Chapter 16
Li Wuting did not speak, just kept a straight face with a slightly cold expression.MFIcKxoZmDwxiPsvKAUGHkZubRNuCx
HerMqDCLFmdmJobDe 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
UBtyceXFylAOFvfHe 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
GKtEewyFCnYVXGNLi Wuting said indifferently, “If he doesn’t take them, just throw them out as junk.”soxIBtepksVCpxampHTpCpcanahayZ
fonJuwSLhUDzqUdDe Quan cleverly seized the opportunity, “Ah, I will send someone to call Lord Ning back to collect this junk!”CeMjGLQTAdARZJnDDWSnjUTRfRAICX
FdmRlIJMOKmkZYUAfter saying that, he turned his head and waved his duster, “Go quickly.”ZwsypTICxWTjKXdXmkuRPkuRcpLCaP
iWEThEvETzklEJPHowever, as he turned to go back to the side, he let out a lukewarm snort.lpAJeIlKTyNeXkYAaaVPJUCeJJHmfQ
JwFKhSvZwwmJweONing 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
jEKniqAGxvMqkQoPassing through the front yard, there was a spacious training ground behind, where about a dozen personal soldiers were sparring and shouting.ILvqfdFxCTzruRdwsuWGRONjvaHJSH
dBQsbmcwpbCWhVZNing Rushen was in high spirits, “Your home is quite lively.”JTHDIOiVlnwSGbkDIvaSMbzcBTIDjw
YhOaHAnOYPtSKsJHuo Mian pointed out, “These are the brothers of my personal soldiers that I brought back from the northern border.”nIjOKWlvVdklMmshzubgwJKGINSPTD
NEnTGkQhgVrxgyhAs they talked and walked to the side of the field, he called out, “Come over! Let me introduce you.”yCdeablQXWUnsWpOKENTgFNeHWOkSR
jHXUeXTtUYcqsqeOne of them saw Ning Rushen and seemed to size up his combat ability, “Eh? Is this the live target brought by the general…”WTSjCgeOyqAVcxwoiEskqpimSeRToh
dAQVwZmGmNxZDOHHuo Mian slapped the man with a heavy palm! Turning his head to correct, “Live… brother.”WsGsZSGTdGHpaVxwOlXVcowuqxSwpX
GsxGnZWtDoQmJDYNing Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”OAUBuKimMIiueqUdwQsVqoKcjEWHCq
ruHTaeZHKCfeHhvHuo Mian reintroduced, “Lord Ning is here as a guest today. After we finish practicing archery, I will come and compete with you!”LIeybDhSRTmjfTbtflQHsYytASrMvO
EFkOwQusuUeqRjFNing Rushen took a bow and arrow and stood by the field with Huo Mian.qluwvRAAKliwvkbirlKmgYBVoSRGIb
XiFxoAUaHpeYozmHuo 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
iictobvOWxrrdAqNing Rushen’s thoughts suddenly drifted, “Eating.”TCRJPUnbHZhTmssWuWDEprgeivcCNF
gwiWRQOgrKXcCkhEating down a hundred households.xJFYShIYPSeGTVapfUsNusCqWeuodN
bVHVFgHCYalWbrPHuo Mian, “?” What?ozqvEeqJJMvhhKqbpGTeLVzzSQkmGx
YdqPnBJkbrIkyNDNing 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
FQsKQiZwDyGXpWONing Rushen thought for a moment, “It should be like this.”tEuHpoizWyqyofMSrWWeJttLwPuyFu
HhAevXyVATfgwkPThis process is mainly used to clean up the old party, ensuring confidentiality and fairness to other candidates.CSdEWXifpjWCCHZspXYxEwGHCadYSw
WRrlPfermIJOqKXLi Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.sLQqsAmfJyjrfLEvWHHMXtNJzpKJzJ
yxppLtzvsjKxeUD—Except that the examiner is himself with a broken brain.gdhdMsOzoIGvswHKNdrtIAttNzvnLB
peqFmZGgfODQieEHe murmured, “It wouldn’t be to let me kill indiscriminately…”VoDcpjLUfufEKwTdKReRvvSUsmxVyL
KUXaIJdIsmYzbusHuo 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
ClHJbsVsVBmtMfrNing Rushen immediately returned to normal, “Nothing of the sort.”HUaYdVtxeivIOkzKjlTVPIgcBBYYBN
vWOJkIFjhzoTMEKHe paused, then couldn’t help but ask sincerely, “Do you remember where I offended His Majesty?”NfkEnBZSOShjcyBhugUpZeZeboJmBS
gbKZoelPhoERkqXOtherwise, why would he always be thrown into the pit?bTxrmLFouAZBLCIvmdKIAhjRgVqwPV
syXghVhTlknooCJHuo 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
UUtuGwxEvNjQXQmHuo Mian laughed again, “Oh! Although you were kicked out because of the flat walnut. Hahaha…”ltyHwgIyCtJYsxrhuXJwmuXoDCqeZH
SLlIZtNTCpoMXmqNing Rushen, “…”LetQVsvKtHFELyDBbpRxwkRaNixUDB
rCftyJGktuSxJabIs that laughter polite?IwEnfWDvqfLkxThBGXvmgSrthvYgCz
dkLJtLSdAqArwibHe ignored the offensive Huo Mian and started practicing archery again.ZsFKnhPNOZaImepTOxbKBeWPCdwXvc
YmwLEtzcsIElnkcAt this moment, the afternoon light was just right, and the warm sunshine fell on his face, which was quite pleasant.clxDtLYIwDjeZdqfhTaNJTwkWqkIhn
lLKugxTYeJwHWMhHuo 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
tiOSbhlOuWjaWKnNing Rushen was stunned for a moment, “Is that so.”rzYQtVBvhSoUenFWPBHbJnLiaaVrza
QrwpSVQGjySyKTC·ejfRbTXqynfPfFMPCPilmaxlwJXXTG
PHStwuurScIXGDBAfter practicing for a while, the two put away their bows.DxtLCiPGDKjzYlAgbVxtjMDxQgQItb
FNjieeYyDWHjVIkHuo 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
pLHKoiHkaVzJUqINing 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
zMYqCvKtEkamdPKFruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.SCCugeDUvXqzPQwkCUYTVPSQFYrRcz
pceoHOFgDdBDRpAIt doesn’t make one drunk, but it does make one’s face flush.QJlJSVkikNlYDwiyxrEnXPVaheXcMe
ZBxCYtFyaMGcXwUAfter 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
xBCmYqEGLqdkMDQBoth inside and outside the field were lively.WJPhHnZEaNUzycaNbtoWONIcWNBMlP
kMpLAZWLCkrmdGNAt this time, a servant hurriedly reported that someone from the palace had come.gnGOcJmYqVoIkKZRYCESCMqJvCMtEi
flktDtKQCJNGExiThe side of the field quieted down, and Ning Rushen leaned on his knees and looked out: ?UTZYTyFjobxhQQUchhAIgSLbYIQytG
PUhpvSpbGIvsiHDHuo Mian wiped off his sweat and turned his head to see a eunuch hurrying over, “What brings you here, Eunuch?”YukYJfEpyOLnZyXZcOfmSWGuhRVnBk
QmsJbRlrdpovClHThe 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
klOGeOQbltqDwDpHe hurried over to salute, “I apologize for disturbing the general, I am here by imperial order to find Lord Ning.”tdzjDBsjvsXcTnlIGflPmsCDPVNquT
JWARWvdirZBrxkKAll eyes turned to Ning Rushen.OBgXeZAubWxXMQyeSjeSzTJakezSEN
cuAQIdBnyxalRvwNing Rushen was confused: How did they know he was at the general’s mansion?fAawSpnVmmzpgWEJFnxGsiXbPGMyCb
pzJRVWdAmMCaDvkWho was the leak reporting this!fRrMWXoZkKhxBtPOuujytNQJfpCnmy
hzeEBJNTUgcmYefHe stood up and asked, “What happened?”xoHQZTfkBIlUdvINQxqwidYpijurNu
yewNELlxLoIIKxAThe 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
mSSXMWhHAVkJjnHNing Rushen: …??ibEgWKwMrdSVOWLqMKWltpRSHgpEhs
jhmARKhhMALwAYf…CrtWCGlQfxkPUtLQUCPUENfCsEnndD
iIZbaGXAABtBLBCHalf an hour later.wpFRgJKuLdHTBSmsveWhLCCKuAJIeB
xrJNgHpfdxxMpEbNing Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.hPROZzPwehHHaFhaUwxAJWWVbUgWlU
psxXxMpppSKLcqVHe 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
dfXLklfpYEJUUecLi Wuting was shooting arrows with his back to him.IhtRVshesQdXhBatEAiImToKXuxkKg
TufbFyPTUUXfVFiHis broad and straight shoulders were as unshakable as mountains.hhphxIbDCMpixzfzBhmXPnOeFEZBUe
jExkfDDzSXwZVkdA group of palace servants waited around.cMfbMefXInuRqOjsUFRdUCrGRWoxnn
wlRqtPFlnpAfBDvDe Quan stood behind Li Wuting, and when he saw Ning Rushen arrive, he hurried over.fNvaSWfknkziZjhqGKnbCJIbNbUody
xLpymIBcpaerWBjNing Rushen greeted, “Eunuch De Quan, I’ve come to collect my pile of junk…”XvoaLfcHWVxZkFvqczGWvtfncfGGTt
BlGDCunekMURkuf“What are you talking about, Lord Ning!”cXqnpHpvIAUIARquBuFnVnpvLvPYRR
gDYozXfyUvjMxbzDe 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
CJVHBqcNBHkhztlNing Rushen, “???”nILZNHSBzXlfjVVGyfNkObwtesMVDm
HfbtCFYQgfSQLBRWas he here to cause trouble, insisting on not leaving?MbvOPSBsaGpMTqXaLvKruOcxcBJmMV
AHVTdSfZwFeOfZoThey quickly approached the side of the field.wgmpohvAAUvJmqqBFgWclgclhfiDAq
YPuZOJGRVYHZuOGDe Quan urgently advised, “Our house won’t harm you, remember!”ePpPncLLBGqeRSVceKhtzgStBeItER
wHROCjICpJDFMayNing Rushen was shocked and bewildered, “…Okay.”nIYbdOJDydAidRfpakGVonpYFgivAr
eXxCumryktDzkKBWhen 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
mPcdslNQBZHSiImNing Rushen moistened his lips, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”DHhDURxdtcLTvfpZyBQmiphipHAOXo
rWTgNlVzxINPyByLi Wuting turned his head to look over.jSgRdgwodKSMUBqstknfeLIMfYsqBQ
SQSezkMQMdrcCKEHe saw Ning Rushen’s eyes bright, his cheeks and lips all rosy, looking very well-nourished.IgHWdbpTNtvZwMEegGpvjXSntXifdm
OVYxakjOVOkdQJGLi Wuting sneered, “It seems I have disturbed Lord Ning’s mood.”uXDZVsOsxPtskVidESLuVrbTjzdxeE
SAZxLqilJlqXKJzNing 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
qlELmqVenvpWCNjNing Rushen’s face was flushed red, “Grateful.”nhHxNvmmbBjRwLdHQujZJhvLjQUfqB
PoVFhiPasbMOMswLi 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
jEKmshqxeobsElNNing Rushen “Oh”ed, and turned to collect his pile of junk.MIEHsvVohWkgzuGDBKseHMxkOsCCEK
YhXldqaGoTzyhYZHe was collecting at a low table, with De Quan standing beside him.imSbxqRePRosXmblGIuayUKXSyCQSX
JnWdCCWwVONfAJjDe Quan gestured with his mouth, “Think of a way to stay!”mIASuZoURMPIkzpdavfdoqMWQIuiAY
wnEBCDasITeBJqOGo and serve tea to His Majesty, wipe his sweat, massage his arms! Which one can’t make you stay?CVnvhFvKzJYwDjjLmIeYgYDNfvuDcq
VpxgVeLKzGvUsfyNing Rushen, “…”DmpIRhpvUtwOpGTKCKALtqYFuBOFzI
cFpgEjVxhNhDcZPJust as he was thinking of how to stay, the face of Prince Xuan suddenly came to mind.hmYaFLCfFSOOdqVnixBLBexEDZHoEY
IrEDQrxUWYHsIqdHe brewed for two seconds, then suddenly kicked the corner of the table, bracing his knee and bending down, “Ouch, my foot is sprained!”ieQcFuNDIjpZpvhZHNqdTsmiXSWcpl
UaKEEiAAxjyjJpeLi Wuting turned his head, “…”SzbirfXCOyCapTCXYjQJPPIsQSClOf
XZwxTPpZzXXlotdDe Quan, “…”rNcTKuctmHDqygjmJpjLsSyNffFMpe
zlNBXvgGlWUTEILDe Quan’s expression twisted: Is this how you stay!rQSIZaKGVeKwjnkJohQpvVtYrOLGAg
zUklfKwYjcPJnRh“Sprained your foot?” Li Wuting’s gaze fell.OIRGfpEiIraLAmNaZCkFXGHvoWjZMo
POLxwuXhusuEIrDNing 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
kSDZmJowOOIsfiaLi Wuting, “…”tlvYnaggQIXxOasADPDVNqJJcwncPw
epeowtapChOVullHe almost laughed, “Lord Ning can even diagnose himself.”PJTJsVsAskaZOqpXKCIyGvaGuXvDjm
PqgQfVrPhtHibwWNing Rushen modestly pursed his lips, “Just a bit of strong self-management.”VCTPDKLysCCTFtCiYKzWmOYpPvMEpW
YALVLYbZWIsbbGwThe gaze from above lingered on him for a few moments.IPilxhkaVdEKMRurMCxnLPevyJnLlA
LYAcXzRblBzwgESThen Li Wuting ordered, “Send for the Imperial physician.”UndAWFplhdyhJmbiltOIvYmuSyrZaH
lpKkmRDkMSkSnwEThe imperial physician arrived quickly, carrying his medical kit. Li Wuting gestured for him to examine Ning Rushen’s supposedly sprained foot.tIZtOgWRUFiybJGHFFLdciNSfzbanu
ndFGNVRoiNWmjZzNing 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
WXLmzvnwSniGWNYThe 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
HBbVVDEHoNIPqhKThe physician paused, “Lord Ning, where exactly is the sprain?”qmZFLiMgCoTvmZvfZbemOZVeXTvftj
cWCMnRADMFzrncoNing Rushen’s toes curled slightly, “It’s a deep sprain, not obvious on the surface.”WVfOiZMmoIvuWYOybJehummTrQtHId
fNxRWvugfUXroDGLi Wuting chuckled from the side.knRqVJxYbiAknxzdDZDmNXCgmbCnxc
nVoILMXiZMdYHqwThe 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
UjvRKAlCOzCuKJdNing Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”RRUvQgDujxPmomdpiaxKdsGdaIukje
UCUPqIoqYxUIdGbHis perfectly fine foot was now receiving treatment for no reason. Ning Rushen had no choice but to sit stiffly, enduring the unnecessary therapy.KKhUgbnpXpPqnjirLTzGbUqQVyvPHT
LVydCQMXvseQXQnHis 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
dcxDTSdlpeIGPKzLi Wuting glanced at Ning’s foot before asking, “How was your visit to the general’s mansion?”qmBrKwchunoyiEcWYkkPxVRwmXETJQ
ylbPdGgDpVjwToENing Rushen, hands resting on his knees, replied, “I practiced diligently.”qPjUnSirduPSyEEIdLMiNIjWIwKyIS
FzRqxBIEHsadlDR“Really? You seemed quite satisfied when you returned.”TrdYBDQLnxcohGoGPeWqjcSHiRpuzU
cRgPPQuBngBBSShNing 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
kosQsxeahLoDWvGLi Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.sLPnUxqtufkzNbOilTWGQwMXUeQRwt
uoWOTljOKnnMtojDe Quan finally relaxed, confident that calling Ning Rushen back was the right decision. Despite not saying it, the emperor seemed pleased.qyrDmKdOmMeHwNROxxzIjqmLGDqtmT
WtVrVWeQXsRWXDVAfter 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
hqrLJAJYxiDUwbILi Wuting glanced sideways, and as Ning Rushen dressed, he commanded, “Let him in.”dgvvZveizEsjoOexEWFObCKvaTfsqS
FakXkkCbFQNkuctThe 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
qfbyfiroAVQwrbJLi Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”zoYjeCIWwCRwVqwOSrJtpqkGPeOYrF
rckvYNYioKHyvWIGuan 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
rmDrXDbALXxvgsoNing Rushen also halted abruptly, lifting his foot and hopping towards Li Wuting in response to his gaze.qTqFQBTeDWtpVJCekVSPUDKrVUIGoY
danlhVSWgMqgxyZmJyuHuCWPmdMOBoIwdqdiASSZWWzvG