This official is so weak

sXWvkuVhtICpKBrTable of Contents

Chapter 18

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

HOArYtRkeYAgUcm

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

JdatCgSTMXcEJJA

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

XSzulkshQzpKNHy

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.aXUiIKXubhPKChuNzxDdtZcizPpjWt

WnXQToCLaRsvXvQ

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

lQokYrizqPvcTof

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

TpUXMphtHFezAuh

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

WblCPBQcRPahKxT

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

fFZILJTNGdHsTzM

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

eQXzMUukSZumMlp

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

NVlIGOvMriNXOMU

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

uJSuluZPDLNSqVv

“…”EZReoyIEidoUQjtsoqsiTCiBNjlVoz

kmKeJWmzzobpaNj

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

tqLJreUvmLiOJme

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

gLaFylTmdodpljV

“?!” Ning Rushen widened his eyes.wHFupJJevGxGiNylJJRbKSbNummqFA

chvXIndTxUlHzJr

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

QygystCSgEHFTxR

His gaze was too direct.NihjxFJbLxESXAMbbVQhybePwlyfop

tygihuKjJgjHOFM

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

ccwcMJuPIPhSNky

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

yXqPOGuilYOFBnp

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

koAZfswGmYGSdBZ

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

DFjGcWtzsNthTzb

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

JgYyDPSZRiCgGOS

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

aOgXZjpEGFtniZJ

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

DVdWlcfzkWBQRjO

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

bZwllZAMOgANliM

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

CmLEYHiASNBLQBr

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

MhRlpsJvACBeEBt

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

irTmsInOZXspcdG

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.RcOKKNLdBKzwRzgJfSlADUOOcVkogZ

TqkgnswZszgbzlH

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

YDcFGtWnhYDMzwr

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

tMFaOdGQhTnXkxU

Li Wuting, “…”wGCieLOmQvRApgMHSOzyzYktvIoPjo

VDMEEBKFmaGwwpM

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

CUphxwmADnyoEkh

The window directly faced the street outside the inn.rSRCQvDTEjKSiHDLmebzPMnEQUPcYJ

KRUHGPBBntkUyQw

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

NFDLwdmYpkZsZNu

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

UKeVQXEGskretXq

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

KpeiIwJjxurqMzF

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

JrAOIyXShFLcAoQ

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

VkJohTGmoAFwwJC

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

yuWjEwsUVNPsvpC

ZxFACAHeyZjveoWlnnZFkXnzDgGCUR

aOIAjjBEcNOPXIL

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

WqlrOuVQPtjjIvi

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

vgwTUMteOURNwrG

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

wRjRgPvAZsLQVLE

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

NKrMObINitzeuHZ

So “due to disrepair” came from here.uSksSYuxBXgiUALzenMjcXwnJgMDUe

ZiVdnAzLjKlrDEn

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

sXKxnCrsuUXWlEu

As soon as he said this, both paused.oAgmVMEFjccmbVZcQFlXRJjUePgSQN

HXmCdziNenUjAkQ

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

OhPxQwlbfEUvcAX

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

LqgvKtmeYDUMwMR

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

JghjmmORQpTLSrA

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

WAxmGCBjlVWcboE

De Quan was instantly confused.rWfpQIJJzgjnbztFTAEbSUMddnNLLg

bTTngdKivAVIDAt

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

QwxLyLiENCLoFEY

Back in the carriage.ZWiYIsyNgaQtatPUCxcyIWEzIaekbE

pKSYTijmsRggajf

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

lnVmcSLzaJXhrJw

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

SRRMnjrXaHlDChH

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

ORcsHSndtcRLRpe

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

kLxhmDiviqHubiw

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

dxEAijzrpBqAfIp

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

mCJcKudtYHlVNMZ

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

CWkloiSATzwqGfX

Li Wuting, “…”NOKUEoPPqDYvHaPQbtucxjHZVvDWNt

rJBfuPaKuyxmMoW

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

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

DJvDsUUwsiZhLsq

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

ZVYdBnHYVCTGffU

Ning Rushen: ?OkkrZzFqdHeKioHcVBjCsriftgcbhG

XFnpWZtKwCuxxIL

QKszHuCDzQGEVwTtafgUuPBJZsvYkb

YhMNHhZiLbnalWF

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

mBoFYIhEJpAfEhu

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

ddbNSTBKXDmPLWT

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

UtInpXrhdhtYDws

“…”EVmlKOTVXNCFxHReefZaPCzqADCJEn

uslpDEhCWkQPWai

Behind him, the carriage was quiet.pbEIbtQFxbApgQdQYMrSvPGdkKKsRh

vjDIeSVmvIWsJrb

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

dsGIbjobZbLxxDe

Your bandit leader is sitting in the back.McnooMbhseYMMPXiHVJfyHoiuJVZSr

CjofBqnSqyHezaQ

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

SafsuBPyfFixXHe

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

PxChSxvBYOvVKqa

tPqBnbhaZsuHohAjSmqRndRqdOisIV

kHfqMynYmrljpOr

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

viVALGZWNcVczAn

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

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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.”TazGVcnQmDydoNjulIwNCCHWUSBBGa

OgsQwSKnGHSZDSb

Saying this, he headed to the imperial study.QvUDflJhwSBMrooaQObgRIDoClVAcn

bijCjGbQZaMdeXM

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

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Ning Rushen paused, “…”aXbGgexQqoCEQCyXFhdAOmFTLgPOAX

ehTVpnEQkGQshmS

It was too much; it was almost sickening.MUrgAVwrWhxPWhxMDRFKoOIdGtnAvt

NsBCjWwLyHYdtLK

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

ULhyLDscujZBjQX

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

tuXJanIdJUjIKnL

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

tOhgwObsixnYTYA

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

SdZDLslolBBfSgU

“…”xpMCAaVqwHwCxrcyNdDCuCmnVFjkzr

BluWGaoDgftDriS

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

QouIXglmhwLUZzt

“Yes, Your Majesty.”SGZyOvrVkOLuiCdbWbAiUtnNxBMuPG

wDIprSuRDgZlDsf

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

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

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

HQLaLJetzGtEYau

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.”MEyGnxRcaqypfXqRroHICAcqluzwfI

LhxslQTpuVgfgDu

Ning Rushen, “Prince Xuan.”dEkkzLgtkvxyOGAJWTJRKFoLVDBIAm

uHzKnfFXpLRpcOU

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

drouLRllBFhtdyW

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.”bQeZqcjGQxHSQlaeLOBqqjcCvUMZQo

THBVabGnQqlvrQJ

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

UDZepinqRtfELQT

“…That’s not the case.”nwqFnrhfHpwGKsDcqKfxyWuoXAkkJF

bNDaCsVlorHXjbm

Li Wuting watched him quietly.VGKJggCXHqRueWAbrbsRKTkmZBSRnE

xcuWKiCidGwlQhY

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

gDiWFgcJccRNjhW

Li Wuting interrupted, annoyed, “Alright.”poiWYoonPcdodItWaHxgWXPWKGGwUb

UJMYiokpDTHIWWz

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

aeKPPokUBUWLIpX

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

nLzUXyGRTBWrnVO

Ning Rushen: ?hZgdkWMTOYKevrNaIXwSzZADOmZrUc

bFsIAfdcjvjHiuW

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

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

iSmlTezlypCiGIL

…So much for “alone without brothers”?UGnyBAsiopwSpqpCrOSoSbVWzpQkXu

aDgKjFOjkXMUmcb

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting.skVSjrQghciqBSPiJsXbjGCKPVSdKQ

KeKvwfTMXEUiiWX

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

fuiaACuQBZNxZVT

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

IYFdQljbtFcEOAQ

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

ZEhVuljgeVFQKYV

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!”JufVVpmqUUsinLdmvoWhiwIQwKXQFA

zZqMJCgVsjyxtnX

Crumbles of pastry fell from his hands.nEzmHuydVbESMOspalrUoYauHPwuyN

prhBGmefknmPjOq

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.”FWuhjOFCKIjhZSsKVYFiQKiFscXJzX

tRuNGWvvvpkPKhy

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

cHKKPZvBXVLHmCs

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

tPrpdraBhTLmjrZ

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

HZlysDFEenMOWFt

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

ejLeYrpZBLwhBFE

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!lBAeughMQwOoKiITayYgujcEAaTiBR

XXyhfTjLfGdmncs

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

oHqOXHFzCzhLTTv

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

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There was still some time before the meal.vSyAzWPsJbnuzivqFCegpisSRrJpqy

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Li Wuting started quizzing Li Jingyu on his studies.UmubNtcrdBblOMgkLZoQOsxQPUifjo

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

djhrFsSkGQSvQAV

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?”gIzaLVKpBqBBQCzonToneOfSExckuR

fLEXZjPmvaqxTCR

…Who was spreading these stories everywhere!eNohEXIlgvRcVZjzGnGjkIPywQUylp

uAqMVKhiuJrlsYs

“Yes, Your Highness.”ltNSCVhkzvJoUCbysKZhIlgQumoxtX

cpfmJElnawzxGBo

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

ZKySdBUBScNVRGK

To arrange? To bind? To punish??whRjJMyheAiQcCQIolUGqHvGyxNdjN

KXLDqgaDYzisuoS

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

JDhaEsryFwrmbmi

Prince Xuan was baffled, “…What?”UUYtniUcZGPQvqbQfsozzFYvycgdCq

tBVRZeblSNlDZcd

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

dlZyIJwVPyEkNbd

“Off you go, Jingyu.”zbOwSZMkbDDsSpwaYyrQnkSFdPNuca

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Li Jingyu hopped off the stone bench.AhVMUuczZYebGmmCdQvzTDdcQwuEsL

iicbgKkfXOOEiMT

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

ZLxiVDRfwvmyXOp

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

ZsICycrZuVdhykE

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

YJLsPYXoVlBYlJC

Prince Xuan was puzzled.XSuHCLKhyiiGmLHRzKozHcRhCkpqvd

YBJoQQKiTzZwQsw

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

YoBSdfpNfhgzHVt

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

zKOSikNUXTVBrlG

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

JKHeBlzNqbXNmAm

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

UaQOTQSEtDNMdbt

“Yes, Your Majesty.”gVufdymnWCatsndCEyXSSqrbkfxvTp

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

BxalaxLlXCFejLy

This courtyard was also beautifully decorated.tDrWLxFjetlRlCtuDJXOxGssyDUvcs

HUbXfxvUVIkxktt

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.”UCmrlJQeNMZuNZCXAPfgwatWdgJSsF

koxXqPvyMGuudSP

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

FEMvyyessNxVirt

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.”ddzxhpUHYFabfeTXtRyGIbvqVPCRXu

eXojRfjOvqZYgen

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

bkARWTipQhlsxdh

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

VqBSzhtdErjiqSp

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.tdArkvfEFZbxyxpNPXLUpkaJMNeHnu

RNBoeqgVQscGbdv

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.raJkZBCaUMaSUAsBGGMyocVpygpKWX

zHRGqepmiUoTmqC

“…”rnhhJxKUDMKvGwdcFdghsKBPvPzCEB

oGJsygENOynADCu

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

gzqsyheGJrPddCs

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?”RpFBdsvnuhhUCyTGaTkjjijmIlPtGA

PrDSWQKlVAlyuyg

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

CtXzedjaBopeCuw

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

riedkOvWZFZdLGz

“…”ykknskCsZRRJWDRrpZIVcjejzRkGlo

GmuYhwMZwEmCfXb

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

oNvKbJuGdpmLHzy

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

cGSHGgSLmgtFLTY

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

KiWlRNwbHcPgjuJ

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

ouWFzJgXGWxzGWN

“…Ah, stuck.”WOIFdfsljHrIVuSoUvWEURCjKgEqxd

JXXPIIHbBeeYiGM

The pupils of the maids dilated in panic.rHewBATgHFtQFuowIhybNuKnoTmKvg

SHzVYsUKLcfbNMK

In the garden full of crabapple blossoms.XKoSQInjRTcInOoCAPQEWlKKxMcadA

jaIkIrCXrjdBMOo

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

NjdLtEtFJLlrXGD

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

JEnCHvSZmkYaYCh

“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.”BpRsvhJLARxiypoplGWqNSWibRueXR

ekWMkZtBxbIDlOE

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

AzfcsWMgwqNUYqu

Li Wuting considered this and tentatively agreed.oKeAjTItzJySptdAYhdswOWGFYfnGI

rGBZXLZAbeCIBAO

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?”tWcnkRoHzgLFtqpQVqwWcjdtknvqRO

omvCMUtQLrpLLPi

“Yes, what about it?”CJgBNYxwsLeUJzaCwUtkpYGYZvLTRr

hcRsyqVXGmqjLTO

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

VtIBqrNjDupJLSx

The teacup was set down with a clink.HDwdBmNJYkETFqxcnKmYHPlXNBfahV

nlhIWkYMTOMLghH

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

PmHyHYgqSBEtuyM

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

CGkZKhsXbezEwNo

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

rhfpvInXbWegmFl

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

hujVnuajEebHbDp

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

wvujbpDgDfxxDZC

Li Wuting frowned, standing up with Li Yingtang.PxESdOsTnvUqfLTRthVYfNqpbCFHYL

adXjWfNnlQYqpAi

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:tTpnoXmBxKjlSwmgzwQkIjkpfLmQCf

rgefwnvlLfeNWVa

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

LVfhUlgChpbeMkU

“When I was about four or five.”UaMCoTLtLHYPYfNvvpinXoxvFAioWG

vnXCTYcPnySsbxE

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

DpVvrGwWoWJBvdZ

Li Wuting, “…”SxOloKrutaxXbAjzszYXPBwSaCAygw

aIGJQrqJiOMnZZl

Li Yingtang, “…”kJnHfPeaDDlIEwutwkvNyGFsfPPQSp

AyBxjGcElTtBrCv

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

eLpayDbdNSvQcqn

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

ijMJBPcrCMOdaCg

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

uEJMHQlNVqcXSGP

“…” Gulp.UAPLPNJgAirjWVeqJlxJvlQXkkzeGH

QISyqMLKeyPPVSw

In the slightly suffocating silence.vwBGLFbzNqCNiMFLTJdHIbkCMZAtOL

uXiWDUCGYBHcGhC

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

QQAhDujYQypTpRa

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

EqAOzQdUekCqpyP
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QBQWcmPkRiGFlSTuyVFaAQGAUCssdr

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