This official is so weak

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

BFfKnXmURxjcOgy

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

JSKKAWNSEoOaXDR

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

NsOEGPbJqEgTqaD

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

ktJadtSzwiDwxQv

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

vVBkUHePlUgkdoH

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

kYTOZijdSMBtvYO

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

JbzBNjpTcgOrcgi

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

plHCrtPSjpBcXJi

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

wdXPcCMsSbgwQpa

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.rooSvxgVBRTopPcqLZLWVQBXqFWOAj

vbKMfjTHeAbAUVU

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

fyXDFQBTjUFpuZd

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

PljbSHkPQLUsQpP

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

esglSzAWkKCrayo

Li Wuting remained silent.tuDMwdEFdloGtDEFXnWQILrBgyuouu

ldgwmQELxWdecDh

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

aahezpwnEEdavxy

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

aAweCNfcLXEALFn

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

nXcaPmWVbYlezEG

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.SqrZTWPEyRfxWUdpRlkLjxPLSAqLYH

COZhFotfVQpJreS

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

HXZNCUnFGAySuXD

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:qgHBcTTIXYBdsEjvWjyJRehDkibWxn

yXsuiFHBOJTAplS

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.rREdzEbfQrwoYaIBAWDXHIfPLcTpJG

inphHBWeGHCxSja

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

BjqbJNHznOAPMmU

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

qwbXQUaMIpzoESx

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

CKJAojuZJiWwsdR

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

zJyhIGKegBBfPKT

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

PoREiePtaYVPXFV

Ning raised his eyes.opdoLptkzoynayDjlOPJLfiKsDElvU

ITBDNpMZneInSLh

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.JqXrMuKUBiUMmQHtsXbiXVgKzBfgLU

tKiokKwdAiWxheR

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

AuvpCMeluFVShpv

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

kFUeFktCwmqHtUM

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

jttlXHWmVueDzUE

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

mSwzcLmGSMLVAGf

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

mtRasUZBDcyawAN

…Almost forgot about that.”EKoPwrynPtvRvIDotZHmHlZQUfxFoL

gzCzhQZpadXLcPi

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

gVBUGqNoDUJPxhz

Li Wuting, “…”MZgNrUxMtNVbUYdmfAsulIdLKbsQjR

rYSJzhANtdTNQTF

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

gAscOdOiUGRqnDm

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

NOcGDnZqfXzqFKG

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

RbtCWUBmnNvLftO

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

iBwIQvcWNozCJjh

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.XaPUcWDxHVvcHIiTcKZUHeBEgIuzcM

dJipqLWbNzkdHVH

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

pbPoDrQKtIUMCxl

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!”BImTnwsEYWQhPDIYWstyOOdOrdBihD

JSGIFkXXpKQbvXU

Ning Rushen was puzzled.wdQtIIOuDvWlByLGOaCjoujGuBrcmx

MuLEjufbSscRYNh

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.EaBFRugGTlaUPeWmoTaHisqjXoEkcY

zOIDcyerQFJRnUc

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

gjktIjQqYPpyEAR

Ning Rushen was speechless…MCPZSWVBptlBgltUUHorXKKKtVMUUv

tRuBuJBTDwyBHNb

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

hNFYlyqAPbfHiKB

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.KUzhiplJYtGloguurAyGZTHuSnPHKh

IKIiOsepHVjRqHd

The carriage smoothly traversed the streets of the capital.vSsRTZWptWqpIrkknqgoxJyMeXnVyB

EGMQKLSgOTxzCkj

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.fvSGZcgQDeBrmCpSfbbfuysriXHazK

zVFKGYPJuuKFEDP

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

IwGItZluLVqiABh

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

iCIHBQNzQYEqPFM

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

yycqrcgOQenclRe

He swallowed subtly.OZROaWRjIPbKfnUpaFMcdVgBjTUwkW

mGXMcvqhPgwzmoW

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.”UqWQYxAgYSJxuCCnguvZpuueIotUvI

tkdsYPLmVoiHkgo

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

udVOqoskpcFnzBb

Li Wuting snorted, about to respond.VQqpnwYoeXSxjQFEzOGfOljLFxSOJr

OgsPZPsQxvFFJJu

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

mojTVojugwoREFD

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.IpQcWdUUTJpGcFrJoCZHRiFMWMNzAe

KCCgSWdxGFJbOwO

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

bOesTMQDQOHwrWR

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

MLEsPTxSiJdyjAu

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

bpzWAyVnuvUTVDr

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.YgTCoKzCWECgbwzYrAhScLyuVWaPkD

NPIhSKlgzoaGvUq

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

VVHwnjFxbdXKPKZ

Before he could finish, the carriage swayed again.ozaYhBKOPNShBDOKhhjShqdBkqjkSk

sFmoRpKTwVWDnjF

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.HRuSPLVwNJDwmaGDrpBtMnGyyMMwts

HiuCuaXKLOBqlQs

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

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

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Then his wrist was caught.PtLQZamUaJPMxDvLtPKKvqLwLktHdC

DWgfaWRPqKUquDG

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

sKfnGIimAsabymT

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.”TsglDpqTJsUGfxEauxNgmBuCqxVIIM

qBOWstjOYoSZMTP

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

XRiUJUccGMcoGDI

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

uJosaTAclaPlRaz

He said, “Proceed slowly.”BrfyKKlUeRIsMpKiVgPmXTGsEIeKQX

kFrZDYnVttapRDK

“Yes, Your Majesty.”lTqcZJgbmjpLVGPbjfnLpmbVWbAUsk

mKVFBitTRYtnzGf

The carriage started moving again, gently swaying forward.zjbuLXZRfAlVFilAbuXIyTEdBKuLGR

BQsJKICSOApzjSZ

Ning Rushen’s palm still retained some warmth.NUnUGvJgDonfreXoWVPvIfVJSVKZIW

ZpfrWgyfBzvEXpx

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

OFdQemzmDgmJSUt

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

JuTMZQzWewInsHe

Li Wuting glanced at him, “What?”BcfIwztsJmWrqllUFrjTvhiYllYtUD

JGfspKfpepOMRRG

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

WtCceDJYGFZJdug

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

cUDKDFZEbblDSoT

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

dcFbqqVynDqlyvZ

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

bJyERTTvRsRuxqw

Li Wuting, “……….”WdPVEsPulhlkUMgwexwcyMfIWhsgzz

yLVFuCgYIaEKzIn

·eMclPAWMvpVEivCZRlPkrLBNIoZkbD

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The carriage finally passed through the bustling market.QjjgYzaRpyFRFlptHhIurCBOgWJrfO

CFpYpCIRgYrKgEB

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.EtuFUanOOqUFIRlkRxyCivTCUOANEN

xYCBIorXhrdpLaq

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

fqSZTzFkgYZKTTi

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

UxmmTrCwaIVhYQL

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

JkoXiTMVXquaYKr

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

CrdLzLGRLgWpjpI

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

MoyLwztXWyXUpoi

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

mPeVbZPjTaSUMBn

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

tKAUfdeRjxOHgLO

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

ddGOnqiweMLzGFE

What does it mean by unfortunate to pass by?nnUCNoQwYkeKeJXOZMOOahWiTSBDZO

aMKogYEzGAfSRgN

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

AxXZivvxqKGjMgL

Li Wuting, “……….”jwvqdTRBFGLKaLiLcVWCacGCLqTMVo

OodowEwlmfOripN

Li Wuting, “Get back in.”wyJhgJqizlPUahuEJFRtFqrujNlrjb

dnTGGSQVgyrhMZm

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

kDUQEVyleFWwxuX

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.bmeQWbrDnueXPERzoOzgQtLunDHOHR

gWVwNkknkinYgBo

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

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

NRBDgnRhMBKXByx

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.evmDBNdgHOIbptesvckhLROOHPRhws

XDLUxyiBYBdpnuq

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

YJHjNrSsvdZLHjJ

It was inevitable to be more sensitive than usual.vaAzRSlmkHSkTHtrAedLzTOjEQSEPW

uiAhNSsLckFsfgb

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

qQDWSfBUgybYAuN

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

GRCXtygqQxdMQaI

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

GXXnQUtENsqCDGu

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

JqXbqIMuEoLCSaC

Those youths appeared suspicious; could they be examinees?SiFBBHxXfiCaSjOElaSVyodMOUpKBy

FjyyErdncJYZIFu

But it might also be overthinking on his part.cBXsLCmKRYEKRWjjmBZchlFkncycJi

TLYYKfPKZytFhVc

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.TdaTcoSIbEjoNIRQFCucmOuhZFcpuy

TWFQyZTnhhMCNLa

His thoughts whirled for only a moment.xlEbDGfBDpAnfepAtfXttkMbQzGpyI

kYYhLzNVLGaAelL

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

SCtCKNfsJfzZkYN

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

cAOFcFfIbHhvmBp

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

MrJYUnBziBocFBN

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

RigIuXaawtFknkH

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

IObMhxHESbhvsNr

The carriage came to a steady stop.NnspXdUzeYvNZAeWgiFHFeMfqqQrIC

FkYaIYZluLGWKaZ

“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.”WsjoEGIUjlNlPbsuiNQPbPOHnAmOQY

QfLDUgfTICrwYNS

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

KjFZNEnKzdnkAgg

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

wsWynXlyborMsVT

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.ISHMiIIZIUCjapmIIQEEBfppnbuynk

FNTXAAumZbaIMzC

He thanked him and hurriedly jumped off the carriage.xWztvzBocnppagokPdjwnRGHGoWoFf

oqcsiPJdsRultgL

…aQYmyUHjmxMuAgfuVGTelpXTXbpJIP

fPPztYxpoZquiKj

Ning Rushen got off the carriage.UZRMRkvTsqsmMiWABzZIrHoCbVFlJk

jxatIkHnmGslZvm

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

xbOxcWGxnMXnSIZ

Li Wuting hummed in agreement.aoPNiljUPQoaIAvlfZlPwBrztibDVA

jqvORHsjbggCjaI

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

YCpJqorPmrHhaTP

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

GyEMZTpuWlhKNpn

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

PhfcGNXwFRpIzPs

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

EvKYQhMJUekMDUo

·TdbDnpebKCtxTLYOsxMUTRsUqbVWym

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Ning Rushen stepped into the inn.jFXhEAjMoRIXtrSgBtSDQplUaJzQlD

DLesBBfYroKnPxD

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?”vpesZXczujDkpYpOIyklgPQREcFHeI

dNSBDbffsTycENZ

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

JtXnYWUrCBgOgYr

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

TsOLgtuGergqLxM

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

LNTGRDHdFpFlQgF

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

CTrcZhQAxwyXzKn

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

OiPmHrQFzFwwsKr

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:fMrCbTtcGdVarclVkQdYsyjjdVUGrL

ykHHmSQCnNvLctc

“Is the silver note ready?”UCwkEiTkceUllRNestnhDBvnaxALCA

CsmPgjDpJEzlRwu

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

mIajvOBjpudBuHx

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

pwuBfFsTMIdVViu

A young voice became anxious:jKTIaorpPmpwDTFqEdAKjTOZzfgPLp

dLtYQgUGAcMcVEx

“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.”tnOracFlrrJGjGjUqbdFTMCtEKRFnu

bLdSvLGYupezltq

Ning Rushen’s breath became slightly concealed.iPYmXZMomEBhPYvmdLRRIXmrAbHVhA

bgqRgfNidpHvwvt

It was indeed a private transaction for exam questions!OnEyEOeYOYaKNVNHZewVGLKFWBwiXQ

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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:ZBbcfFuUpYxJXstrELxUGvOpqkkqKc

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“See it clearly.”bxksviGbSfPjoUUuWBKsiLQVRXWTQn

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“So it’s…!”QOpbpXNYPEYEZMOWCMkRtywbMygziK

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

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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.QDHkuNezpjIZsMfCfGzuxTpwqWMnAL

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

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

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

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

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“…!”mtRlWzGhMrMejuLQNYLlsweCjirbvL

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

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

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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.LIzUyXAIpWKvGlyQkLeUinLphSESSj

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

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

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The panic-induced heartbeat gradually calmed down.dcKtOgfpkHDdqpWmsMEzVNakWBWwGM

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

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

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

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