This official is so weak

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

REkOGvuRPEGLNPc

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

WOZdtKvueWKcVUn

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

gStKRBzrzUafOLM

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.gzkLhVVlBkSqlcqntEhyDxmXpwlWrW

NqczOYQMQMGOvlR

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

CBrhRzlUTqKFhqC

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

egszjLufddxnCLv

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

AdaXefpnzLDkpaD

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

CTIURDTzQPUSbtc

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

EAyaruZmNlzDqxv

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

pPcoCKDpLfMvXrO

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

QLGEtksIxICYPUY

“…”sGipqRTvxDxrqaOLpfDDZMTDxrfFgn

EoHmKePcbHSgLuk

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

WKdcUsiOifQrEdR

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

KkqnUgavXcYowVT

“?!” Ning Rushen widened his eyes.OsOrIhSMfQZRlkSQWXKsDCZuzHePNd

osjpRqVCWawTgqM

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

cuHYAIVyUAKOkoH

His gaze was too direct.EuWjZYNiZAQPCcJuZdSvtGpmYlczqf

XyQOiJHEEuASynQ

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

LMoDKUWHlMBzPyP

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

smFSQuRwmtafdBn

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

PyMOmZFwTsRtrAs

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

EyBViIHmqnNSLsL

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

dWCejGSnenAoQft

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

mjPntUooGyBQBud

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

CpEcnbZyyuVlpcT

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

jPVUWcliuxHHXHQ

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

AtVrfeSxBBiKOLJ

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

axAyxkiXPfXmPjJ

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

TTGrQEivBATQxKo

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.aAlEOutqtPtpJrPdcNDgFePLbmjGKm

HSkMGTdWtSZrNRT

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

pUCnfXuOArRpXsK

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

gcbwpRbpGGFnLwC

Li Wuting, “…”PMHvWbmClmIVXkXOhaHftHQyAxhyXw

XPzWcSRPzZjTngm

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

MmouBxFtLGvCtnr

The window directly faced the street outside the inn.AbYiJnvGjfhjmjVddMPOEBtaYQowbr

xlpmMlWRnmKkiQP

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

JkINOmqSqYyItea

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

LSEZBAycAtwIjPZ

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

EFJYnANVWgbbiaU

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

CxRbASSnIVIVDFJ

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

sqtHuLEgTdtivBP

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

FwvCrRZXxdWetsy

…aPuCKWTdSIqtwkPhOFZoFSYaxEHaIU

PCGodmYibWveylw

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

iMLpnrPfyLhiCXo

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

bbijVhwLUQIrelb

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

dqEdoyxfxVuVCYu

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

YNwCUeliiGnHezh

So “due to disrepair” came from here.PjwustzNhssvsAtKTKNQyDKacwJBok

suILamXYnPIMqMU

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

TiEpwMJBFyMpvji

As soon as he said this, both paused.pDZaRsagKthlzgOhgStpYWxMZSSGrb

wSbWVUoGBDaJeJm

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

ZaFdFtpYPRBRPaF

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

TUaFrXlvsKlAftW

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

lRkmiOkLySfBQOs

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

ALEKbhvAdYsaKXJ

De Quan was instantly confused.cilfMmfeBMTJQnRGgMGuiDdGFSQqBP

RhvpLnRblVZvkOM

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

QmjLKmgbGuOOLaT

Back in the carriage.bIVsBJsPDLixKjHInZODeQLETsjFet

AaQNlYFUnUZXAMp

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

zoTstPxBcZiChzG

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

bQhbMhsoGQyMMmD

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

KwEVLKFojXREfsY

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

sqQmmZXurwquCjH

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

TdGuGaPjFFfKLqt

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

DOPjqAIOcOMNXgT

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

ueygMRozBXFASOP

Li Wuting, “…”DvwZTOYlAdrQPCoEzrqaQsprNSbCGB

EXHgHVJbWWRZFyv

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

fzvQPWATqnEzxkH

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

oVDGABTROIZmUdX

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

AhukQGqbaDmnsWr

Ning Rushen: ?noqqSXnlBHcpMbsISYiYbAVGVxfdmb

TALsqYmclTmDUzq

…lcdPUywJQGOTmHkCtmwQDqMsixwBGc

QIojsPPixewYioz

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

OClVmmpKmhvPxES

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

HgXXYkFHUpxjxMt

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

miWtEENNWtNmvJK

“…”HqzECApQjsIIeosjoyLHHbdffAiFRJ

oUAIRbEnijRLPkZ

Behind him, the carriage was quiet.NdCHArUBmCofEYwKHDptbNPvIcVITi

VLWwlxALPDzryvB

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

LOfdHRfnoOSlTRB

Your bandit leader is sitting in the back.VIpGwwOlnWBkvoaDiHnmqHoWCUSQGg

YehvXFMaoKurXpG

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

jgBSkJgynEonwkc

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

GrNYJECCvrPMAWk

…OiLTaiwfnBhhLGRBiUBsaTQFEkaIfs

OEBYRGyLklqbBAK

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

kqTfyHpDSemYtwJ

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

JPcKBpLiprRsSCs

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.”mWpJRFetEwANmTafkHOYqQFsXLPXAk

JruzJzHprgLiRBS

Saying this, he headed to the imperial study.COfpuigPIWADmsXhLoFjfPCmLYTMzp

cDvWwDbfkqNBXcQ

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

lYkEMMMsaPvFuju

Ning Rushen paused, “…”FCfxTwdrlqvarGRTFYLrTqVKfwzzoi

zcbpMGitAJvYVfh

It was too much; it was almost sickening.OAsnYLjBsTLjDxniOdomJhRezzhTob

xUMsHKsKGkjrizb

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

DsZhdHidQGBCGrH

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

ISzdatrxFajVTNT

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

KVQQJXDEJCWOTKg

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

frqauMLgFXlzbUI

“…”FtmJJDVAnrBivQsTrhVJDDACEvIVjD

evFVXTRMaqnNKOW

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

rwDxQYQmHTwhEgI

“Yes, Your Majesty.”ZcNuhaQvWNInUxEKffhbGbHgylUMOf

ycGDGlAvhgOROZX

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

avTABxtjRwZoVTD

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

yRWuJNogRTDtJpe

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

bOZwbkmtaPkpWOQ

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.”KMGJCFoCdDJeFNFwkdwdpkdskIjCFx

MaCZXMNppseHojC

Ning Rushen, “Prince Xuan.”ZRZGyXWPXYhcLJpFarpeIdPFaftpVB

MCiCAWIYtWOfYTp

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

vshlIQJJxLpgzYf

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.”lWzxBHUlgtxmttuluPrwlTusTTlniK

rWjDEnLaiQSKodE

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

UrdxOjPfipTuWNH

“…That’s not the case.”DQgltsOsxXXKuExwMRQaiSMWzuehCG

sbKFQAJaMkCHPPU

Li Wuting watched him quietly.ALfoxsTQeUzQhFXaMBHspWYzWnIEmQ

QecChAHMtdUThPE

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

ASkdzQBYrEonEnv

Li Wuting interrupted, annoyed, “Alright.”hpIVmrDnTCOwDUeFeWtVBwYUOBGvPD

AdbykaxeUxIfMzS

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

czIVhwyMPWAPmPq

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

sryjElOfbvkdSQY

Ning Rushen: ?LhyYCPbvYpPUVVItJKZRNcoBebYQuy

xSzmpGfAtSSFVqj

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

sWKpkzvbRUcZKIS

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

xhAEcWZdaPlciDd

…So much for “alone without brothers”?WEnapjNCnLzWbWJpMmBXSlrqpFmXOJ

kqBktfgOQpxMAxa

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting.XhWTMSRRPMpQVOAwWfhDbiJgMWOWXr

hMdJkgJzBSLzvVC

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

VsPbscaOixHoIUx

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

cfqNIpzmQZVPcul

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

pMuWcPSziqKwUXr

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!”nNVAwjLXJpydryYsAPeZGZGUYghgdb

KWaMcLFobezbKnF

Crumbles of pastry fell from his hands.wzCnvCoSDqnDLKMTPjYiUyDzNvafxV

tjjBRBfAUoJNpIw

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.”UPAlZYefyLtquDfuSPjRUZHUdrPmhh

gOyNWxtqXGxnUvo

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

eDWXDgYzHMyrIac

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

LzwFdGwNHqaVnir

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

TuCTxKSSoFWmPho

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

ohlFzZGcPckzzNx

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!tnscCOtyulDypkVRYpYvBXqyLnRSTk

fFxExTfutpxZzTB

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

vrIxvKMCqrTUGfP

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

aQqNUPXYTnLkbyF

There was still some time before the meal.NUQCUnAQiZvzVYjYZJLlWTYElhPNZP

jwpSkuvpSOEQdtk

Li Wuting started quizzing Li Jingyu on his studies.wMgquwkQUtnnlkYMYsIPxZksvjpKNp

wOfDyKbitYjIFSn

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

xHKrMLerIjDtLVr

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?”LZOKUHkxuzkNxiQLEkwKkzGmuBqMrp

ScIvqAxHIpREWAO

…Who was spreading these stories everywhere!vikNLlNCdMiuCzRiSAjgRhnbGexbwe

KkrgwOdCNwMclfE

“Yes, Your Highness.”eLNzkmHZELLTAoaCFktCaJuOzPwUJK

XiaSqSWlLVpRTRz

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

BHntWNwdaUVCaPa

To arrange? To bind? To punish??earNxVsYeKNHmGBGXTmghrivFPfgpC

YByRbAxrjcPEhzS

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

IlMbgJLdRjhSxjo

Prince Xuan was baffled, “…What?”cpHXftxCrLrzLbzsvFVypHMTabZYfH

sDBhTCbIidktIrN

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

OMfxHvFGuKYRArR

“Off you go, Jingyu.”ykQsBfSettcwHmyZagZwnSbFePJbgj

ojHMcQylpbehqbY

Li Jingyu hopped off the stone bench.SaXFOtzrwzjeotFQcgClKqKxklBGqL

JRwSZoBxGMMDAUm

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

CwCBUmGcIAHXEcK

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

GSvYuKzCaHMsvse

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

CjfCmSXcfNnRlNH

Prince Xuan was puzzled.fMxunTXAOOOFlgIHcxBdbxAAUUALIk

cUdPHcqKcQftHld

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

YEDgoEUGtTvDPTY

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

qIQaDRAykRdXvvd

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

abASAQkvKZZIsXM

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

xQTSokDwIecqcIs

“Yes, Your Majesty.”fOCXguIYFwgekXMPlvIQnuhXwZRefh

UowbVMxNBNjYAsW

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

bWSiXMcikZpLXBS

This courtyard was also beautifully decorated.EqNXFMdfkHRNWrwZMCocgzDGaACMQe

kxtyuPuNXHleClU

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.”NixLVZPTWwTyHEdlVnljvNVRxqzPvg

ShmgMQVFTMITwoR

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

xEnqQDRUqaZDcVu

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.”QzOMEVuhxnynzEtXdeTrZFZCDyReYN

akhUEflYRAMGqpO

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

zQIFxGrSJWBSvau

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

MJImzJXdftLVzvr

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.DkPyAznjKljpJFKDxsjQXyycneYSGb

PLNZCnsfgjdFtEp

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.JHvHmNumpzsXgrJnYpliIVrUqPDxDP

ZiuXstEaKdMHyRB

“…”KWfKCifLNpfnWJgVGoiIOFFhkJRmyN

PCVNSeFnBUhrgQL

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

sAQVohixxXLLNUL

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?”qymQTcDDfkhKyKPElpvaXRfMQIRmCC

dWHTVncPjQJIcer

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

CLyfCGwyfPfFgHl

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

mdSkZfdQQccaLrg

“…”XanJImQlKkXYPCpdCkwzvLQuymtxaR

BMzByWbNjegBdwk

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

CMBJpQLYSBOAcPI

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

ZKGHqhVKrZVXArR

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

qQSjGWqkKBOKcQe

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

ggPGcuOlgntFKyk

“…Ah, stuck.”xMgOAbjrgTlyhgCcdrEjwMwFJIEwfs

qwXBluvMLAxdxyk

The pupils of the maids dilated in panic.cFDKTZheyyrvxvJzgmvHMVfrEvfcnq

RVZsqjymqdqhVLe

---

In the garden full of crabapple blossoms.rNvOxmRNXvnyDiLUFdLPbIyFcjfyNZ

ZMlOvBtZsiZVOJv

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

uPBePulbEmAPbJT

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

frCtBYegcJITWmj

“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.”CAFZBXpiGOROlGGeWOvBnYSScLhhUs

PvyLYFIoHogAyCX

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

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Li Wuting considered this and tentatively agreed.UmbCtBswfQJLYayYBoMhQBEHCxJctI

mHvEHFOBrDjxEdS

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?”LrTTuVETzBRLAzwFrrtAnctBsFQsUD

wSNAkhPOnXfMijh

“Yes, what about it?”AijDiYCdqMSohISwabvkLgJChsjrkP

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

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The teacup was set down with a clink.xxVyXRqAnxVBpAXTiCPhpHEoyAGJTb

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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.”qdBbItNoEWVcwAIWGMtIWwDByMMfJQ

LUrKTtApBOYVHgj

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

kfeLyCoFoIHpBgU

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

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

lcDLMCLwFxuJVwm

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

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Li Wuting frowned, standing up with Li Yingtang.UBpwSNyQLTKLnyeuZNypQgxCJbHbCl

bNJwJsBDMcafzfF

---

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:YaqKhFRcCTHQHjgzepDQNwcextwlGi

jvzfKHFWySHrsvC

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

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“When I was about four or five.”xPYfwiMPZYoqPdmMQeUtnvqpIzhjfs

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

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Li Wuting, “…”FqTfWCBZuvDfQOjfqOunbdCDQWyiSN

BNdUUBOSOlQakzx

Li Yingtang, “…”UlMrUHDxFrXozMasAPMCKEuNnFLFXU

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

EQDoyjILGrkUPXf

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

sCfIJsGUugbwthD

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

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“…” Gulp.RojhemJTwScFZmoOTCeqrNFqcLHetc

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In the slightly suffocating silence.nwMctIocKXLgOUqGWJJUwcqTDGEGGm

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

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

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