This official is so weak

In the hallway outside, several tense voices echoed, “It seems no one was seen…”efWxfSWKojZUsymxEcryJmwrhJgsLS

SMgYVkMtGhTbyJB

The sound of their voices, mixed with footsteps, gradually moved away toward the stairwell.CiluHoyuMijENxKdIfeZOPTcagUVNE

tZMLDnWqdqBHDry

Inside the room, Li Wuting slowly released his hand from covering another person’s mouth.JoMKtouERdBpLYASjdZayXkatgNmVl

sIGlonaUEsIeayN

Only when he looked down did he notice that the person in front of him had bright red ears peeking through black hair, a dazzlingly red mole, and a trembling waist.wyhVcMoOpRtNyGrBfmftTWkzbkhRfM

qtVhLftFXEnNvsS

Ning Rushen, with a trembling waist, turned his head, “Your Majesty, I…”ngkbzyDSDUwIwQpjWbFHocYHRYLFes

QxQyPmbRWTIDPQO

Before he could finish, Li Wuting spoke first, “What, can’t you withstand such vigorous shifting?”oZixBlduVrLABTppXOexUEyDgmfHHQ

WLanUydLWTbydIX

Li Wuting did not hurry him, his gaze resting on a screen in the room, waiting quietly.kxEWdKOKOeuLCjjcpqiSRmFDUbPKrG

HlOTdTduzXLkxdq

Apart from his identity as an emperor, Li Wuting was also a proper gentleman.tzdfpWHWddFqpjNYkNywpJFFzMLXxV

sbKmtzrmKDMKWHW

He rubbed his reddened ears, waiting for the lingering heat behind him to fade, and then, regaining his composure, said,PZHycCGgERxDQKBZeTJpbtnSnrAHyp

rIxLcDFXAkprxbB

“I saw someone who looked like a student sneaking around… I just came to check.”NXvSkKTLgPapjQAqfINuiXDfxNqPcB

TZwmQWLesUfFIAb

Witnessing how “just” it was, Li Wuting snorted with laughter, “Heh.”NJTTiGaIPUTvEqKEqqiGtDBhmGaYZV

uXSeuHwpZuDTgdt

“…”dMNNtNXnksUlCBVpJnnnLxhblOUQah

UkirUJMZNaglYwq

Ning Rushen diverted the subject, “I heard them trading leaked exam questions.”GCpZibbhbouLpKcHhZvKnapVNxYRrA

lQaqQhnckNLbQbQ

After a few moments of silence, Li Wuting spoke, “I know.”TlSznUrZVBRIuUsjpYaRnWsLsZhYya

QAKmyJObBkPLBbb

“?!” Ning Rushen widened his eyes.OItxfWcAWLOhQzYXqtBeMkXzluWlVH

CPVYrGkdvlkadxI

You know and yet allow people to trade! To boost the GDP of Dacheng?EFhUZYbdbAapkZRfaitFJwMdJMeRyX

DCZtZSDaNCjQVKz

His gaze was too direct.lCgIkDPvAXjkUiLNKLVzTfarUJGGAz

SsrjDFEJdjFmUtT

Li Wuting glanced at him, “It is leaked questions, but not entirely.”FSOuZhOFsiWChRqWAzzHxZPhbCVwJD

EgeeGMgatHJhavw

Ning Rushen pondered, “A riddle is being leaked?”UKNyefRRatsXRlTnBGUHghPHPyLUSP

SGARomEfdLsMpCK

Only part of it is leaked, and the rest is left for others to solve?eDMSkyogAyhdWXQvcysGdnuaJJLXnC

CVBcWDJqDUcrwxl

“…” Li Wuting, “What’s leaked are fake questions.”AFzaIlemdSbDpzLLuYFXicZaKWCBhF

tepOSQYFKgfQizm

This was a case that had happened in a previous life.xUEantZUrMICUwdIbJZoUtIxQjYUsW

SCJKNihJTIVwnTV

This time he had already had the Jinyiwei on watch, just not expecting the location to be here.zLOZkamnsJdjNulKClDEHCYYlyhugE

zVGPTyGOvcojcjy

Until just now, when he saw the words “Moon Fairy Residence.”PquYdWQqcnIqShRuNeZJIGMArAfPBd

HRdFatMhHRcNlGY

Ning Rushen digested the dramatic twists and turns, then looked around again, “Where are Eunuch De and the guards?”ZWlcbTaNgXrEIQCVsBgaGxCDoJfNhh

ZmTDTOCQGRoREJi

“I didn’t let them follow; only the emperor and the Jinyiwei know of this matter.”MVJsxzSyDoxfgmVHUnELAFxMsbspfu

gvWyptKKpjWXHvu

Li Wuting looked at him, “Now, Ning Qing knows too.”kszHaYwLvPjvcXiVoRpKQHINKiDrgE

IiqQaCvfDZvhKlT

Ning Rushen admired, “Like adding wings to a tiger.”FccxDcUSCgYKkESEpsYJLsEUcCSAKD

RRXoLewJwKReswZ

Li Wuting moved his lips, about to say something but then held back. He walked to the window, lightly pushed it open to look down.hMowxGICaFOYgwGglyYtuhgcTyxSYj

CFBjEwvEeoIFJgP

Just as he opened it, a head squeezed in front of his chest.ncCyqTYuYGzeVDBFoQBHKddkPhNEvN

fXBJvTirNeqVPiL

Ning Rushen skillfully leaned against the window crack, “I’ll also take a look.”NwKquwmnUzMcvviHuFtCzhvCXNYeza

baySqWPjWLGhIES

Li Wuting, “…”mRKWQnXZPryEgPVfIPVwTOzSvieubr

UKqQLrkBJpUWZIA

When he leaned in, he was no longer trembling.ScRvmjksAEIPeypRuMupptkOQvYcfa

MXszkJTELvlFicd

The window directly faced the street outside the inn.DzoFUtoNXxLGZhySCmZfiBNhJRZqKv

sTQRfSNVohbsHrN

Just now, several young men hurried out of the inn, with their voices faintly drifting up:byjJicdDWqZDDpBdqcVrKpzohbzWOy

BvCnhvJrcaiBeDN

“They say it’s due to disrepair, it makes noise with the wind.”LKaFXMidjePJAZWRuBnSyiUzpadbnH

mRGSFIzilMLxWPG

“That scared me… let’s hurry.”SNiPmeeELwOSSPprgubglxvUdOZIqf

WHhKEsFKLdVZINr

There was no more movement outside the room; perhaps the person behind had hidden to avoid the immediate threat.glGTmLlsQnVBSyLucKflavBvmibbBw

KFKAcoVJJWklJaF

Li Wuting spoke lightly, “They’ve gone.”IuuPHmYMWfJJadLvYJrfzcQSsavXGa

LYHLikMBcsEbTwx

Ning Rushen closed the window and followed, “Hmm, yes.”MIPJXdaplffbrHcHbZspkfJjoOaTlE

IQfClYKDuFlSdYV

…kdhMNgtHglseiojolDwdQJqTWUFnDH

GquhKLFdwWrYHiO

The two encountered no one else as they went downstairs.UqkpuOkfsBpJanAWkPRmMSfcdeUmVS

GgrePDmzYtVcKrl

When they reached the lobby on the first floor, the previously listless innkeeper suddenly straightened up. He composed himself and bowed to Li Wuting.kgMWLKrrsUwQBqyvwsmSxhOSvVcakJ

mrZULhyhuHhqSGF

Ning Rushen was slightly stunned, then looked at Li Wuting.wJGlOfHyURdiBhwOhsjhVUNEPpbRva

hrROABwwmVuWgOW

Li Wuting kept his gaze forward, “Jinyiwei.”BQHURISqhgcypgHEWgEqvSxHKGUEIZ

bUDpTlFLdxbCuqK

So “due to disrepair” came from here.HIgIIbJpcScpQIaygHnIAWAaNSwIDf

YKnaogsAdWzYdnt

Ning Rushen was astonished, “There are actually reliable people in the Jinyiwei!”UmpAYzpskdMGpfXuWQYIXDBuUPueGD

oCflnaivdpTXPQG

As soon as he said this, both paused.ifkegaPAYXzytVxPsRnXDhGUpNaNsv

zOFnaFwtWSNrmiI

Ning Rushen closed his mouth; sometimes silence is more powerful than words.pmDDrNwEkhGngguEpylWmOurCIEoBz

GNlOfCvRzymbjVA

In this tense silence, they returned to their carriage.bxjZIVEBUdqoprQHRehbLocRlRmEvL

RMIWaINcRGaPehH

De Quan, seeing Ning Rushen return, suddenly smiled brightly, “Oh~ Minister Ning has come back with the Emperor again?”rniBeHsxdTwfMyqfVhgcqWZTSHbVKe

cWgpoxHuQxkDxVF

Ning Rushen reflected, “If I hadn’t followed the Emperor, I might not have come back at all.”ypZrxXEgUxYoMwHZgKECcleTmktuhe

stDXhqeXssaBURe

De Quan was instantly confused.FsecItoWvKnZtqvZHKSBqRkdQHyTGP

VVfrpIlfyxWGyvH

What happened, did they go to some shady place?kEgDXTfEFftWiXNcnEhoOakmmYJKjk

RrkOOraYyRvIAZM

Back in the carriage.oIXzUNCbxddfQugZtgIcHRYIOOnmEe

lCFTgIAGPOxgfOt

As the curtain dropped, they continued towards Ning’s residence.tiEQsYJdILZewgamoxNtuYyrIfFDzz

cKkvukUGSRBbnQs

After a while, Li Wuting’s voice suddenly broke the quiet in the carriage:kJdlYMfxCOVXSdMAJzyhkUNQfQPXKa

FuSUsHXHPjPrtZI

“Among those students just now, there might really be talented individuals. Yet I chose to let the situation unfold…”JtjjapfduxwvmGxVmIqpujhIprZQqX

tFAcoOnUbOsXOeK

“How do you see it, Ning Qing?”MJDKpltwjkYaMHZVVclFYojzBuLqEn

TuzyHqBtRUGoSMR

Ning Rushen was refilling a plate of pastries and nearly choked.PEqwWbRRqXGMzmFQaAcWGSJsFGkbUt

hWScmMQFwWVUmgT

He, of course, was peering through the window crack.PkUiKernGrXqdFyyWoNXhHQMezkrvJ

JRSaokTMdmAjkPp

Facing Li Wuting’s gaze, he replied, “Talented but without virtue, entering court would only bring trouble.”FjFqbpQdOVXccmzrfjeKRUDLUmhvat

jNJbpyxpjvwitFS

Li Wuting, “…”jQdQXVhRJQYSaaBxDKElwCiSehdvMc

WvtifOOozSHwyYU

Li Wuting gave him a look, his expression inscrutable.nYdEPTaZukWVPLBTaUldBprSPKTRWk

vBObxrobfvdffZe

Ning Rushen straightened his back under his gaze, “What are you looking at, Your Majesty?”ALOBPEuaaOLlSfSHgApASTsqpwWIee

rRqNTTmTtHWupVT

Li Wuting spoke casually, “I’m looking at what kind of ‘zi’ Ning Qing is.”BcPpsoSdGzVlArdSpMlIylozFOkiyV

NIovXXpBsCCqpzi

Ning Rushen: ?bfYJjXlaqzNlphnNyTnToxTQeqvvnJ

FOuZtfkpnmbhxrn

…zsnngmhFDrlUhToDBXcFTzNaVWIuGM

oqPGKRpgiwdTVdo

The carriage stopped not far from the entrance to Ning’s residence.uZCrSOwxZdIvfoTIzEwkMtHrYXIhpV

VvhXcuLhVUsHuVk

Ning Rushen stepped out of the carriage and bumped into Shiyi, who was leaving the mansion, “What are you doing here?”mZmtLNOrjpnamemnOcIzZiYnAUrgNt

kIpEFZvBytLKaZS

Shiyi approached him, “Yan Guan didn’t pick you up, and fearing you were kidnapped, sent me to find you!”bDwGSwZefHsISeVjJcTFBwZtMycIXN

ubqeZQHPLkqxhUX

“…”RBslPplyVBEwZIzfTKnCGtptuSElSW

UjfgfZeIqLVvpJd

Behind him, the carriage was quiet.dfvRxhLDrXktwXSQIMEXpGQnAgurwS

nAiFnVIBWtfLoCr

Ning Rushen whispered, “Let’s not talk about it.”iZJZpjxfaTSnkVQleKkUQoWqvtPRfD

bDaYjGqaMPKtXPb

Your bandit leader is sitting in the back.SSwpKOgkZjkkDQkOTgoCtOOjvEdnbh

RIaINijQvDWMzAI

Shiyi, confused, “What happened? Hey, that carriage looks familiar…”eYCilrUsavVMxWKUhWqoAGwnteFIZy

skVdNlTDpYKmcds

Ning Rushen turned him around, “Let’s go back to the mansion.”RPDQUrSAocbdrBzpvNWLTAwPtfMcoA

yvfjTBlPOWqNlIQ

…wejXorDfbBmpKRtMzClPhQHUAEUjyj

xoaRVdPcDuMKqyR

Shiyi’s return to the imperial court seemed indefinitely postponed.YNbzpkOYwhdATlfjaDrBZayMbxrxMn

gCRtmbZovRuRekG

Yet Ning Rushen had to attend court as usual the next day.hrRQohpGxOsEgnElLbqYTJYeOARoPM

nzNcKnpPqTzIkcw

After the court session, Huo Mian tried to pull him aside to visit the general’s mansion. Remembering De Quan’s overly expressive looks, Ning Rushen, in a rare moment of inspiration, said, “Maybe next time, I need to serve at the imperial study today.”eprWkqueQnexvSsAwHpanpvnXFoWCB

JCwUhoECDkUKtZW

Saying this, he headed to the imperial study.VPSoZjQVKwcyWKkMNckBTmmXTAbool

qLVMlFVsnTincou

After being announced, he entered the study and was met by De Quan’s overly enthusiastic gaze.ZKRYTCoTresasoOhyCjXBlAHAiTvkM

gEdlbbkibnttYhD

Ning Rushen paused, “…”ryFddcIzDZHZaxWnLMxsuYKVdinKKS

GovhMoLTPfEQinF

It was too much; it was almost sickening.CcsOLkFQLwPlZjHNiSTCdICdhkULRy

GttPjYVdVGMPMzp

Li Wuting looked up from his desk, “What are you here for?”YwCiFsRhYgtoajFretRFjWXpXtZTGd

kuwVyTCSbXYkAZY

Ning Rushen replied, “Your servant is here to serve at your side.”ukRNplMmJUfcTfsBTeDUJeNoYDoBri

OxYIPxnkuqtaZkX

Li Wuting tapped on the desk, “Aren’t you going to the general’s mansion to admire the valor of my Dacheng soldiers?”KwdRykaaXfsoMiiZbekkSPtTdYNMkm

XdJwWZnLDrKoDMV

“No, my constitution doesn’t agree with it.”rtoYzYDpKAWodnNMNsJheZMofpMfTH

hLYYPaDrNpmQCED

“…”dDGomvysFGWJOYshepXgNnUYzQzhwO

BCWrQzAPZgvswkD

A few moments passed, “Fine, come over and grind some ink for me.”KpgNKoOTjXiWqBMxwGnDfJeumfKWtv

xZmAFFoCEWBZlpr

“Yes, Your Majesty.”rJfUkdJWbCPECzwDXSELPzKzQQbIFm

nonhYondehgexBj

Ning Rushen walked over, just as he was picking up his sleeves, an announcement came from outside:yowsUZTcfXbRcBArNkMbQrEbmusMuP

tLjsonDzAbKwEVe

“Your Majesty, Prince Xuan requests an audience.”eAiwwoWgeUcosOsuuJQWrvcFihTuuf

yVApQiEBijgQHkK

Li Wuting’s brows twitched slightly, “Let him in.”FaSzwhCyPNVupmmFevZdLiKkdPNdzc

mfYqZqSRAnFeqqz

Soon, Li Yingtang entered with a fan in hand, “Your Majesty, the weather is quite nice today, how about—eh? Minister Ning is also here.”ubGMHRUTKAxKHBHtEsqmdSXvOpKjhH

qDcxXOBAUZxKqOg

Ning Rushen, “Prince Xuan.”xNwxHlOwFUzEZvWQMYhnJTadtvwqqe

otFpasPNuPBLCHq

Li Wuting looked at him indifferently, “What is it?”CSmtbXcyIBUftiKxzdGwWVRHACgAZT

wIlKbOFeyAdYkJx

Li Yingtang returned to the matter at hand, “I’ve prepared a splendid feast at my residence given the nice weather, and I invite Your Majesty to grace it with your presence.”WNnfsmkYlXXNGrpBaxYtVbLJydxpgI

ZXOaliIypMJYsAI

“Heh, is the royal brother using emotional appeals again to avoid going to his fief?”UeLgmjgwkuXlpgaWnGrFirfJxrUjll

EjbavISilkKOQOk

“…That’s not the case.”pQtGqPyRhTfLNHfaJdZGKgFOexyEko

GjweOzNnKmdlKWy

Li Wuting watched him quietly.APgfKeSPqJTsAFMBXcRAGvQurzrLAd

LGwVamVvQcNesex

Li Yingtang then sighed, “Fine, I’ve prepared a table. The empress mother isn’t here, nor are my brothers; I’m all alone…”VaHmoQvFfkiQESNfDvbHObLDLSBEEP

DOjzkqBfCrkTFfB

Li Wuting interrupted, annoyed, “Alright.”tQRGVCQOmkWVZVrWrSeZjapiytyhQx

umkwIWgCoEMAtNR

As Li Wuting stood up to go to Prince Xuan’s mansion, Ning Rushen prepared to slip away.DSgEYJaLuYYddUPDyWWnhLqzVYULBi

CHOLtQRHJbjBDOH

However, Li Yingtang suddenly stopped him, “Oh, Minister Ning. You come along as well.”yauqHdFzDqYrYbUixlCvReAZBzGNZp

nVZQsRMjnVpQdkb

Ning Rushen: ?tjtVzQnqWISdeAdDYAQpbtnEjnisTN

nglyFwVVNISbJrD

He waved his hand, “Thank you, Your Highness, but I’d rather not.”YqTTaeVfyaOObGpHbBXKFyKIUaZojQ

exihgsnkUdWZoTg

Li Yingtang, “Come on, Jingyu is there too, he’s been missing you for a long time.”uiNDCeVaYjqojcPxmZnVcMkUcHPNxg

hGIouDzzEtyPJNC

…So much for “alone without brothers”?VBEjobPbnBEKOSyVJmKNKAAqWCRdKS

THRUFWbcpIbcmMJ

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting.zdZKCQcsayckEIoreepSbNfhVbHtbT

JcwrtKBXyTEahEI

Seeing that there was no sign of refusal on his behalf, he reluctantly nodded, “Yes.”IDjLHKfQFrUYLEWCjMaXzoiVDPjTuO

eKThLvGFtbNnJef

Ning Rushen was perplexed as to why Prince Xuan had invited him, but considering the prince’s eccentric personality, it somehow made sense.ctVnVDknUYCTJMkQBEPDwrubBviPbX

OXCVcspzbvAYyLF

He followed Emperor Li Wuting through the front courtyard into a small garden surrounded by blooming crabapple trees.ZQCBJFwDiCqfbbhBuxnHTRhMNdlOmd

tCPhFjYsXbOJDQZ

In the center of the garden was a stone table where Li Jingyu was already enjoying some pastries. Upon seeing them arrive, Li Jingyu ran up excitedly, “Imperial Brother!”QpJHVxKWOQkjGtNytonPFejDHtbnGV

tTtjoxoKjaKJSsu

Crumbles of pastry fell from his hands.jdGZfKZHMBZmBjJJXpXJAMKZxLhquY

twxlCSpfFrwqCXr

With a quick movement, Li Wuting redirected the little one towards Li Yingtang. Li Yingtang caught Li Jingyu’s arm, brushing off the crumbs back onto his own clothes, “Eh, Jingyu.”ovUtUOnJMMLLqPQrDqThuCihiACrml

dgOuQDGGQjGsevi

Ning Rushen observed, “What profound brotherly affection.”BaxlEoDBpEFMLMvAmwlNVcKjhJdTSn

NUoZDNLOOiRxSzM

Li Jingyu turned his head, “Minister Ning is here too!”CDKEiClwebYWkgYJEXDizbheLWrFNN

aOzXoXymPgObVeR

Ning Rushen, reassured by his clean hands, greeted him politely, “Your Highness.”xaIQnOEafPzRYefzdKBMcmthUkTStj

GCLYLUFMIXXCRGv

After exchanging pleasantries, they all took seats around the stone table.NSlAdqrQbNBKEEepoFGvBpyhcuFCzJ

lWZAjPSWlnyVTWl

Li Wuting sat next to Li Jingyu. Ning Rushen was about to reserve the seat next to him for Prince Xuan when the latter quickly took the seat across from Li Wuting!BKWDumStLDhIXOGjoTfmJBgXpiWVHI

aWvVhauHvwZWVAe

Ning Rushen touched the stone bench, wondering, “Is this bench heated?”ZZTrUvMkhwselxMIluwRTDhpCpFWky

mTQqQQZeAkqLdan

With only one seat left, he sat down next to Li Wuting.JgBOXzNeRBcHsyvbfOBtJziamCEHxS

wjZlOlrJoMnBDSb

There was still some time before the meal.hfJYIQniLAHpRaHnYMrbfJKpZqcbYc

jwMYQEGaqhPaOhy

Li Wuting started quizzing Li Jingyu on his studies.AbZyHgjXbWQALyASMEyDncQajYRpwL

tjLRYmlAhkhlxcr

Ning Rushen was nibbling on a pastry when suddenly a folding fan poked his arm. He turned, “?”WDutjyAQOngsAOTIBAFYxVHxxYtOhn

RrRSlScphNUZjAg

Prince Xuan leaned in, whispering with a hint of mystery, “I heard you were with Huo Mian going to the general’s mansion yesterday, but then the Emperor called you back to the palace?”VBmsSHJpbIIviuUhrtFAJftdpgRfgW

XFdqnHrTZazoRnb

…Who was spreading these stories everywhere!RlTscQAwkQmoJbrLxOAPzRabDjGNeI

GqlfzmubkqkGrTR

“Yes, Your Highness.”YANLyQdBjGTVahvvmNwRLeASyQbFOw

vefHewMcQqgfcUh

Prince Xuan’s curiosity was piqued, “What did the Emperor call you back for?”VYEFwYyFaPXjBfwUMCLrTnKibyRUfF

kyaxGphLslfbviy

To arrange? To bind? To punish??HJfSmQKdKasGeqAFDgEWMvnGOpimsh

PzqamIfQiQDhUHC

Ning Rushen replied dryly, “He called me back to pick up junk.”sErovJtnPzTRlKzbYfbYeAFSwHvhAg

JrppqMFQlULsZdd

Prince Xuan was baffled, “…What?”OAjayUpzwWSdpLITgsRmReSkQoITry

gIrUKXOwgnYJWWt

Their conversation, filled with misinterpretations, went on for a while. By that time, Li Wuting had finished discussing studies with Li Jingyu.fpCdCLXjWlGlyuxPknfVZwmHVMgRZA

jqKvuAzusMPpFZi

“Off you go, Jingyu.”kRSiguWVlybopePXwXVjSOvpOpuVnp

lBUYENVSoTMZDEI

Li Jingyu hopped off the stone bench.vOrREJreMaItbcFkuolpvfpqVjsdzG

KVNGglxLfmRfalc

Li Wuting glanced over at Ning Rushen’s side, “What are you discussing?”SAgqKJHYlFiobkQTeYLtcdPCglLxhK

OFOFDTcudjXSfsZ

Ning Rushen, gauging Prince Xuan’s reaction, replied, “Some matters the prince cannot comprehend.”RYszGAWjUcPTAZndZmqexQvPqqAYOa

ZGbfAJfzsvhiqWd

Li Wuting’s brow furrowed slightly, “That’s a broad range.”casBsONzSWbHvABbbPnrwdjezvvbLX

SHFplmAHyulYfrJ

Prince Xuan was puzzled.HkHSjxngRNtxEdpulhVtdMQHhHWnQg

MnYNLLmJFWZVfjZ

Li Wuting added, “If there’s something to discuss, tell it to me.”JgGeHFwguohEOQQJshxwSvsDriWNJS

tnCtUtbThWKJgmH

Prince Xuan dropped the subject, “Oh, right.”gkPqmCVFFkNTFMaUsacKmHPRlNsxDf

AmXgWBdTrKRSLjc

Ning Rushen stood up, “I shall take the young prince for a walk elsewhere.”JsLyFQNwVaHksAkhwXRDGwiyETurQv

mCtNyufvKjYDZyW

“Alright, just don’t go too far.”XBDaVUaCKmCXCCubXmhlZwoosWLbkV

KYTJARveHQWMWbJ

“Yes, Your Majesty.”XwewNObeqcYgsCnNnIEEYmjaHyzCwC

TBQxYrzlVTOCQNu

Li Wuting watched them not wander too far, so Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu made their way to the nearby garden courtyard.efqFqAglWusrTYJcHYRvChJygAUBKF

IygbEAWryzvuarf

This courtyard was also beautifully decorated.cGszDiKUuYXqmrGdZVyjLqgJpwJVcz

iDTBDWzxKvEqHxW

Li Jingyu, familiar with the area, led Ning Rushen around, explaining, “There used to be a big peach tree here, but the Second Imperial Brother climbed it and broke it, so it’s gone now.”QjQdopvxVBFsTeyoTcPoQhKbWZJvPP

kfMVHGglpyhabFq

Ning Rushen was amazed, “A tree big enough to climb and break?”OAcYFSBXNEDGeUfqivPraClbZgFJzy

BNYvTJxeVTGfHTu

Li Jingyu corrected, “No, it was the Second Imperial Brother’s leg that broke. The Imperial Brother then had the peach tree moved to the palace.”tdNfGAoVyUvZbEzdIJrhQpaJeZkPzl

gxPeIxYSbgSTOdg

“…” Ning Rushen didn’t quite know how to respond, “Wow.”AzejOxptlpladPYMtHWctwPcurwRpr

EUUxLwSEJPiRJrz

After touring the area, Li Jingyu led them to a side wall of the courtyard.roYvLdQqtpDJYmXXUVjkcHFEGYTUvb

DkCZhFlmHtRTSYi

This wall was carved with many intricate designs, including several peach blossom shapes with large gaps that allowed views into the neighboring garden, creating a unique scene.YmycVuofMpIkTfJLGdtNChSdhEQCPD

LmCZIKhWjTpDALM

As Ning Rushen admired the wall, Li Jingyu dashed over and skillfully shoved himself into one of the openings, hanging half-out of the wall.gyyJQHDxGVTffHEBkCbpNvrFPPIYXg

zjPGQLajXKGFQeU

“…”DRNsrGEUxOEoYjuUhOuDRjnlpOKAxT

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The maids gasped in shock, “Young Highness!”kvYytSJedulmEcklgIoQoqMnwWCYqe

YEMfRwTDKhVNxYf

Li Jingyu waved them off, “It’s fine, I used to hang here often.” After saying this, he looked expectantly at Ning Rushen, “Can Minister Ning do it?”aFQttxMWkyHbuDKNOgpYdclHaoVlyp

hSUUGDtAbNaRndm

Ning Rushen assessed the situation, “I can’t fit, but I can stick my head through.”GokzBYDNrmjiKtqnUnWNGBacJUkEul

JgQxrvRXNuVRByv

With that, he found a slightly larger gap and pushed his head through.flAziuPHdBclpmNllFNNCJXHGqvsTr

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“…”qqnocthKTbdwNBjnISqGewHnfnPGYG

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The two of them, faces pressed against the wall, looked at each other.uLZtMXDeSKQImDHBzDHrehnqjQyTsk

FOhWqMWSteRXGXN

Li Jingyu broke the silence first, “Minister Ning, it feels a bit cramped.”XESIBBkfaYwsjmXVJHfWetfpRvUvwa

XWIDYeVsRVYJKCe

Ning Rushen agreed, “It is, Your Highness.”MFKSURfYKEeaNnPPgaJfaFROdZLRMf

FMpCPfMoGmDHApm

After a few seconds of eye contact, they both tried to adjust.uWafiMwVBWSrPAcPyyAahtDsAlWTyV

gbzJlyBTbBoXrsX

“…Ah, stuck.”QlCTTKBqdElYCUdsNZvCnmdNoyRolp

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The pupils of the maids dilated in panic.ubQCVHrjjtyTiJIJYTXqCivxBmnfFY

oFxkeiOOXaipkKi

---

In the garden full of crabapple blossoms.uIgtepOtCfDJOkfzsdWrbWvlNDKmrI

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Li Wuting and Li Yingtang sat at the table, surrounded by a scattering of pale pink petals, creating a pleasant scene.hQEpkqUSUIQmlamvdMJrvtjesiKHLb

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“Your Majesty, the matter of going to the fief is not urgent, I think…”LXJAmVKiLnJJlkoYJfSzgGZQDoxdNB

ZedODqSVENvdPXT

“There’s no need to discuss the fief anymore.” Li Wuting sipped his tea, his gaze lowering, “The situation in the capital is not simple, your staying here serves no benefit.”xXDYzublxklJcWprnPaxyFpCWyuoCS

KFMjtQAYFwmQtTh

Li Yingtang sighed in frustration, resignedly, “Then I will set off after the imperial examination is over.”SpPETtVWzyRvpQgVScdNphsMBFqHAf

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Li Wuting considered this and tentatively agreed.WOkNWjuvaLYyZRoONKKpHUdJgKEJvs

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Speaking of the imperial examination, Li Yingtang added, “By the way, I heard Your Majesty appointed Minister Ning as an examiner for the metropolitan exams?”uEVDSgAUynOLbhVoWcQCHahaDQVXWV

rAccLzbkWgWNDFv

“Yes, what about it?”ztEYpVzHTsojgWEczuJuucDsdcLMbn

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“Minister Ning hasn’t hurt his brain, has he? No problems?”pRQlaPIHZAiTbLXCbCFleUtJYGExii

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The teacup was set down with a clink.uEGSnUjhXNfANkQfeJnvXKSqiIPtId

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Li Wuting, recalling something that seemed to tug at his lips, said, “He just doesn’t remember things… his brain is fine.”AXxQTkKRpiebYPwhZHhiaZPTTTnrdO

fciFNztGbebfLMU

As they spoke, a maid ran up in a panic:NBeaafgkrIgSrNMTJlkYLaAqCjRpJI

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“Your servant greets the Emperor, Prince Xuan!”PqCRJNrYblOZRehUmNXWSsEPeOSgqj

oaVRYwmqaQeaqkg

Li Wuting asked, “What causes such alarm?”JKQdlRMaAOJlNfYVCAJziqCNxOSIXT

JAdxKgORfQwbFSg

“Your Majesty, there’s trouble! Prince Jing and Minister Ning are…”ySUorIgOSQSUyGLrSRJTcatxRaHWhm

vkCWbRIfxKoQhix

Li Wuting frowned, standing up with Li Yingtang.TyyIrZfpWFbKBBxEKWpaifmctVEtjo

mlVonESsZtOjSzL

---

By the time they arrived at the neighboring courtyard wall under the maid’s guidance, they saw the amusing sight of a large and a small figure neatly stuck in the carved wall, casually chatting:KEXCIKQyvjDLietgWRBotAUICbSEqD

HWBasyKbiubAkvC

“Young Highness, how long ago did you ‘often hang’ here?”RStoRVNVRcNLsxDhbfUeGclzCyUUMR

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“When I was about four or five.”noTzcBDkIjShHqrxqzOuUatrpTYQhi

KnkgrdxhbZQLwzb

“Well, you’ve grown since then, Your Highness.”ApNaLnawRNpahDINEuQbeXVWqnZDEY

GVhMCtYtVIndJWs

Li Wuting, “…”RplhnLdmAJQodfNjoceyzBpMLwtbmj

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Li Yingtang, “…”NBWrcMPgGfzoColJGblPkvmiidyVpT

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Li Wuting’s vein twitched as he walked around to the other side of the wall.NoLxyOAfCiqDWzKVqwNBWuOEHShIsz

qwLlgxhCqYJBOiK

In the carved floral wall, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu chatted, waiting for someone to help them out, when suddenly the light dimmed—BMCThIKpMeVvuuKOPXxoCwwDYpGuEf

DdnvMCMUajPnNbF

Looking up, Ning Rushen found himself face-to-face with Li Wuting’s stern, shadowed expression.jAdnkjQNGfkoBrKTOqWYdpMkXzgzmq

rZHShmyjtZHhuJR

“…” Gulp.DsbujLuhMiBvrYkRiAgjnBiAXhrTDE

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In the slightly suffocating silence.mBivuNfFMRjOLZVuXRVhWHiKadgKhG

pfXMXNdmVfiSzsr

Li Jingyu stretched out a hand, “Imperial Brother, help.”ijsQNFWJzGqFxBzYsMCuxemUtEZoSN

uyJjugambQpEdKY

Ning Rushen squeaked, “Your Majesty, help.”eaqKgfBSPjPGgaBoMQfGmlqMYKyCBD

svyrsGyvYHREmPA