Chapter 17
“Li Wuting stood still, then suddenly leaped toward someone.xWGtoZFzAhOouNuXlRQrRoPnbVkQnX
LcAfhdZMugmVNzTThe leap was too far, almost crashing into Li Wuting. Ning Rushen was startled and stumbled to the side!TLKMWbApJTakWVAzjwGpVgNksUqaaY
apjJPUEAKYmAlphLi Wuting reached out and grabbed his belt to steady him. ‘Déjà vu?’ he asked.ZDhJxuWHStNOvDocnHoFQdiUflAGDF
QoAKogZahDgArik“…The scene of falling in the Golden Luang Hall flashed back in my mind,” Ning Rushen replied.nSrGDeOVdqqGZhPHdakFyuvDoiXFuK
kgYrFZFAfpntTUWRegaining his balance, Ning Rushen continued, “I just tripped.”yrSKuwgnzWWDUwUqAhRIrcSDuaqhPs
lxprdpahCgjaxZULi Wuting sighed, pressing his forehead. “It’s been two quarters of an hour.”LeEqnBIjrUvJNSLEiyxvGAHuySLDGj
wIlteyBpIXSFjIpAn unspoken understanding hung in the air as they locked eyes.LrtrpjDSLzWfoHcXpFufqWCoGxyUqG
mZIlcFcVgtsviRqNing Rushen followed the ladder, landing back on the ground. He feigned surprise, bouncing in place. “Oh, indeed.”NLeQwzILwYmkjWijzwlgSAAXOKmZuD
mVgHOdvvwbhvTFgThe examination grounds were vast, spanning three streets and alleys. High walls enclosed orderly arranged examination huts.aOohVOTuQIdBOyyrnlEvkXpfxGvAgV
aWpCxgAvdXosALmLi 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.GjEvlnglKTyyrbMejmpFZAjspssoLw
kDWJHkydqIhzxOhAs they entered the Gongyuan gates, a tense atmosphere enveloped them.mzMWCBiLlOKKmCoUALgAFyIKemCBgQ
boZteIWkRtpjSNYNing Rushen took a deep breath. Li Wuting asked, “Do you have any impressions of this place?”dpcYNwdUPQtIectbDLRRzTZMjlRtPP
sbfJcrdQrRvDbXqNing shook his head. “I dare not revisit this place even in my midnight dreams.”IXyBQqoIwDaHtWTJJhOJLcoxSogmQM
qaAACGvPNTVsrVULi Wuting remained silent.vDzmBRKikiSHlUDrjJCDuKFlKMbOZS
GJpMTRrIBxvMntMGuided by Guan Fan, they proceeded. “Ning, you were once the top scholar here,” Guan Fan said with a smile. “This way, Your Majesty.”fhglSkIyXZDEixumngCmqxJnYBobpJ
JqDCMnJYCgZVJklOfficials within the Gongyuan hurried to pay their respects as the emperor arrived.opNLWMthHAXAcpWIhhUitidIUtUaMl
jNAVcJowVxpxotVWith many officials in attendance, Ning Rushen discreetly positioned himself at the rear.qJCaqlnZxtdSkzkyJNpJUWnuLvepXR
IDHRszignQeBwJFLi 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.zyndYfdotLiViJqwaSZYHviFrqierB
aABtTENSfTzlmeAThe Gongyuan was vast, and it took them quite some time to explore.RALAsIMqBBPborvJYzvFjUScjVlKVj
CaMjGOphMXMdXRgNing Rushen sighed inwardly:uxCYkDYUetGqNVGLxPiOQGZuLEYEAM
gYnFnadsAooiJPdAncient 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.KqchlvmLQFHIluSNpZFkFIlXSLOqoh
rMFDtUQoMLLtMXcA decade of diligent study, all culminating in this place.kiRfzqJWNjPqtuZpuMeQqfWwSHwyhT
IUNSMBvozDjHbIyBut it was the limitation of their era, beyond their control.lGufwoulziioXlCnoIlrRAmjySllUJ
eFoJWlQcmgiYWHbAs Ning observed, he suddenly heard Li Wuting’s voice ahead:QnmymQxGKFLNtBWOqGJViRpxJMDTcp
YHWTioELMjxXpbe“Ensure better accommodations for food and lodging. Get the funds from the Ministry of Revenue.”cqxjzhygpTLhTMQjsMbcqNKQCUlFQV
LmErgaeskjdmhjNGuan Fan bowed, acknowledging the order. “Yes, Your Majesty.”tckXKAZzkEZclcUpjApCksOyzASlPE
yUmIrOKffiZDHuSNing raised his eyes.CsvxmzgGgeMhKNcGmSlrMxwgiulnZY
ZAYgXCYqFUxgpIyAcross 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.TniersNpogqUUEXpWhsdPcgCGdzxEO
rlkhRGhfLKXXUrEIn that momentary daze, Li Wuting turned to leave.SWOwVgeXDbXcyRukpyKNkYtqTEriej
oHVafIiMKGLsILEBut before he could, he stepped closer to Ning, meeting his gaze. “Do you have any doubts, Ningqing?”ItFMdgOkADhPIMlSiLlTQFNMAmdgYj
dCxPVHJjiJpkcduNing’s thoughts gathered. “Is the money sufficient?”PhvXciZeIMSUtasfexoPZoHQmGswfw
AdTPjqZufLbhcqmHe remembered the near-empty treasury half a month ago.ixkbNZUbSfdVPqBaFeXmjWGOdfesXl
mUKUIezpSOyJOmLLi Wuting’s lips curved. “I’ve collected from a few sources. It should suffice.”IWewFKkDNxRdrjXjptmlJMDMRKaxmW
tWGyUEcslifcFgA…Almost forgot about that.”hYYCwuYyKiFALqRDpyiRtlyffguKeZ
WqFlbjsQBZlZpYLNing Rushen sighed softly and resignedly, “Fine. What is taken from the people should be used for the people.”ldFiwFhjFMZpFULlWvpAjclkmEXpzT
mCIMFDMWsrmxXuyLi Wuting, “…”jMUDpIaPpMdjEDpwnRXUEtGitvVFRw
SliWJEKrNUgnTerMinister Guan laughed with difficulty, “That’s not how the phrase is supposed to be used, Lord Ning.”INiglwlQvawnAMJrSZBVPsOSvZVAcm
LPfGiMEmmGabBcRAfter inspecting the Tribute Academy, the imperial carriage began its journey back to the palace.wICUtuzXABbTBfPkyTrtZXaWHBWoGZ
EULCJDmkkoBexnnWhen Ning Rushen arrived, he was brought by Li Wuting in that modestly styled azure carriage.KiPfOWwRPdwBOuPzcOaQZPqGTwPLUI
KkkwbHtZuqfAOiPNow, standing at the entrance of the Tribute Academy, he began to ponder how he should return home.AlmXWInSsUzsiKEVmSFkTcrBnuQkyP
UIlFaUOmlfHCKeoThroughout 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.slvwoHGrgzIdBOohbSKKXnjswRSiwc
MLYGaqNfeGJxRgcAs he was contemplating, the curtain of the azure carriage at the entrance was lifted.olWINsQdRydeNrKKnKxJbESVSxRRGd
xOfzdbmotrjeeGLDe Quan peeked out from the edge of the curtain, gesturing, “Lord Ning, why haven’t you boarded yet? You’re making His Majesty wait!”axTSjAaGdVpRaZjXNjhYvYUjkyGbaJ
NpPaBSsvYQfJZcKNing Rushen was puzzled.NYtgjTmsExHCsDYpEOGulhAFBMPKBs
OXtjBGVnayFckecUnder 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.xCtkNUeocGsLgKarmhpCUFdovHrhQN
IZtMVqXzTrUXSxqLi Wuting, “What’s the delay?”aYBbBuuLCTdXOrFKHGdYyInMMAQTzj
BswIlsfbBwVoETJNing Rushen was speechless…HuGciYIjZNBrzTHNIitTUAedvtDXuc
ZwnfmuMhsseHxPl“Don’t act as if we had agreed to leave together.”XJsgXjxiWkGIUFYfEFXoTlgYkspWZp
EoKgZkaFeoQVkhLHe remained silent for a few seconds before graciously climbing in, thanked His Majesty, and sat next to Li Wuting, comfortably settling into the ride.smiVvWvrThMrpElJKeRKvqELckPHBn
PZFAXFkCzuHmYfwThe carriage smoothly traversed the streets of the capital.yGuRuKtTtmbkZRIfBqQTEfrlXxTJuK
bdLlJQBbQsoehckThe 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.tFuJNOQxCVwuZWWYERopeTFkzclyqV
ZwsEkgxrXAAqsPiLi Wuting sat upright, only drinking a few sips of tea.MXcyBPagmepPGcuhxBxhhGnCqsDthN
tBmrxpLQqtDklMRNing Rushen, sitting beside him, frequently glanced at the snacks.QFOzVdkRNKmckYeBiawoVMpIVxHkVu
tzBUZUlExpreSoMIf he didn’t eat them, they would go bad, right?LfuxwCkCrDyjAaBexwtblWtQtAQBUl
alEztwzwmiEdoqwHe swallowed subtly.QduWwFCwFKkwIkVHPYAhKvbcYeZbUt
QhDyKHejKeHgqrfInitially, 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.”glQiVCWhQYXORfQPRaDSDHfdlFbPwJ
qBXIgszJynyPqGTNing Rushen’s eyes lit up, reaching out hesitantly, “That wouldn’t be proper, it’d be impolite…”JCtxlcIPGgtJgBCbIEWwTkbPVWhkzQ
SRtniGWnlLpnAtfLi Wuting snorted, about to respond.hryqmMRKfitonPpUQIjIVJBznINtia
PoKMSxUpqHAKZpPSuddenly, the carriage jolted sharply and came to an abrupt halt!mAUgefpXpzFLRkMRLhAtUaBLlbgFgO
BOrRNFsgYiVWjJmNing’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.oZjpOfgojPUIxOGqwrEepTTaJEyQIn
OSDDEbWaRTXWEsCLooking down, he realized he was leaning on Li Wuting’s thigh.MiKbqFgyUQVRBypqKFtaexpAzlOxeB
VZAwuiyQlkwEqmcA few strands of hair fell and wrapped around Li Wuting’s fingers.puOhNbOWPGrVqMazQKfCUIxdKbhnYI
rPOOcEALytGVRImNing’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly withdrew his hand.cPtafBtkUWLPKZZkoEYVQoeBjRLSZL
lubrlmGEgPQRhoDLifting 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.IyVVJuUwIzcAdWRTFIuWvpppCtimYH
OwllXgpcjHOUTewNing Rushen pursed his lips, “Your Majesty, I…”ChUdihPyZdQSTkiVORpwgGfLQJjBYD
sNdaQrxAQevDUjTBefore he could finish, the carriage swayed again.AosVdkzUcOEYqHOZlNfZPbBaviTPWS
hxVSMryfATJQFXfHe 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.PDdziVJuOvzyphuUgDilIXkqHvOQUW
whTPJFxlGpWIxwrHis palm slid along the raised curve to the inside—GTXvWorqmksJSYCDQGZXsJKkjjcCde
QdZiIBeJfIeRzQLThis time, the muscle beneath his palm tensed suddenly.hCXIeFzExkPPqocJTXryGWIowSBthj
xhQdLNTNedcODHtThen his wrist was caught.cUCRcgtljnXtWBMWVGCrzhEEnqveTH
SvwEWHlWxFoUpPdLi Wuting’s grip was strong, pulling him away as he looked outside the carriage, “What disturbance is there outside?”MutZSmaNnOprLvnJYGoXAjrRlsUGKR
xfzNQtzzaZvApYzA 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.”mkYKhOewNnSPCYrtiOwubVpHcJUpWw
gZzgYVESukwPtdT“Your Majesty, do you want me to go and disperse…”lrSPgcvsfqHqVlPUbQiVSjPpnsxLWO
AYyTqCitbuujmjU“No need,” Li Wuting interrupted, “When has my Great Cheng become a place where children cannot play in the streets?”ixmIQIbKgTOGnhESiRJtUZcVMbTSXO
ePIBwMYhiNvtaCjHe said, “Proceed slowly.”CMofwBueHRPnwkyhLNPHpjjSpIhbrU
MQoAfQkGWgfZXfD“Yes, Your Majesty.”fIEgXBsDPMBuSiFgtKJatBYlIVYWcz
OKUQcaXGDFEtDqjThe carriage started moving again, gently swaying forward.lxiXtSJMpkKrZGotozatHMKTqOhQQu
zAuTBDkpBEdciapNing Rushen’s palm still retained some warmth.FconZAOxTdrlToEGqtBzOVtImfMXbW
HXLRTsokXCgaYsABut more than that, he was mulling over the words just spoken and the expression Li Wuting had when saying them.qENVYHnKeoIOxnnRmwRNirFVojboPb
JdySlKAKWULYPFAHe looked at Li Wuting, his eyelashes fluttering slightly.JjSvNjdfiknKEUBAUtYSPQPpOHOnxO
XrBisJzUvFFHBfILi Wuting glanced at him, “What?”eSBFexKuyemOoquzIlXnnRlANMRvJh
AjQSlhBpsywbzqZNing Rushen regained his composure and said, “Your Majesty loves the people like his own children.”pOtjgeTFsnsYxavcweqXWxtnZYfHqb
DYHyQHDPiKEGPmrLi Wuting seemed to think of something, his expression slightly cold.CRvBsrNFTBXVUObZTMFRnacvntXKzb
DlmnJtqXUKlCgyIHis eyelashes drooped, and in the depths of his dark eyes reflected Ning Rushen, “I am not lenient towards everyone. Does Ningqing understand?”LlzkrKfcVRooBmvhbkGGxWgSrBzFmR
uphrDSBKBsZwWsfNing Rushen nodded, “Your servant understands, such as some unfilial sons.”YnwUbQaoqfffHRZTgKgIsiJWicExvR
CzITtyIINNipNPhLi Wuting, “……….”VdcHtsdlraayVCRSPzaGwkfpEwRKNP
zVJUbKlNoTXJunA·LVcwMRHqqGHSTjmObZAFbcijHcZaxt
cNvEMMpsHHiNHItThe carriage finally passed through the bustling market.zOmSiuAPbFFhuzJJnagNnajdjHIQRC
GFiDUcxLzpHgRLyOutside 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.nPxaNssdIBfXijPwRJUELxsUQJEadH
qfpAlyoGPOaZvKrThe curtains of the carriage had been drawn all the way.XKvOKzeQDUnPwTXyxtcsVhEeyHVKmP
rAIZfBLwgyOJjeTNing Rushen, who had been stifled for a long time, now leaned close to the window and lifted a slit to look outside.ukTEBWmWtwkBitCSCKAWifXQhtkbCc
iOILyJuUYmvLyfwAs expected, the surroundings were secluded, with no one passing through the long alley.bKwxyxGTZcAGeivKRdaKBxXTnNFECj
lNInzMsxUnhDQRIHe became a little bolder and simply stuck his whole head out to get some air.JpaxZHoofaNnILGfdJgKBovQOBvLOq
UGfEUniUPKDnbIzInside the carriage, Li Wuting looked at the person with only his neck visible: ……obNuHjIXtLMrQTMaAQZlKPEIJwlcSg
ACrimFeBgLcbNwhBeside him, the servant De Quan hurriedly said, “Lord Ning, hanging your head outside the carriage, what does this look like!”CBGwRhFRPXjTFiiWhKhGWwUaRSUYcP
sADkIVCXWMYHCNLNing Rushen comfortably propped his head, “It’s fine, no one will pass by.”udnWWniVDauhFNGtEfrBupRaHUalmW
updRbBidCYsoCcpLi Wuting’s gaze was deep, “Have you considered what it would feel like for someone unfortunate to pass by and see this scene?”cOMlDYDZQXGUHhYdnqVvBJFycVBTGo
fArnpRqVAfOXdBMWhat does it mean by unfortunate to pass by?YCoqyIzxVKFbVwbpQrchWeHUdcAJhB
GemqJXkLNiXLxvRNing Rushen put himself in their shoes and then sighed, “It would be a trip worth taking.”opzsHeJJhjLgiyenibmXwiEuHusbfT
CLDlGvYSGkmdDfFLi Wuting, “……….”vozxVpKAMPPjNzgTtzitFFEUSPmMJq
ZlkpTlJESCubCsFLi Wuting, “Get back in.”qOGAAfqsxzMSoXsllOkbaPnjeawdqf
yIhfQfVTmygIakNWhen the emperor spoke, Ning Rushen regretfully gave up.nXklpUvCHKElJAVgNixkUyAzemHMvh
AWMiNhGkVngbmMvJust 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.XBHXBmAaYRSRRXZNsjyNvHzOUJHBKC
hDaMkoVsHJDTUDBThe youths seemed a bit hesitant and nervous, exchanging glances, with one of them even covering his waist.zQhtGbUokfsvfuxWnlTxgvbczEgiYx
rHqtVoYSTuMQWDHThen they hurriedly entered the inn, pulling and dragging each other.XymfJkGyHHtElnTPeEyfZujBJGzcNd
PuQKCsbOwfvrstJNing Rushen leaned on the carriage window to watch the figures disappear into it and sat back in the carriage to slowly savor the moment.YdVIWcBFlqVJJrSjkXHHdplzDYCxmP
UhNdtdMfqPyaRwhNow, on the eve of the imperial examination, he was wearing the “examiner” identity.tKzFcqnsnXcDUhhzjAciUnRUCJEjnF
HulEUVawtEPMNOiIt was inevitable to be more sensitive than usual.HjzGpcaxJNNYBizypChUfhEFiGCMeh
qVvrfoFuCOfucRu“Ningqing seems to enjoy the view from the carriage window too much.” Li Wuting spoke up.VJciWinWbIEqgTBsERcodXXmIFVKNZ
PMRDnCkTsNWtyNJ“Your servant, no such thing,” Ning Rushen replied casually.fpyWjzRPUOGmnJAYCiEgVFwoukaKQj
HUXBxZJwoyPczmTSeeming to find his response so ordinary, Li Wuting couldn’t help but glance at him.IOkmLNZLQBMzpexUwIjFMoKwcZwEqp
TbjCKSJlCgeZCxOAt this moment, Ning Rushen was pondering over the matter, temporarily not in the mood to jest with Li Wuting.ahgMNBxOCumavXMxouUYDJblwyPfQs
zCuwfZHHpfcBreaThose youths appeared suspicious; could they be examinees?BYNHboUqrchGdjhqHDFWCkXloSuXSi
ltWHgfBljOAfoUmBut it might also be overthinking on his part.mDIUFEONwYchPXJQXEaWdrgHoNthEY
wfEBrjeKQnOAmLaTo 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.fJIjHWFSVUuuTkDtmXQGZlWVCqyNVF
FdZRWfIKxiDVIsAHis thoughts whirled for only a moment.AjAuwvwsLVDgKOSFmfnNrIYjiAnFRv
VVxYXIBSVyEyTMTNing Rushen quickly made a decision, “Your Majesty, allow your servant to alight here.”mMBYXKHRSxXDegJAHLrEzHqFGVEuwR
lBPSqIKZSmTHwafLi Wuting, “What, do you prefer the air outside the carriage?”SoAfnJGAYWQWMhOgXAFFWSFAoUdqZZ
VVFDFeoLZLXvLVlFrom the moment he started, he was making ambiguous remarks.NXwPJthICRUmIxdtkCCCQsNnUFxONn
sfsahVeRCnRAqMCNing Rushen said, “This servant remembers needing to go nearby to buy some things.”MfJSBClBFdNNSTVDNnIsbcaLgbOcbX
GsIKFFPIzmVFLpoLi Wuting tapped his fingertips on the desk twice, then said to the outside, “Stop the carriage.”gcxjLiKghwRSPYXDEMkvSYZAfkMufF
MPsjcMChlRzQvAlThe carriage came to a steady stop.fLydhmAgLiUilwnYdPRVHQQttsRTzc
HpPSCKOiFvwIVDs“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.”JgQblQIMkGWtHIfrkYouFOVjSMohVJ
IqAYRxxfkWnLYnjLi Wuting looked at him for two breaths, “De Quan.”lznXqgtYwqThniilwNJwLEiWMcNQHw
DzJCCcrRQhSxbnS“Yes.” De Quan quickly found a cloak and handed it over.XNjKfeLnCfjnddOxXOeOLxWmKQBnVA
flXLcwqDPDapsqWNing 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.dfnEvWeblKlFFARvtodSPKIoRgiOyw
rBHZTskDEfGLTyIHe thanked him and hurriedly jumped off the carriage.oqowWtsEDaBXRBbStoynNAfATfndzI
wwXavgtNlcOoBri…IJNBPXFnFpwLXVnwppGElaTKwifSVi
hWZcLZxsLgfPetCNing Rushen got off the carriage.llYSKNZacgVyBxcTGoiLxsTsGxKqph
VppRjNhDeodsldZThe guard asked, “Master, shall we go?”PLLtjkIZdMdnRuPxfZGYlCpzgCMeAV
uvVfLOlSfSFFoJxLi Wuting hummed in agreement.yauEtcyUjWlczFfqGhJYkfglQfuyje
XbmjAXorNQBwqzmThe carriage slowly started moving, he paused, then still lifted the curtain to look outside.DNWTpcBGKIAmNnUFiUAICmNrFRrfgh
eZIWhUtTrYwgRPTHe saw that graceful figure wrapped in a cloak swiftly enter an inn.atFbfIDjIeLGvUqPdKRlxIovazcuri
NVDAsPfzcBUnqdZHis gaze moved upwards, landing on the inn’s name: Moon Fairy DwellingVBUeFVTQLSfZNubXDUPswSwQciVnwn
xIWzdqcxjMhNVMTLi Wuting’s eyes fixed, “Hold on.”bNsSTgpJyGpiaQTnOpspVRwzaXkEmU
mGrGWRITrpgoslQ·woYRXbqvnDxpEiyejvkbEVcHjZrSCD
yTloqWZMMKrJinTNing Rushen stepped into the inn.ocrxNmNMphTeIkaMkxobzWqaeregqm
YntXPKdHijGjKjWThe 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?”NVteyNdBBAAsFSKSsHcEbVwSLUiWtz
CGPUOjAqbJLxAWzNing Rushen looked upstairs, “Looking for someone.”vIeAXziyIBdAunBvfFZcCVyOyJgOJb
bCmKeVZRZmKiaUhThe innkeeper didn’t bother him further, as if this was normal.xHOFrRrdCPEZHkjbYilLQQjFchbUik
cGsucXUVtVqGocwThere were faint movements above the stairs. Ning Rushen carefully followed the stairs up, all the way to the fifth floor.CDrOZWfHnWewbdITMJQELESpGBUIQh
mHCLbUCwmwohHhUThe corridor on the fifth floor was empty and quiet, with several rooms in a row.tWICmiHaCHzwOBiChDesNmcxWuEMcm
KtaWWpDYuDCDKqZHe didn’t know where those few young men had gone.XUdGBFmVyLzfNXCAhampIorDaEBXxv
DBQLwECSvpKhxAAHe 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:VvzMrUYZWJwOKGXGFJkHylMZMjocsQ
uVkJliMbYTIFWNf“Is the silver note ready?”bWusUEIVShBvMkXsqjHtYBtiKdwHnI
vkywEckYaKERpLd“It’s ready… But is it real?”cBGYqHiWpgyPOotxgaxxSGydVNoRVb
dzTzUqycjFqXtZi“Hmph, if you don’t believe it, you don’t have to come.”EDMAznxdxtecklSpVwhtmzsFgZxrrD
hLysXfaVmuXFnnHA young voice became anxious:SnaOaVyQvisPzklKRSGsBNZcaxyypA
vSakxRChqiPGXxq“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.”FNTtwNoVSnvMfPFlHxySFsmPFdNywy
nOQHYyonAiaJqlANing Rushen’s breath became slightly concealed.lCXZfhXWkhdRsrdYLXIqaTFslSNYel
ksnwfCUqAZdAMVPIt was indeed a private transaction for exam questions!iZzmLnekvmPWBkfxgppvXcssvfDfLp
JdpRVMscnYMbCIXSoon there was a slight rustling from inside, as if someone got up from behind a screen, followed by a “thud” of something being tossed:aGdibzhJihBbdHQWBRTWUQBqyjAMJi
ullOFXQSwCYIMnT“See it clearly.”KzXdygeBIdwKiIQbTevhlqJGsWbFig
mgbzVmFxqyISFBm“So it’s…!”GyOFtIcXAbOBnsrYFVDqklEQrTMWqx
FxiHsygQMnEjGbQWhat was it? Ning Rushen leaned closer to the door crack.eTStnakSWRNEGiVnELwgUwYHIzOmMa
twFnlutHRqZPiBsPerhaps 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.whJqyVfgPeuFMZGVTjuUKeWLkcdnQK
hItHzzQhXxgswSpBut unexpectedly, the door, being old, creaked slightly upon his touch.vICWVEzCcVCdFEYXIYNDLwgHFJWLov
wCkNAExZiXYtiuAJust as his forehead touched the door, it made a soft sound: creak…hTZNyiWmparRURxGCYaFTbMhjHJjlr
NpGKRfQhRXxekoj“Who’s there!?” came an alert shout from inside.vPArojVEwXkfigUlSoMbwOAxWsnmsx
AnuqEEErAYrwCpYNing Rushen’s heart leapt, and he turned to leave. Suddenly, a large hand reached from behind, covering his mouth—viVbDhzChPHdaepaJaveSHOMKZmHyd
zQdkBjpYzPfJmrd“…!”WfotChCJFOrSbaXxiJIIPgoObMCAhx
etqJhiwNchbeqZJBefore he could react, he was dragged into a room diagonally across the hallway.xevMwmaJwXCSOnhaAJMpGdkLjLXpSV
YVYOieUcPUVlYNvThe moment the door closed behind them, the sound of the door being forced open came from outside.NZWOQEaAsarKDrYensNTBNhABrjULH
DzpprbrEYjbeXgjNing 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.SMxOCbdxhvbVoOfgTCXcDcKQWmtBpt
BYyBNsyTnitoNszHe was about to struggle when he suddenly smelled a familiar faint fragrance…gCRVbgyPJLfXHbCOafXRSHNooEpfId
VjHeTNacVGWYpecLi Wuting leaned close to his ear, “Don’t make a sound.”JLisYmDTgsyLbjIbXAqmWLkcSxWbMb
sOUvMWZvmPSkhjHThe panic-induced heartbeat gradually calmed down.EZsJiGEeBZTiHjSYMoHYVrPgaDbIfQ
UBffcnbiEHaKUZDFollowing was the deep voice that seemed to directly penetrate his eardrums.mLwgSDXfcLDckTWKQIIncSxvYZmMGV
SARHRoKGKAvsBlPNing Rushen was trapped in Li Wuting’s arms, enveloped in the warm breath mixed with a faint fragrance.ZRIYVGMlceSLzdvvgIkGocoZFpmuwO
RLEYhgIvCcEAfXhHe couldn’t make a sound, and reflexively started to shake his hips and feel his ears heat up.hBGjTfeoWbcglwaIdMtbCPONdIhAhE
VwGePRDshuGZxlmkfcpLbacZzwWKvEdxNUEsjJNmcaZIK