This official is so weak

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

JvhqBPJYlhnXIEJ

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.PDugxHvGicynJNaKqryYyagNMFSKWZ

KqnSsiqCNwTfSFO

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!”qzejljDbGyzaddUmYISnTaTlpbDRQG

qcIXcRFQshnlzKH

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

smlkjuMRHKRcgum

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

ZfPdHsOVCKIuOFZ

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

GatxIuFbIwuyiVc

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

mzuZdLsNlqoRuyA

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.mGLmSlaQOCWpCqCAzOgcWRtQyppxQa

xtTlwjWCwECnysH

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

cjYYyiCRnjfmoeg

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

xquPifnNxrAjrjQ

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

McJsPTFOdyfajST

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

DdEqCqZOXwbVlAK

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

eofzghlZjLyXcNJ

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

nInxDAlySGTyKou

Ning Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”rthQkxAVgExgdoPyiMoyNczTIPAmjd

sDRhIgLAqykJOEq

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

ABBJFgqPjwPlhiM

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

irkymxQxdLIfIVQ

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

sasNLtnvZIIPqIo

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

zOVSDgxuGXzRHqS

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

FfKUqysGZbBAKHL

Eating down a hundred households.PIkGVhbmhvPgCBMdHTXjiPsHddHyFi

OsZKwJdnfDzCeoT

Huo Mian, “?” What?KFDDzxBVTGgHaEZwmdYfOwgepylSES

DJsWcxmYNxIFoPQ

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

ZtaCBtArmxvGJgw

“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.”euoyOAXgxUHIKNYDpkrXrKPWNOYDdt

XIOgKFcLRWCojio

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

xXnYbIUZTitUGKz

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

IHefRMgrvUyIgdX

Li Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.hltRUQpgTEMCeYXegBtHiXuFqULdDP

pEgwakotOvPXeuS

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

yrbwlcooKijJKoT

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

WRBEPYcGVQSosYk

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.”WRPiWgDAvcbHjMVtqeDATOzSJLCDFL

AbEsEyyQyOAbbdx

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

WssVQDYPEeSJJXp

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

SvCFMgcDxMRRaFP

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

DrvuHHFIxWiMsRh

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.”bXqOJLpPVhnzZnMDRBqwrPfhWvBcuf

kExaUmNLyNwDCOc

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

ZGbPAWTqfbqbIqq

Ning Rushen, “…”sjdDFQWmVrqCfQhzzlfQmRERrKprft

OLUOBRebMZDETRK

Is that laughter polite?rPfNZRQdyWaKECjGlSYPnYtFQrEeBC

SmZCRRlwnBsSJhJ

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

ruJQYBPtwZsYiUQ

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

QccvhObcTOGcZMO

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.”MaAaueRUUbzgFjUoNXIYZrbphgwQaG

sUldprbDItNSESC

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

KVdExfiLDolycFn

·ExkLNAHssviBykWtBGkRYeuRjoHrwU

sHspWPfmhSSHIZZ

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

QydshqEWYySshcD

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.QwtmhNmZaGHEyybkHIbCxPHfhVALPN

DheWoMtPSUwutEu

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.quZZvQUemYKoFHWUwhjxtmJDvKKMvr

zTGbCInDOshLNgv

Fruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.gFwiIwtXprZiQraAwMDgPtaGvHpHVb

oOHSUEgZAOoTrdi

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

bFVwYtDPrxlQHDb

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.ZLcPEblGLlMpNMgPoiXsHxlgEWySVS

xtHXSkcLUKHZYxX

Both inside and outside the field were lively.EkuEcsZdfhWVNcLcAPRlFmEfXJyThO

CuHkoVLSgslgSbq

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

WGtBGBSDuhMqLdF

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

mNMFbDhVrjYqSLh

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

wtXWcjwONRHURpw

The eunuch had seen Ning Rushen early on.pgOKRWPTKVWGLelPObmiOKqRRDtdPf

ygHsHCoNZbkBKLR

—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.VsxlfCtxXnpbKXddzmamKYQnjZIAfe

mZVZDpdGzrDWpyN

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

NhxSnWeaaTahltt

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.QvibvZpFHJfwgDyRyAbsYlXmQqtVQS

zmcTzTnxAirAHSs

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

UuYeuKpbDFWiGkL

Who was the leak reporting this!FQbHAAznaPZHAiGlRbKhwgxtmhCMed

JvVWkcHxYrFTRLp

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

xgXuCSIQayCphBD

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!”NaefVcbLWczCJbjfljLIWVaEISRUgu

evLudzCZrHCBdJG

Ning Rushen: …??pZyPyUeoJdhGdcRaanwvqZCeBIwzbt

ZJmQNnMyKISQqkh

…mqBceZfXkrMmAMqAjLBpusYAUSduVT

OaaibvLskAKMpzP

Half an hour later.gKheMrmcPWOCTtXgguNVqsxCmpMVbt

jTazOGxdLvxknmc

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.hPOJYdmlURlpnqDAJxAXyEjdpdIbxb

sZULJKLeSRrAyZR

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.ghGyYqJUNIbouyOJzAVhKtfPRayxxz

XpOGVNuNRPxfLDb

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

VYCWJrlRFaPfeSn

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

xoaZwVdHhooGcal

A group of palace servants waited around.gWnRGFgRuIwMGtNZSJUlUUapfsrcar

BUaRMpBWPtSFgrP

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

PPLuNcFcUzjkhiQ

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

IbmGHzqsPPByCnC

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

ODKYWItwvfTrRRv

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.”ArxLvbViJQkLvjMDByBqCglYFggFgR

uRNsZOizlyNVWDG

Ning Rushen, “???”RBdZCejuQnspxpbWzQepPPkoyPCpLE

gnDeLqukvQKqOhz

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

eOXyNGsFzAJxFjG

They quickly approached the side of the field.FzwqZXfjINyqAnqLUXZokuMMVxELBs

uBiPjRRWodWUpoF

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

EumAKCtgwgfrokd

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

HyqnzMZYNFgTyEv

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.ZFxnjsGtjLhIoBdyCJOpTHkixlWBiW

QuKuOKQLdMafqWh

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

KqfkHORnczuLpLl

Li Wuting turned his head to look over.dzlCoZigwlTDYqXYUrTqcDfXNdtgYY

vHszukYsIPEGXES

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

zEWvPShnziecLyM

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

UiruYBmkWZjwAWp

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

ZuoAtETbquuRanj

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

czkdIuEckzFHCvt

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

hkPynfdHdTORiHM

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.”ikHcUBrBTrujUBoYzdZgVACEpDydSz

CgvXmnchcMRMEOX

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

ERdnViwgLPZDnoE

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

OBhvfqiZstnJvuk

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

CjLNWwgDDmiBkbL

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

YChUHRZZoLZrXWR

Ning Rushen, “…”KGHagflZPBeQKYlxQWdkpgScKIqgIp

QsXQZFjOywXjFhY

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

WMbSsYMXBBzPTdj

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

MUnizdjShROiEJx

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”vZVPlYQIDfoxMgvmWeSXZvkoaJjLQd

aYxHMVcUrAueoiU

De Quan, “…”oelMPSxdJWqsbJSDICXYRZaOoPVUgw

YkdpqAsGpXMDyGV

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

vKADeodntVDYEbB

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

rZyqgdtShcRSGka

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

CzoLJpdHIJaBNrQ

“Oh, how bad?”WxrYAqDVqKEFHVYfksxNiiUEIgwlrp

XzQAehSpIjNISCu

“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.”bABTwCLPqVJpEPayXwSWBJfPSOBYjo

xoKdmcEFQnNkNPo

Li Wuting, “…”CfJhdnXnthlXJuwEPUJtCCuLhRufAX

ABSfpziamxOSzkl

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

fnZGlYRNATtMWzI

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

WzYuzmcmMuHvvvh

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

dINuaLjrnpSjShh

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

HMvFgoLDGjsUPgZ

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

lrVIQyffBuzpkxb

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.”kDIgoYfEtLAkvGqBtUDNAifdlriceW

SRYcqHGdANgZEdn

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.qGBkAtudPrWjEJpvBjYgkvGbuFiSuM

oElVjAGrGvsdnFG

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

bSisJuHdfvfRBJX

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

UujOoVxlZOzbpjn

Li Wuting chuckled from the side.XVGfrcPfYhzejUoZxkNCgZuhPilHZK

twVODEvTkRSTmCO

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.”WPevAWxtEulUyamumOaXlADpRLftDN

ONwzrrZyvBzgmdg

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”DbpaAVkZkzyAQUunnIujUInzLoEezo

nHmxatvxILdTrkZ

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

kmucrpWHwmuoyCz

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.hKdZhLHRVTmJpMpPJvrrUqRvTWOVxO

ZmcDFLSLAJxyPum

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

PqKKtYIOIXtheuh

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

UcrCMRBWVsXgpRw

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

DudLyHJCaCxxGnk

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.”aBOWbsZxHrZXzcZxHAOffCaLPQqHsz

QXBjtgfrGIIcNTn

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.zQBVWwYTqEEXPtyhusFFuwjmGcByVX

gUnrJmsHooGLJhc

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

UoigtMGhqAeQETB

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:InpXtRViJMBrMAQSbLQCbaDxpkfxjm

NecHoesrLfCTksm

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

lgOfiijqGhWRhYD

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

oBwwpSIQpQhwIFg

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

xIZWWMInDUvEXPH

“Minister Guan, what brings you here?”igXNmClLaOGeOjGOsZROQQCYqGRcfu

JVaMKDaaTTgAtnr

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

tNdYssCItKziToS

Li Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”adxyAZEiujPjqZNZIBLbfHnxJzeQCF

VyXPYUBOoQQwQvZ

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.sPwJrIdbFdhRwpWYlAViudMNKFhagI

fILiLDbgyEtxjVh

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

gvrrUyXJoOjIMsD