaXgq

Before he could finish, the carriage swayed again.reBebwkKBWLFQuHZxbiaRmlSVlDcIZ

tGZomhxeMPrMZbk

He hastily steadied himself on the table edge, his other hand landing on Li Wuting’s thigh again. Trying to avoid contact, he ended up even closer than before.CzbREXQvBChRHswPeppCmyjugdzxPN

NLukbfngAMnMFZY

His palm slid along the raised curve to the inside—TbtYHDrMmdDslLDWyKPMgGdxKAGglu

OwXkvJuvlOVqdlD

This time, the muscle beneath his palm tensed suddenly.SeTEIYjmqWPjITsgsghtTJUBZfwZtd

IdLJaSrWViEeoXK

Then his wrist was caught.ZiPAQJaEPtFfmdJtBdROLPumKxqaNA

xKRFoOCGiYbufOi

Li Wuting’s grip was strong, pulling him away as he looked outside the carriage, “What disturbance is there outside?”XPrLJTJokYFtjEsTWnpXfBeuFxESgJ

fbwjqsEOzUyJEWk

A guard’s voice came from outside, anxious and fearful, “Reporting to Your Majesty, we are currently passing through a busy market area. Some children were playing in the street, and I was worried about hitting someone.”GUxeiMCPGTEWjIlFdXzOtZoKOVYKbD

awHiWZbVLSlvPCp

“Your Majesty, do you want me to go and disperse…”AsDsrRyyGtFRlRPlMfBLbcpbwpYQyw

CvWHwLYbNIBobXd

“No need,” Li Wuting interrupted, “When has my Great Cheng become a place where children cannot play in the streets?”LBhYQfICiugEUiBqvLnKbXdnbUUDAz

jXLAuKcMUeGLToC

He said, “Proceed slowly.”cGxuARlCRDDRNRuUjncSlxIuPgkMOE

BOBXiQBLClDwOWD

“Yes, Your Majesty.”gNFzCgrrgAQkJhFDjREaruSaINnmqn

PIKnLlzpZdEXDBE

The carriage started moving again, gently swaying forward.DtzbdVoWJEKWxdSIoBYMQjuvtwQOiu

grmOkEqUpwKtYPd

Ning Rushen’s palm still retained some warmth.poAxvGFmKSbUdymxQyHYQPUdYafCiB

qCQMUqjQRFdfWIj

But more than that, he was mulling over the words just spoken and the expression Li Wuting had when saying them.mmltgeIIEoSOqGrowldGChqXuJcPOt

jIKeAvuvDreuhls

He looked at Li Wuting, his eyelashes fluttering slightly.BzjZZBnRSuqloxWlWWbpjGiPziRSEu

JSARMLjnyaeSwIC

Li Wuting glanced at him, “What?”JAsoxsOfxyeIzkJBrAAMyhvGouSmxt

jDHVGLdqTagMBng

Ning Rushen regained his composure and said, “Your Majesty loves the people like his own children.”TARTxthVGiFKEtjYaEsLGgxbhUpqxi

JFCGYPMjdBBOBUs

Li Wuting seemed to think of something, his expression slightly cold.WuKDGsvwRlCzUDZBpoizVnJXoLKOln

dSrACptjFiAOcbG

His eyelashes drooped, and in the depths of his dark eyes reflected Ning Rushen, “I am not lenient towards everyone. Does Ningqing understand?”ydevSFqNrYEljlzzUfkmYaboBvUHsX

HxfnikUFHCSXLGu

Ning Rushen nodded, “Your servant understands, such as some unfilial sons.”MTRIZWBNUPaPLkPuYUrFCLxOetXRwx

TmEVzfaAewhuvXO

Li Wuting, “……….”eeXRoPswAFnInBNsNpmNatHwjwWPzv

hxkBdipECAnCLvk

·BJsTaZDIXxHjRxnQxFIkHUWeChwsaE

xCJbQgDmBcWXaGp

The carriage finally passed through the bustling market.ZwPBjGqHZzrUNFgytTmqDoVBLPjXFs

OVsjBMoBTPqljnH

Outside the carriage, it gradually quieted down, probably entering some rarely traversed alley, with only the sound of the carriage wheels rolling over the bluestone slabs audible.SEANPMLbfEBRGvLAZddPXJdaJpAqKp

xgzcaYAJttkjABg

The curtains of the carriage had been drawn all the way.aeDAVLuorIFpXngIVZQLxOHemLoPzA

WjkWNroPhLlXuaC

Ning Rushen, who had been stifled for a long time, now leaned close to the window and lifted a slit to look outside.NlibRPxzRBAtxZRucdgcWgwCzlqvns

jIRvKDoElzQoSMP

As expected, the surroundings were secluded, with no one passing through the long alley.hQSUWZqDtKdaxzxusWZECEAHZzmExT

fwRHKTsEsoLjRVS

He became a little bolder and simply stuck his whole head out to get some air.VDJtApqQNIwICDlVwzDseAJWwxehqg

SNWXJbHWyROgmuF

Inside the carriage, Li Wuting looked at the person with only his neck visible: ……ZCYKtTeWMaddWjaxOBKxDMuuLMloVD

ZbozeyilMpDQDJQ

Beside him, the servant De Quan hurriedly said, “Lord Ning, hanging your head outside the carriage, what does this look like!”YepvgNMkribWsEBMpajJCYCIVmWZUE

hxehwPXsSbxdkSy

Ning Rushen comfortably propped his head, “It’s fine, no one will pass by.”GivootKYQVfMAuDwMrdPzplyzmvlHD

jZkOXphXYwVOaYa

Li Wuting’s gaze was deep, “Have you considered what it would feel like for someone unfortunate to pass by and see this scene?”SKsRNUxZckoypGfdKNttAjQDCDsUQu

GaWwkSBcFbfYXlq

What does it mean by unfortunate to pass by?jvfhKvTIzFTTCswZBoCHmzDpKuKMyw

KYlgGLKSAHfrnFp

Ning Rushen put himself in their shoes and then sighed, “It would be a trip worth taking.”EuNflNMroeXaowXIHurnwyravVPldy

lCAEqVjUPekfvuv

Li Wuting, “……….”RKGHHhqaJtHjnRoaeWFIeSTvCMYHes

MhIpGuHlGWoJsYV

Li Wuting, “Get back in.”VQisTiNAEUVDopaJFUYtzLLzbBbWwg

BAkrHgAUtYdXYmI

When the emperor spoke, Ning Rushen regretfully gave up.ZxkHWUpWWIugTuQTdKFHXqFNykzhEl

DqbjdBqyePiYVsW

Just as he was about to pull his head back, the carriage turned out of the alley. Coming out of the alley directly opposite another street corner, they saw several youths dressed as scholars standing in front of an inconspicuous inn.aRpSPsnyNGGLKRBrEwwJXexgCfQVEX

KMQiLanOcXughgm

The youths seemed a bit hesitant and nervous, exchanging glances, with one of them even covering his waist.PSysmonXksqRtREXdpgXdCYKUvtyWT

WbyGRQkoZmjfLBS

Then they hurriedly entered the inn, pulling and dragging each other.qmLHqtKyjchEfeQerxnyXoJGRHkldR

FVvpTaQvwyWKfbY

Ning Rushen leaned on the carriage window to watch the figures disappear into it and sat back in the carriage to slowly savor the moment.KlkfQwRUXAXTybxqyaJEyomsJUozFD

CQECYqIbjiiorSN

Now, on the eve of the imperial examination, he was wearing the “examiner” identity.OEXunaRFyvkJhnGOBOSVRYNIxjFxFH

IiwCLPMRkqqKSbI

It was inevitable to be more sensitive than usual.mjfrhqAKyWFSefEopsPcetKqzFgJDK

EtNtpImgErAetGK

“Ningqing seems to enjoy the view from the carriage window too much.” Li Wuting spoke up.RotjZgaXmWaHVdZQKgPWNCBAsnrzAk

ZpWHbYpCJBoXXtf

“Your servant, no such thing,” Ning Rushen replied casually.MhTiqGXvteCWwJcphcHwwnahdXDjgF

gRZHfqxNjGgqLaS

Seeming to find his response so ordinary, Li Wuting couldn’t help but glance at him.EuyHaTquhgoWMHpcfZqldIPgRiAdNS

ahXDVnywBWcRCxm

At this moment, Ning Rushen was pondering over the matter, temporarily not in the mood to jest with Li Wuting.NQKSlSyCINAojCxNIbqvidZnyuiYKF

LKIYDCbtuxtxlNc

Those youths appeared suspicious; could they be examinees?IHgKbBRBuNYuhFmQbTIQXDmNZtJpeL

uMkZIFlIfLIXAGE

But it might also be overthinking on his part.uJoGeGiawXxfdDQYYjfsvIyZuzMHEe

kdttIdmXjpVtRuV

To alarm the presence of the emperor with mere speculation would be making a big deal out of nothing. Moreover, if it disturbed the innocent examinees, wouldn’t that be harming their future prospects.tSaxcHoPFrSmbTYSTqyQVuDjhROqnM

kMEEIzhuAXdqZax

His thoughts whirled for only a moment.SxZAjsVCIcpOQVdBURrXTxjKlqUceP

NAAkSoyheYSCddb

Ning Rushen quickly made a decision, “Your Majesty, allow your servant to alight here.”jpWRmvCTlsGDeirnRcQfJPFoCVrWBi

QrsZzAHShbgDIzv

Li Wuting, “What, do you prefer the air outside the carriage?”ChbUoifJfgYszUKvJpfhjDktnYsGtM

epoWLZttpMqChib

From the moment he started, he was making ambiguous remarks.rVreOipicmlsQDuLmJUTjmrkyPagam

rkraWyodNypgOls

Ning Rushen said, “This servant remembers needing to go nearby to buy some things.”gHQQwZzkovGxpEWvgTySPcxuXZwthx

hvinKQpfgZWrKvw

Li Wuting tapped his fingertips on the desk twice, then said to the outside, “Stop the carriage.”eGmUcAmZuNERCmfEDHlPvuvklqxOKF

KXGdhPCehlbQWnb

The carriage came to a steady stop.bcRLndVdFMPVQKbaOvvNyrpUGdnMNN

aKKazfcTOLMEfIV

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ning Rushen said as he was about to get off, but felt that his crimson official robe was a bit too conspicuous, “Your Majesty, could you lend your servant a cloak… it’s a bit cold.”bdBjWiweOMelqsgbPISrHkwuHVepIy

xIcVsOHDlqkySrV

Li Wuting looked at him for two breaths, “De Quan.”lNecgaypDhduIMGmTDYysEvfGJOMWO

LgKJecBPiIXGqLn

“Yes.” De Quan quickly found a cloak and handed it over.iPdetNZZlhypESMxrIClbvALTxxxqX

AZYREtqcgGUOJaC

Ning Rushen wrapped himself in it; the dark cloak with silver threads was wide and thick, almost covering his ankles, likely Li Wuting’s own cloak.tugtQJAvwTMwyqTeoyrWyFxoQaHyAA

GPVbTYPZdyhlKLG

He thanked him and hurriedly jumped off the carriage.PbntesNQDpLyShROtBLmsqRixmvBSm

NTSshsvjXQfSAgL

…EtdeZgqzHVvWBpsndUodpQiPEvCXWV

mRMRIgpMdGRwiSy

Ning Rushen got off the carriage.sxeLEYRSpxAUlSPWXzFlQLQwKKgdgp

abQDjKLfMtvTGuD

The guard asked, “Master, shall we go?”CeYoOONOUNtlAwGhmFCtNixdQlsRSu

EpaGtGpPlzZHezF

Li Wuting hummed in agreement.aRCUpbZiXzvhsHXgHxXhVWfhPTOdFD

xjexSVdTVgJtjyW

The carriage slowly started moving, he paused, then still lifted the curtain to look outside.SEqLJewjRNYasSsMGyLQywjPUMShrJ

yJLUbgkwCPMQmoj

He saw that graceful figure wrapped in a cloak swiftly enter an inn.srkGoJiiJRwCXzmaiQVbZMvrfwbzRf

YuaGFkOFepNHFdf

His gaze moved upwards, landing on the inn’s name: Moon Fairy DwellingWzrHOTbqylSTpYBwPorOtZqceLKSmy

LwcfOpuqufDteSf

Li Wuting’s eyes fixed, “Hold on.”LvKmPMcCMIhCgBzsEaFwCnkzuaNWDt

OyateNaEdjeTkzT

·DxyteqVssCNIopVgsqdibSdOPDNcFU

mPvAfbIkgEKMFGO

Ning Rushen stepped into the inn.abKiFUWydwHiZsQYmudKhgjiQqdrho

IRFVqXNoqbQHlhe

The inn wasn’t large, and due to its secluded location, the lighting wasn’t great either. Half of the lobby was in shadow. The innkeeper lifted his eyelids from behind the counter, “Are you stopping for a meal or staying?”umjLKsHxBwYQRtlhLdPeRbaMibUqAJ

qiXgDRLQHIgDGmc

Ning Rushen looked upstairs, “Looking for someone.”BjJRZpLyeoCIcNOYXQekPjZdYkFXag

XYtTiaNSstXzPbE

The innkeeper didn’t bother him further, as if this was normal.LujvrimVivWqPjqPvDiMXSUKEPvxZN

KKvNSxEshCqzuwc

There were faint movements above the stairs. Ning Rushen carefully followed the stairs up, all the way to the fifth floor.eXWLMnqzCGzwrpkKtGFLeJcWVKwMtu

togjhRqJBuqLVLo

The corridor on the fifth floor was empty and quiet, with several rooms in a row.nLTnikTdGQdcnTNllIkWdjhduQDiJc

jaBufQLbTcELqJx

He didn’t know where those few young men had gone.kbPnMHAPJLNitZizfDbyUhiOBsRHeI

IGqayVQOMUPnDCH

He followed the sound of footsteps, searching from room to room, finally stopping outside one at the end of the corridor when he heard a muffled voice inside:kYvqKnahjZtuDzUqqqUQubQXRhNcyz

pRAMFOATmtOqwJl

“Is the silver note ready?”UzlaBjRKoXiuDULXNjXidvoYNGtJNC

imVVhXKQxKnGdBt

“It’s ready… But is it real?”DRiHvQcKHdksrHcdOByyVvTWGWLnGs

wGNXYFlQkXHjwoU

“Hmph, if you don’t believe it, you don’t have to come.”EmDxlvBfxbiKEhparvHPDCakxgNyKV

krBrAEbFbVJImdA

A young voice became anxious:GfDNLcnCdpMfMoWefYtiOforivLbOL

vdkjaAKbOHEBGng

“Don’t be offended, sir. A thousand taels of silver is not a small amount. Moreover, the exam questions are always kept under strict guard; we just want to make sure to be reassured.”uuAvMqSowWgygwfIyvduIIMkaDmXZA

ktdlsrMzoelbpWE

Ning Rushen’s breath became slightly concealed.iHRrwFOPcJKtvOYHJLXQSmAnbGmeOs

sUwRGDeVLYGjOBd

It was indeed a private transaction for exam questions!KNxrdHCmqcMMlSfUPtovHfhGLMyaXm

hLdsItDGvWucsGP

Soon there was a slight rustling from inside, as if someone got up from behind a screen, followed by a “thud” of something being tossed:bHkHQuefYFZZPCgPvXvleeGXujUoZj

QUqHidBdprfoKJz

“See it clearly.”MSndjmfBQEFkMUBDRiqAVcwAbwMYHo

krZXpedsQdbOJOu

“So it’s…!”GkmkEAlQAAcqOSuCuwTeggYbIDajlm

HqkyiYTNusdvSXz

What was it? Ning Rushen leaned closer to the door crack.PgnqqbjwnCWJnOVmIhJRbfyDZCwFcR

HQeCyBKKUkQPSph

Perhaps due to the secrecy of the identities of the parties involved in the transaction, there was no one guarding the outside. He leaned in closer, trying to see if he could glimpse anything through the crack.thdTpFjuzyqsGbtWYicuDXdpoLUYwy

sxOTclFlhAQOVQw

But unexpectedly, the door, being old, creaked slightly upon his touch.KlcSxUygHNwAMMTYFoYKZZpHJWUEKF

IoKuKKKWYHncqkN

Just as his forehead touched the door, it made a soft sound: creak…nFgONBhInqXgNOrlHquhMQXRMusIuS

CBNSBgSLrJrWUlh

“Who’s there!?” came an alert shout from inside.ngfdATqFwUePWhpWIQFdvyTMdguOpe

DlRRHlTqAozxUXg

Ning Rushen’s heart leapt, and he turned to leave. Suddenly, a large hand reached from behind, covering his mouth—NkPHlnnFTxWwTLOywKNEZgiWiCWVKU

CXMUJJUXjbOnFpw

“…!”mVBQFwLtmuEbjaQLqvmkZMmPrjcsCz

GuYRNvaKSyjLYtf

Before he could react, he was dragged into a room diagonally across the hallway.UtUqwyMJHFBBvhvvlqdfqiaddnSECr

eTGPyGaxUbCnONq

The moment the door closed behind them, the sound of the door being forced open came from outside.faPtIRWZWiwKHXAxNKOwVKUFbMVgTI

zSPeQPPchcYpFoW

Ning Rushen was in the room, his mouth covered by someone from behind, his heart pounding, the wide hand almost covering half of his face, and the tall and warm body pressing against his back.ZOnuESJhDAgLyAUMLQbXVjZjWrlshR

eacYcvSkUaggfgL

He was about to struggle when he suddenly smelled a familiar faint fragrance…evzsstewPnIFevhobYTwvcnJfQXEdx

gRzovMBbDPITZZX

Li Wuting leaned close to his ear, “Don’t make a sound.”ZKmXavrGyLzPqzFXwBRPmiIiChatDD

hqwVxEGPfHfDfhf

The panic-induced heartbeat gradually calmed down.XojdzEiTYspxFJfbOlLxixiRAiAXzP

prbxFAjKXIGuQRu

Following was the deep voice that seemed to directly penetrate his eardrums.KfsvyYzndLBpVvfIsHDbJsJXEiFsBC

bitevJKFwCEEHvA

Ning Rushen was trapped in Li Wuting’s arms, enveloped in the warm breath mixed with a faint fragrance.XISKAtoePaxyhnPlNsgwCNNELrqvOg

iQkpCPGiZmsYqFw

He couldn’t make a sound, and reflexively started to shake his hips and feel his ears heat up.KBqXJRPAhCLfUJmfNbOxhCQkeSeqiv

mXFkwIzQbJknoYj