This official is so weak

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

vsLnlfibsfxKQcV

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

DMtPqdDihcdbUsC

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

yADiNMIAAJQJLLL

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

nTvdhABWPULlPTM

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

NGoeUDwSUyPzphq

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

IugiuutvfbAEWJY

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

PDnRvHZzIVaoKyV

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

hAtBgcXufdjMJzU

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

VJtGyUJVuUMDbGH

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.xJPAMxSPwxlchDAiiKBUunyQiZuiLX

wuCeKsJybYYtUay

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

njMTrvJeNyJmKlU

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

VLPxJKycCnlWtYJ

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

jrEpYYnutyoQDqn

Li Wuting remained silent.mRBJHtVTVarStqMgUhsYvmTjcnAxgZ

OXRIqdDzddIFzsQ

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

kayTKgSezqwRdRZ

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

cAwVczFrOqZPvgG

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

xEzaDZaCHQBaIir

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.yLBdkkPJtzvUTXyZKMbCcGoBHvPsSJ

XFvdFoRrWhkBmXw

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

ZLXkbbxemOBeNcp

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:OjKjSnSJUedjzWVfHtGhIvUXcZsVUI

jwCNjqjUxdaOkzt

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.lCYnobhcVtioXJOUjlloABarzWdsrb

MnmneNWByFWlYZM

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

NRcNfROwfjpMyCS

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

hZLVPVkuhNuNQlF

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

mktOEHiuPqIJPgV

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

wmBmBIwerrhwWHV

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

PZWwSXtqkxCAtnD

Ning raised his eyes.TVWBCuehtYUdPqPITXHrwlnrchNwRk

khmDHeUpmkjHoXy

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.UQrIuccwhSriGGladiVEtlxNhHccSH

ETcscntFZsFKwkO

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

wornlIdLfiEhWPM

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

MWbXdnZETRGbgmk

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

yhLmkQFjAEFNuQb

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

RFalMuMCSRWSmbQ

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

pcpFuBwvUVabpMX

…Almost forgot about that.”xSKekdcCnAaJKhXRjimDakzRTjYPoQ

JfxBJKbWQQeNDSN

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

DDBpxXxzUkgoYCR

Li Wuting, “…”qKUWOhOnddgUzDOxjjzHWfXRsuGxWY

lSVSJQFhGozJvnC

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

ILqEZpuTFEnNoeN

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

DSHFqLWtMNEcoaL

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

vrNHPJSAWtlmBkW

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

QOQwjkhGiijXhBS

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.yzLqddGOtgmlhlkFcfyndZBdeRMCoF

DjXUjOiFLjpbVDI

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

xtSgZtKyzhvURsk

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!”TWjatvYUlZwkleRjiEDCSaUOqxjepv

MASQHmJJxTFgnin

Ning Rushen was puzzled.AetqSzWKmdnOqxHDdJBMoWorbZXiQT

uiKNuIkBUkGxpPa

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.GfdGuOuBHSgJxoQeABEinKWtMHDAnO

qqygOYTWQACAInY

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

elbfWuhDZnsXoIF

Ning Rushen was speechless…AfHjiwRlFQrdzgEvizsjyrFpUtlQfT

TqjXxVjVkdsankN

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

VgfVjyLCIiOSkjx

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.mBcvhpeipknEwTbZnoYNVtacwxNHlH

pDtAxTofFJgAFHA

The carriage smoothly traversed the streets of the capital.TzooCIEuEsKFMzsTbnMrkAMjEwiMHB

ZGxWbTWTsiPsJGD

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.qhUCGrXQXuopghFyQbcoxvrlvGhQBU

lbByEFBfEFMMgOj

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

vzwZasAqvdRXpQQ

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

yLLWfTavOlojtDm

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

JBFwQrOwFlnldjO

He swallowed subtly.nmiYEosEDoSRdYXODXLablWzTpeedP

TaffzVxKTEvCrMv

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.”MaFKdbkJhhUSZFcLAxtTbVjYWBXrzt

IbxjcuIRRmhXeud

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

lvtkpdvredkgzMl

Li Wuting snorted, about to respond.PLGuvFhmNgRxiymJsmCWSbWdjRhkqj

vWxQHRzzRCeOLZO

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

MQNoBZCCADojgRJ

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.hlkMhOtXJIjPsBalEoAAbrAcMFkTQZ

MePMTDZxyUMpIXW

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

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

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

dyGHpwMyuZkwLNy

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.YbHJbyoaiRaqpzsAjGHxJxgktvJcXv

NGjmsgSYeAqdMJu

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

XRaMxpFHTachabR

Before he could finish, the carriage swayed again.WAjVHkVLmaZjpTGQMcZUDAYNUaxouU

FyIFnEUnqiMPUMk

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.vQFDsPqyequtAHKOSDGXxWCwJTBCeA

apQbVYUdhXZxdaL

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

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

uanSbLiHEtTntDu

Then his wrist was caught.wtAFbignqAlXqYkYcfKKpEgvFGJwru

ddSZFNJxaTXmzSW

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

FhoBievxMASLvZt

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.”cQPWQhzZwhQlGpiWLDqovjtshFXkqZ

FtztgPRanfzaozE

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

JEVLAoLYzVnosQb

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

BPRtaypZDYIuhzY

He said, “Proceed slowly.”EVubLIUCpFYwLMYgDQJffiGORKanAt

dmEFeJJJESfAeYg

“Yes, Your Majesty.”SSKfmnsVfTSZRWgpvGLSVDHpspgYaC

VWNtrjKVqZLDhJH

The carriage started moving again, gently swaying forward.gpNwYWJvQCgfQCnKGwXlZwRVcvzdrh

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Ning Rushen’s palm still retained some warmth.CHTcJvLUKRFKAtnymHEeMPPaSNcKiB

zGFCdADjcOvPmiK

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

ryBruXpdVMzbeoa

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

qtIeFbJLGtoaXgt

Li Wuting glanced at him, “What?”hAKSKjcmsBWaMeYvJUMGSBnvJHjgpD

HrDaLdlvsJvkCCd

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

YghJxehBGbQtWtV

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

mqVXUPmYEHhkeMh

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

vJTmFaOUjnbuuau

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

rFjdCsavSFUjzIN

Li Wuting, “……….”svwIrOVLVpVLvpmJozquiygFElMgxb

oYMSKRjpVybMTyt

·UzrEpqiPENdebNKKYqXWzXGziXAseT

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The carriage finally passed through the bustling market.UEOzLcqwuddcwmouJtZDkApTdyKuNZ

epDzKzeuhGriUrt

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.DdqwyJmPKBVRvajGLXCSnScobzQZBt

WkwmmKJazbnjoBF

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

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

llnCbQUEzaZBKIv

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

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

VKPKyZyGPbJZJUG

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

wzfUIQYccdUKQqK

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

dmRsBGGLtQZNneG

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

bYMnolOVrpzLTMu

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

chAvKNHPRyjZEjR

What does it mean by unfortunate to pass by?YxWkuHfuosBwaHHHhzKdAAWCBWSflN

DaqxSpqkqDEsNOS

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

vHIQvNDCidBddTS

Li Wuting, “……….”ltSGUnBojAZWuUCMrGYSuVvslacLwz

qXypsWTHGygDTQf

Li Wuting, “Get back in.”eeIaylkxhUejaAshaVPdYqGNUSbCMR

IyPUZkimHYgrdPi

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

tmNxndZlYfEGPsB

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.omNLuOzgBbFxFESkkqoKAVKVjjPKFw

uWsvdKvXKXTqFtQ

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

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

ROMnygEEgEMZBoV

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.vrsKibDzZrkSEtnKPvLaAwBEZgtYsP

auqCuiWeYtOpJhG

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

ipaHZgqMunjzDzG

It was inevitable to be more sensitive than usual.wYgGeraqlOsJdSHTqbiOcYKMkIuoeK

QihApEJVrGobXwT

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

tEEeNAVXVQKvBCS

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

hJiTWRDzEoXfiJs

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

mXweaonHoxylVBS

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

RWlimqjSnXDbdLp

Those youths appeared suspicious; could they be examinees?UAkeuWcydTLABMQKmPWvvCExqFfhqA

BafnlNSgSteNMMg

But it might also be overthinking on his part.NfTLkLOtuuerYqHCGspqSgqmjrkzNN

NfmCFTMfHHpMAOl

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.ukpPfqCqNlFDKhHMpPwNizKlDkimyM

cojAmIsWjLKiwTq

His thoughts whirled for only a moment.iosWIxkoOWCdMXbxVxQhsByFLxcOxV

sfgICTSayPQPauY

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

hMxEoCIftZaUkmN

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

gfedeclKBfHXQmA

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

dsyIjvDRNSyLyfr

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

BuJWOYrAUggYWhw

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

kcDEBvHsBXjUSBM

The carriage came to a steady stop.CqgthnOdlOdKAveeIknrghoMbUfDHw

XgyYwlGhdusvSVn

“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.”DODEQubglSrBxTlycJsUlExxguheeq

uRUXpVGDytXSePL

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

IZLkXiYDhcwZYOw

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

KZtPnlTKjHEMMvR

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.NraHkbnxTcpAJEhxDgZovSfLVXwmFd

ESbOMrbOTfJoXTq

He thanked him and hurriedly jumped off the carriage.GrbnLRpIiKtZQHgSQOYViadCTHEHDU

RzHduXcfHhqmGzl

…dEWRwUJYOFGnPRmHVyMNhfvHZIvwri

DQXQKwbUIhbitgq

Ning Rushen got off the carriage.AQHQcFeNdtBKKuoiBGDJTgZxyZWwTF

OzgKPKKExkRbaQE

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

taqwnOMhLGdyCBz

Li Wuting hummed in agreement.ZGCSQgQyCOGarESEvNjYtLFajbmZhi

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

hmzJKChgtpToWRX

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

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

RgHTMUdDtFpKvHM

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

YTaagvGCSQtdaZV

·xSPdzDhZjcuuqiqqjBpAgNeYauuLCp

KBkkUWqbbcWPipg

Ning Rushen stepped into the inn.EMfNOCzsVKBZYnvIxbIRxtpLOmxgdI

wvXRzRqhtNlRWHo

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?”QfjtErwkdmqhPCApDsRsrSLNymkjXV

sVNBiytJxsRPTos

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

kCkKOJPeToRHrCB

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

FICLSFSEVMeqxFk

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

qqLEmzPKpEFDFpp

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

JSSyvGyLiqQqdIQ

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

EepXBUmHqsPnbAo

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:NfvuFkRLTnBcnfGRpiBSQBZNZhwJzO

ZYOynKDKqNBKwlo

“Is the silver note ready?”NkQvuKZYUwfbAXENCmYuolCWNQGLby

FesYIGBmRekuqwl

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

cwSEhBfmRmNwxlh

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

pTuMQNLpATcKMMB

A young voice became anxious:SMWVCgahcFpKKIeYxruZLkffepyHpK

FvqBmNMIUJCPXhP

“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.”ptfeaoDlrCwyGXKWJWcngFyjFHbtSN

FZzFAJGKVyWAOeX

Ning Rushen’s breath became slightly concealed.rQfXNlZUzrYsjxtKMvROmpNxdyiUgt

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It was indeed a private transaction for exam questions!rfMNidZQXBCkBBYHGSIrqnPHQtlLXG

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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:riDaAzHNsrFFATixASTSkUesWcfIUp

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“See it clearly.”tmvVqLjBZrlPjbEcKDoFBZJMOngYmE

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“So it’s…!”kTDlxzWPLCEdMkqitScEwBhoLUBYcq

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

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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.aAXciBmQpaTocIDFPOVfeeRoHKcool

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

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

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

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

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“…!”RRvmjwyFySSWFDrInLkpVBdiKzfTDH

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

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

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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.vELyVUKrXrdGOnfQBTUblEqfxYkPBq

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

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

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The panic-induced heartbeat gradually calmed down.gWXAhdAxbZYdlSSGilEDzRDFUIqRka

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

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

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

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