This official is so weak

PDXMhbZByEkGFKGTable of Contents

Chapter 16

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

HerMqDCLFmdmJob

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.BxVdgcFkRwqTQKRAyJuhbYmnfrjLcd

UBtyceXFylAOFvf

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!”VLFGtGayRzZpDHJYZqYHEtxZuIjPJh

GKtEewyFCnYVXGN

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

fonJuwSLhUDzqUd

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

FdmRlIJMOKmkZYU

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

iWEThEvETzklEJP

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

JwFKhSvZwwmJweO

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.RyKDXbRVZnilUxPvfAxilKjJRsGFVr

jEKniqAGxvMqkQo

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

dBQsbmcwpbCWhVZ

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

YhOaHAnOYPtSKsJ

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

NEnTGkQhgVrxgyh

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

jHXUeXTtUYcqsqe

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

dAQVwZmGmNxZDOH

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

GsxGnZWtDoQmJDY

Ning Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”OAUBuKimMIiueqUdwQsVqoKcjEWHCq

ruHTaeZHKCfeHhv

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

EFkOwQusuUeqRjF

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

XiFxoAUaHpeYozm

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

NOVDrUoCoVnivSA

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

iictobvOWxrrdAq

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

gwiWRQOgrKXcCkh

Eating down a hundred households.xJFYShIYPSeGTVapfUsNusCqWeuodN

bVHVFgHCYalWbrP

Huo Mian, “?” What?ozqvEeqJJMvhhKqbpGTeLVzzSQkmGx

YdqPnBJkbrIkyND

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

UYKngXpkhWgcHCS

“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.”KfKrjxQfExCXaKkoJDRwfZfKbZaCGe

FQsKQiZwDyGXpWO

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

HhAevXyVATfgwkP

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

WRrlPfermIJOqKX

Li Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.sLQqsAmfJyjrfLEvWHHMXtNJzpKJzJ

yxppLtzvsjKxeUD

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

peqFmZGgfODQieE

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

KUXaIJdIsmYzbus

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.”lSokdTGvoUslpTUwWOIkEQJuAIZsmn

ClHJbsVsVBmtMfr

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

vWOJkIFjhzoTMEK

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

gbKZoelPhoERkqX

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

syXghVhTlknooCJ

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.”CfkHLsGYZtWAkRUDUGKjcgNmmZyufx

UUtuGwxEvNjQXQm

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

SLlIZtNTCpoMXmq

Ning Rushen, “…”LetQVsvKtHFELyDBbpRxwkRaNixUDB

rCftyJGktuSxJab

Is that laughter polite?IwEnfWDvqfLkxThBGXvmgSrthvYgCz

dkLJtLSdAqArwib

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

YmwLEtzcsIElnkc

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

lLKugxTYeJwHWMh

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.”IaVHhxIbbcxhRxOwyxqoiMznybkkXb

tiOSbhlOuWjaWKn

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

QrwpSVQGjySyKTC

·ejfRbTXqynfPfFMPCPilmaxlwJXXTG

PHStwuurScIXGDB

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

FNjieeYyDWHjVIk

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.eKPKOtQTrtkjBKqvVSIsilWkfAsaIj

pLHKoiHkaVzJUqI

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.zCPyKwlZndEMfucDulLYjCfagwsTpH

zMYqCvKtEkamdPK

Fruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.SCCugeDUvXqzPQwkCUYTVPSQFYrRcz

pceoHOFgDdBDRpA

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

ZBxCYtFyaMGcXwU

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.cYLyrvyzuuKYHQJoLLFIjSpmzTEdHn

xBCmYqEGLqdkMDQ

Both inside and outside the field were lively.WJPhHnZEaNUzycaNbtoWONIcWNBMlP

kMpLAZWLCkrmdGN

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

flktDtKQCJNGExi

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

PUhpvSpbGIvsiHD

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

QmsJbRlrdpovClH

The eunuch had seen Ning Rushen early on.mwPgcyxVitOQcajUeDLSQFBJTktMjT

bqtHJCMYeGAABAb

—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.KtVsDUcqvdXcQgLbbgmweVYlyDGmWa

klOGeOQbltqDwDp

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

JWARWvdirZBrxkK

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.OBgXeZAubWxXMQyeSjeSzTJakezSEN

cuAQIdBnyxalRvw

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

pzJRVWdAmMCaDvk

Who was the leak reporting this!fRrMWXoZkKhxBtPOuujytNQJfpCnmy

hzeEBJNTUgcmYef

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

yewNELlxLoIIKxA

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!”cQWrHMJGZUuJlHBLRWaTtTRxenbHsW

mSSXMWhHAVkJjnH

Ning Rushen: …??ibEgWKwMrdSVOWLqMKWltpRSHgpEhs

jhmARKhhMALwAYf

CrtWCGlQfxkPUtLQUCPUENfCsEnndD

iIZbaGXAABtBLBC

Half an hour later.wpFRgJKuLdHTBSmsveWhLCCKuAJIeB

xrJNgHpfdxxMpEb

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.hPROZzPwehHHaFhaUwxAJWWVbUgWlU

psxXxMpppSKLcqV

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.CVfRpheWFxfQdcRUvHKejJBtKInrzh

dfXLklfpYEJUUec

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

TufbFyPTUUXfVFi

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

jExkfDDzSXwZVkd

A group of palace servants waited around.cMfbMefXInuRqOjsUFRdUCrGRWoxnn

wlRqtPFlnpAfBDv

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

xLpymIBcpaerWBj

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

BlGDCunekMURkuf

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

gDYozXfyUvjMxbz

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.”igIGVkIVxSYihldkfZuftVgHCTnauf

CJVHBqcNBHkhztl

Ning Rushen, “???”nILZNHSBzXlfjVVGyfNkObwtesMVDm

HfbtCFYQgfSQLBR

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

AHVTdSfZwFeOfZo

They quickly approached the side of the field.wgmpohvAAUvJmqqBFgWclgclhfiDAq

YPuZOJGRVYHZuOG

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

wHROCjICpJDFMay

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

eXxCumryktDzkKB

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.issAOtkAlAPTQtYtcPpAGYzYEzOfZO

mPcdslNQBZHSiIm

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

rWTgNlVzxINPyBy

Li Wuting turned his head to look over.jSgRdgwodKSMUBqstknfeLIMfYsqBQ

SQSezkMQMdrcCKE

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

OVYxakjOVOkdQJG

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

SAZxLqilJlqXKJz

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

VzVNInvqQYwxvLW

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

qlELmqVenvpWCNj

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

PoVFhiPasbMOMsw

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.”bkRMXHrBJtFabRlHLzrUVUmPcHyyme

jEKmshqxeobsElN

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

YhXldqaGoTzyhYZ

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

JnWdCCWwVONfAJj

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

wnEBCDasITeBJqO

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

VpxgVeLKzGvUsfy

Ning Rushen, “…”DmpIRhpvUtwOpGTKCKALtqYFuBOFzI

cFpgEjVxhNhDcZP

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

IrEDQrxUWYHsIqd

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

UaKEEiAAxjyjJpe

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”SzbirfXCOyCapTCXYjQJPPIsQSClOf

XZwxTPpZzXXlotd

De Quan, “…”rNcTKuctmHDqygjmJpjLsSyNffFMpe

zlNBXvgGlWUTEIL

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

zUklfKwYjcPJnRh

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

POLxwuXhusuEIrD

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

BdpkjYMhYtrxYEL

“Oh, how bad?”QxVpmHHsBxFxuvmOVGdiXLxzecsgoN

EfnYXwblDnzGZeB

“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.”bbScXbYukvMscrDrvbKTtEGIEyEqCu

kSDZmJowOOIsfia

Li Wuting, “…”tlvYnaggQIXxOasADPDVNqJJcwncPw

epeowtapChOVull

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

PqgQfVrPhtHibwW

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

YALVLYbZWIsbbGw

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

LYAcXzRblBzwgES

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

lpKkmRDkMSkSnwE

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

ndFGNVRoiNWmjZz

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.”fkfvsPKaYtOAHbUpgnHYhevlUwVUwT

WXLmzvnwSniGWNY

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.jSJNwRMsmSDCjkVfQSvbyIDqVadNSm

HBbVVDEHoNIPqhK

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

cWCMnRADMFzrnco

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

fNxRWvugfUXroDG

Li Wuting chuckled from the side.knRqVJxYbiAknxzdDZDmNXCgmbCnxc

nVoILMXiZMdYHqw

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.”jYfIlfxdLCqrGBfjkocWIATSloxRDR

UjvRKAlCOzCuKJd

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”RRUvQgDujxPmomdpiaxKdsGdaIukje

UCUPqIoqYxUIdGb

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

LVydCQMXvseQXQn

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.AgrGQAjjSfzVFsBXihJbglQjnesoSV

dcxDTSdlpeIGPKz

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

ylbPdGgDpVjwToE

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

FzRqxBIEHsadlDR

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

cRgPPQuBngBBSSh

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.”XrzSDMMnyMsRZgrOOfyjUIakjfMCfS

kosQsxeahLoDWvG

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.sLPnUxqtufkzNbOilTWGQwMXUeQRwt

uoWOTljOKnnMtoj

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

WtVrVWeQXsRWXDV

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:KatFyKiwfOHFIXZAGGOkSlDUuNcjNr

UmonUvpadSCOWkg

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

hqrLJAJYxiDUwbI

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

FakXkkCbFQNkuct

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

URHsORVReSKgwBM

“Minister Guan, what brings you here?”ydEwgGbNJeAHuObuMPBPHFwPAznNvg

TkRYbyTENrZgjSr

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

qfbyfiroAVQwrbJ

Li Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”zoYjeCIWwCRwVqwOSrJtpqkGPeOYrF

rckvYNYioKHyvWI

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.uTCNEVxEqhCRbWUqUuZsftOubmPMmR

rmDrXDbALXxvgso

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

danlhVSWgMqgxyZ
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