This official is so weak

Li Wuting looked down at the two without moving or speaking for a moment.AoEWDniJnQSMeGWYejUNxWgKWHBUyc

afPplRrAsaESqXc

Finally, suppressing his tumultuous emotions, he spoke, “How did you get stuck?”ksFKRkYFKzJjvAchwaacgnGHxSRurI

FKszbIKqeFXbRIj

Li Jingyu was still flailing about, trying to demonstrate, “Just like this… and then, Lord Ning,” he flipped his head, “it went like this.”hFTMzpPZZipNLmOrLjLdePUnHCWNoJ

JfJbREdowoGKMLz

Ning Rushen carefully looked up, watching Li Wuting’s expression, “I realize my mistake and will accept any punishment later. Your Majesty, could you perhaps… help me pull it out first?”byaYNKkwngFanOeDktOKDGdFueLHwY

ODLAvoqZPEVdtQj

Li Yingtang, who was watching, had already rolled up his sleeves, eager to try.aMFssmiVoVQhqeAHubirzKjTqgUZPX

cfaqdnvSPZzwtPr

Li Wuting became even more annoyed, “Pull out what, do you no longer need your head?”PiidFCqfVMuUaqsYGUCjdTDrOzcIJU

VqjFMXeOijHDyHG

Ning Rushen only saw a flash of bright light before his eyes.ZDySfliaGxEuWYlsLPCvjlAKjDFSIb

kxcuOaQXGJHLLCY

The next second, a chilly breeze carrying the scent of pear blossoms fell.XgoDOlfJLFNrRvMSzpweUOQTxEXMGR

GWmgFoUdpoQnmQw

The sound of bricks breaking and falling could be heard, as if a gentle breeze had brushed past his ears.UeNXxcfMzqQDEnBirEvGWIvYcSPDUa

lSYnRdRefbsmZPm

Li Wuting stood before him, his imperial sword already sheathed, one hand propped by his head, his well-defined palm knocking on the broken carvings, breaking a piece directly from the gap.MJVbUalsJDsbmtYBBcTKjwhJGnYJSg

OqXJAVRUZyDmZpK

Wall powder sprinkled down on him, dusting his nose.ZceCLddBTrAXZnZJdvGQxgMNdDweWx

TdRMTgGJmDpYReo

Ning Rushen looked up, blinking in confusion.RaaTKPgLPEARoVjAwXzDISUPhcuGyb

ZanYqAMForCGQnz

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on his nose, his eyes calm and deep, “Why is it still hanging there?”ZrXsDSNmbRhvyjVLQTyCJZgfONYzab

IjkzeUHbEgRfBhc

Ning Rushen, suddenly understanding, carefully stepped back.puCVjNOMfFTXgIzVPpriTOZdCBrwUG

tdpfDZLmyqQaBzn

Seeing him as if reborn, Li Jingyu, stuck in a narrow window like a little carp, flapped, “What about me, Brother Emperor?”mVKeAoqKuUpaSxxyXUUUgWAnsBbGIN

hNkZadshjdLniJX

This time, Li Wuting did not use his sword.HaSprXoRJSbkYAIkWlcbhgbyPyrKVB

RUpknVsokjDXXnI

He chopped a part of the hollow carved wall, directly slamming his palm on the broken wall amidst the palace servants’ cries of “Your Majesty, no!”: Bang!ImXzvrowpSLAeLdbCFrNMLSyRZytjV

jDDACGQCglcjtpi

Li Jingyu felt a release at his waist, and was then carried out by the palace servants.JkcCIIxXXrpbxMWzYTISaxgZHXyKcM

CJAcXlOugHjzWMB

He patted his clothes, “Thank you, Brother Emperor.”OLoTUoYdZiAdiaCGheYQZjlKNviKbH

mDCekpwxRGHJPeP

Ning Rushen also bowed his head, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”HtCHvhLGdvJLoDkZhINIHoIbGXtDEL

lWZSCNhxrEwTxTG

Li Wuting glanced at the two, flung his sleeve, and walked back to the previous courtyard, “Follow.”iNkjsRIQUwZglBltegKjEISZabjExt

jVSfmCOJoLTwHZw

The two shuffled behind him.dbAHGKAAzVXxqQYPhEHZLJfXtHlEak

veFyauaokxPHgJU

Li Yingtang, waving his folding fan, hesitated to speak, glancing at Ning Rushen’s head, then hurried to catch up.ILhATFByaCofwjwLGVXotggQjitDaa

EZJCopPXqkzWwKR

Li Wuting and Li Yingtang walked ahead.sLmmEiXPoAaOcoqRbBNEkAHSpDgSfF

MiiCDOkyXsrxaXA

Ning Rushen followed behind, his robe tugged again. He looked down to see Li Jingyu tiptoeing to whisper, “I told you the Emperor treats you differently, he saved you first.”JvuXiKzMBjITPVYGuGvgDHuCPfylpt

BoyyaLFaMVTqVbR

“…”riGvXIIlctOKpolWxhonpLgzzbFEmg

zIBZYZCSjpFoFiC

Ning Rushen held up a strand of hair, showing him, “Is it sharp?” swept by the sword wind.GWQuuZzoFWLSobYJKkGBKJqiKPsdcN

ktwuXLZbprswKEI

Li Jingyu examined it closely, “Hmm.”BhrrAXwWbyebmxajZSjmEpyUBzWEME

EYaygAEteLKnRXp

Ning Rushen sighed, patting the wall dust off Li Jingyu’s shoulder, “Your Highness is still young, we cannot afford a mishap. It’s not that His Majesty prioritizes differently in his heart.”fKaQpeisdTTckqFydyyREgQOXeCNkg

QdUDxWyEaZIiOSg

He looked ahead; Li Wuting’s hand by his side was turning red.xwpoYIgjKFDUQAvClByUikvTaOMvAO

CjnBTZqELAchPRD

Li Jingyu seemed to understand and nodded.tZxUHxbiuvzWfksaErWxtyhvqCdtuL

RifojfyiTumGEal

Ahead, Li Wuting spoke lightly, “Tomorrow, have that wall in your courtyard removed. Don’t keep such dangerous things in the mansion.”VRqZduhUHJDzzBMmSrwaAgUdgampHf

TXKxLTrZEcjZtgP

Li Yingtang was shocked!uBbPwkOfLbRtJMzpcpOcjEkjfqlCjg

OuKZeCiytcyCLqM

It was the first time he realized a carved wall could be dangerous!XWLlsAuOSmiDwgKfqUfUMFseUzWAXD

XsWlOryrKgCzXlX

Ning Rushen listened from behind, sleeve in hand and eyes shifting:JROJEyEkjANgXidWaSaFOMiOHBJkGJ

WQDuuFxxkRuSBlp

In this world, there are no dangerous walls.HyTpsOHXatWqpAhahQVVhRinCbViVP

PxQSfgjwauWmwpZ

But when people keep squeezing through, it becomes a dangerous wall.qqorsMmRjDUuieExpATBvDtxYxtCpF

uogAEjEolxozvpv

·XOtBTxpEXxCyIOduCUyBGcWlPpKwhl

AwlxslHlCGZrZLH

Everyone returned to the courtyard.OtkuBfomkHRSITZlCoxLTbTyILrzRl

hfetYLPVREQywxE

Li Wuting sat down behind the stone table, and Xuang Wang also took a seat.HhOwhmSXFhauRVpaJZssXBdZUCruHe

tVsKxnqiINeudjO

Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu stood in front, earnestly admitting their fault and listening to the reprimand.fRnzaZNGzQUOSTRCFDpwseWDkzwgjv

ywfoMgqZKkJSzzH

Although Li Wuting was annoyed, fortunately, the two hadn’t caused a big mess. Considering their past actions, he wasn’t particularly surprised or upset this time.cKNOawAUmLKRonQgyIcdUZKYrqLSFk

KDjmUxoUUEUWiUy

After lecturing them, Li Wuting stopped talking.DhSUxyLaQCmpoCMGYDmkyjCPmWnbSE

UDBxovGCovuUomK

He moistened his lips with tea, then his gaze softened as he looked at Li Jingyu. Something seemed to cross his mind, his eyes slightly narrowing:LFoeyZoXaluosTiflvKjXDNxCmLWuZ

bDPDLyeXPupRoFU

“Jingyu, be more cautious.”jWGhasWpPtrigsmjdFTaOEIfLuNKUj

jvtFCsahoMIvSUL

Li Jingyu, feeling the weight of that look, stiffened, “Yes, Brother Emperor.”cDKIAVKXVZGUfyvmfSbnNWIRbzEdjv

KuKIwHBYkQqJtrD

Ning Rushen caught the expression between them, his thoughts settling.smIJyBPbEZmjRxEkLsrHfecVMvqSmZ

VHWAbthfScsDCMF

At that moment, the gaze turned towards him, “And you.”biqUfYtlHvqnOLLRxENajacUMwKunY

jDZxGYJqgLFDFeO

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, “Hmm?”wBhAieuJAiIYwfhIzDGNokDxFAfexL

YZEHCMTyCUmSzPb

Li Wuting looked sternly, his fierce brows furrowing, “You’re all grown up, yet you still lack judgment.”dDMDwzQIDqCGZyFCcJlTeTXPoPXSSP

RJEaCNXITIlpJIP

Ning Rushen reflected, “Indeed, for someone my size, it’s fitting that I got stuck.”IKUgSNSUYNwMGxsUBoliiLIFwAbnci

NrPMjQAAgfxzsYm

He lamented, “It was a lapse in my judgment… a mistake!”xhvHqRGfBxXQOsNcpdPaBvFXwzkdqV

ByhqQYyeRhqENmx

Li Wuting, “…”OVKOKdjcZSinldAsLUONTufWkzwJJa

BUSlHNcOzLSpQbZ

Li Yingtan’s expression twisted as he asked, “Is this the discretion you had in mind?”WsGRHDfOHAjvXSfKwKYjkxYkkrsuct

LQBHzKwwLAczQOK

There was a pause in front of the stone table.PzsmGLqRqpWWDDHSOeMWIcQSYGRBQY

RjjOHRnCLbkgxkL

Still unable to hold back, Li Yingtan leaned in and whispered to Li Wuting, “Your Majesty, are you sure you want to appoint Lord Ning as the examiner?”SXOYSnSyswHUpqBgapicMMqEhRcMEy

QwisuFPNxHTMRXC

The fingers resting on his knee hesitated slightly.oBOsOvVRYoUytIKnkfzmTlQiptviID

aFFMypLGdoEKUvh

Finally, in defense of his own statement, Li Wuting pursed his lips, “His mind, occasionally works.”uyzZMGsuKLzeMPsgRreeZGVvHgQPlx

AvhfGFIcYTaoxZN

Li Yingtan implied deeply, “You really trust him…”zhcHwcuCkFXfdIdKwSPELixtYnkMOC

QJBMxWQgwmnKBTf

After the meeting ended, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu finally sat down.FvDYWLkRqIMERZFHCneIsMYhjbYGfO

VnVJvWyRXHUCSJI

Servants attended to them in the mansion, and the brothers chatted over tea in a sporadic conversation.IBNueRSwpmPgjPhIraZWlzRzCMmwjX

jFTULDNICUNbFOR

Sitting there, Ning Rushen suddenly felt Li Wuting’s gaze frequently landing on him. He turned to look, their eyes met,EVwGCBGrHRavbqVBhyfLHeHDfKDgHD

oXFSCylXAtmQqJa

“What is it, Your Majesty?”LvKDCfMXVfsEwkFDoeYqobRoyloCvF

QAppRjVtZIFmetV

Li Wuting paused, “Mind your appearance.”HKBQUnPdRoUFguogdZdhHTRNfMnOBM

krcGkjWblZHmOQa

Ning Rushen: ?OtlEpMXvmmRtUrcxFZrxKgssZStekm

eXKuzSyRnJeHrUg

He reached up to adjust his hair.AjIRYVJILLOIzshGcqQzXIRNDvxDXd

RoZTsCTNegGevaK

Li Wuting frowned, pursed his lips, “Not that…”mALsfUMmLEBGVqdzEZNAMbJFtmVBuN

KykPwDAhFjPRfQA

Suddenly, a head popped up in front of him.EyrrIFvmbxQQqOKBVTjRQgtStMYxge

SiJlCkkcAawEkPm

Li Jingyu leaned in close to Ning Rushen to take a closer look, then noticed a faint trace of wall plaster on the tip of Ning’s nose.uAgOxhXMHoIXeXHXloyTdsJToBBfbp

aFgXstWekMDdGOH

Ning Rushen’s skin was very fair, and with the sunlight filtering beautifully through the branches above, casting a dappled light on his eyelids and nose, the plaster was almost invisible.JqvqsiUMCQEVSpThbZhsarwMuOgkqs

wrddfKeUpPCPxVK

Li Jingyu slapped his hand lightly, “Lord Ning, you’ve got something on you.”OSqFmMDjyeEoqFuzrFCRsPSClvvBkz

ORANUbWTwCbYaqU

Ning Rushen, realizing, “Thank you, Your Highness.”SEXCAkuZWmjvQSrTftmOiutFeCDCiZ

vOLecEBNCuQzbWe

He touched his nose and looked at Li Wuting again in surprise:IuteCKZwrawyFiJeycFEYEMJYqTPcJ

uEJxIMmCjCSZlJQ

This detection ability, more intelligent than the robotic vacuum cleaners he had at home.SodaIlnneEfCtVUvhyGwPxuBHUfrtS

mNPbZjwcPfDFbov

…ErDGdUOaWgngdccYXQvJoyMwUlhfie

VNnXDuOWwygdXLE

Soon, it was time to dine.DfAzDqoiSPUbrxfEbCiMMbrzGCpryE

yahDZvfzcyejtCx

Prince Xuan, known for his refined taste, set the banquet right in the courtyard, enjoying the spring scenery while dining.PiEvFWDdUUWOpVvbyKIfhbsYiJGgfR

fYsZhRmVVLvTmQd

Royals were always attended by servants during meals.KnxSOVLyswTQAjBmOdvwEwNgprGJNa

vGweVsRrSCesDKO

De Quan arranged the dishes for the emperor, while other servants attended to the two princes.BfPETRBWJwkNWCFXGBmyphDWZmwtZJ

CcfqjIehnANyAIu

Ning Rushen, asserting independence, sat across from Li Wuting.FmYdlBdIZplvsTcWVmmZtsnLHbecXY

UevQEqysPLoRNDv

The dishes at the prince’s mansion were exquisitely prepared, appealing in color, aroma, and taste.rzgIdgVDszkyuQGTFsPHHZuhGqDHrH

KfdWhIHPOCIYPzH

As Ning Rushen was deeply engrossed in eating, he suddenly met De Quan’s disapproving gaze:vXmJxANOtWZYBjKKPSEmxLUHcSIXKd

aFquzDZSEGtkpMJ

Are you competing with His Majesty for food!EBsmjRdrzgeXaXpywQXHRAldjoZnQD

yEQpNChbySUeqmS

Aren’t you going to serve him?fZHjkgIoWJPxBFsykXnuHxvHvLwoue

AgkqieZKjyejiEB

“…”egkqDHJXuanmJMZAAuQzfgGLuOQLyO

wYuojKUMlhfBEqt

Indeed, having just annoyed Li Wuting and then being miraculously saved from the wall, he felt he ought to make a gesture.hhqAndFSPyzMkBcwbYfXbcIHJMfnSl

txQFfSzbrzkuAet

Ning Rushen smoothly got up, “I shall serve His Majesty.”vMsMSBoKusACSCZpSBmfZLJajuOxZO

scIIczMKVSJhGey

Li Wuting looked over.ogIQAcHfRssxvRxAcUHGIAaGiWWEmX

hHmlxDivKCZBvvx

Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves, stretched across the table, and with trembling hands, picked up a piece of jelly with public chopsticks and placed it into Li Wuting’s bowl.vOnRuVYeDeAVDIzqyOKSNARtIiKKKe

HXngPEEYohltANz

Li Wuting, “………”WKQmPpUgdHlQpIQWHXmgLJpqdKEski

JwjfXnzFGwfPtlO

De Quan closed his eyes tightly in frustration: Why can’t you come around! Is there a hedge of thorns around His Majesty?PrVOuoVAwIHdexcNCGYSKmMreUogJc

VjgWHytsnFfvFMC

Li Wuting, observing Ning Rushen’s full stretch across the table, “Lord Ning, your way of serving dishes looks like an assassination attempt.”IPXaAAEFsrPluGpYXRTqlmEDTKEUqV

qCglenLhosSRQDU

Embarrassed, Ning Rushen withdrew his chopsticks.BbjUTdJIKnRSHjZLImhBVRHZhvKuYn

elXOLwWMfosLjVT

Li Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose, “Stop serving, eat your own meal.”suCpJVqyxGvGcWQCjMfmpxUmURPgMj

eAKGjBiFGuYxbgY

Ning Rushen, taking up his bowl, obeyed, “Yes.”uiSrFGqzuNmXVGEsqGoyTGxFwvsqrT

cyDAwUfwcDgcehX

…kbZzBJAsHVyvYVshGmyyBURNpTzobt

QJPKkoluNbZtFUA

The banquet at the mansion ended.UgNrtmezqUupbTPQnCBHZrwbfIJoct

FRwawdlbleIzijP

Relying on emotional ties, Prince Xuan stayed a bit longer.OQOOFznQIEbkGrtsYCfVGqIkFergvE

tKgduvidEmrDdKp

With the civil service exams at the end of March, the list announced in April, and an interview added in between, the final stage was likely not until mid-May.CGxwnsjoZJOBsYphtaMHLkjWLqSowX

yheQAVVDLZxgsmi

Ning Rushen calculated: Prince Xuan could stay quite a while longer.TzGMMmOQLATvnKPcgESpSkRjNsCUwZ

BTObcLVcxXRkMBT

As one of the examiners, he also needed to familiarize himself with the processes at the Ministry of Rites and participate in preparations.qDThADyozPqDdfgDhcjxhpfBFbzwEP

bzfoceCKaeWcOkb

As the exam approached, the frequency of tasks increased.yBogeVtKJunriVajlWtJXrhNJZPETv

PmOIDRxumdhVfxd

In the course of these events, Ning Rushen became familiar with Huo Mian and the Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, both also examiners.JkpblUFSMdRumoCVSxvVPyDnlbtedr

sMlSIeTJesenvcQ

The three shared a common hobby: voracious eating.NtmiosxlgfQlqbSiLiNviFqEuOKtZt

gDTXFZBWulYpdkd

The Ministry of Rites was well-funded, offering good meals.YsoyaJrtqAeMXmRXohduQsPKuddbsx

xchDlNJuPfWTzDO

Even Ning Rushen, a self-proclaimed slacker, reported daily, always arriving punctually at meal times.AexdjDrZhbzwcTPmUOWDGkiUGHsfes

GxGDfZbUHEQUuzx

Minister Guan was quite welcoming, “Lord Ning, feel free to come by. We’ve got plenty at the Ministry of Rites.”eBDQXeyBFVZXUPvbMoRSLYzOSzcojT

YrqsQnEeMEQiFyo

Ning Rushen happily, “That’s wonderful.”sRbhdxvGWEYWeQKEYaKUmLhCGHvdSR

ruBpWZAhaVRGXMz

During this time, he encountered many impolite people; the name ‘Ministry of Rites’ alone seemed to promise a sense of decorum.suUuhLljxhiACiRMFgOZqfBgzkNtab

cYcoTWVKIOXgIjp

Plus, the leader’s name literally meant ‘manage food’.vbGqAIeWFqFruEDkeBbiXLAJrEDrZq

YGLWkmIbbpFAEjJ

It all sounded very encouraging.qfjIzLVMfqbclkBjmqrUzgweHSFggQ

HrLdafzwFputOMD

His longing was too evident, prompting Minister Guan to say, “It’s a pity you’re already serving in the imperial presence, otherwise I could transfer you to the Ministry of Rites.”AauOMZEzDtvvqiBBjlMROZTTThXBZo

hYAhSPkHWEhtYQr

Minister Guan, already warming to the idea, rubbed his hands together, clearly plotting.BudaymbEmiHPbgBDIeKdmBmNeeVPPQ

mwmEOgiRQEnVuSL

Ning Rushen choked, “No, no, no… that would be too much trouble for Minister Guan.”CioPliYHNhUyhZVqNYtForlMvtjiqT

QVFkAKQTMFQUGId

“It’s no trouble at all. Moving people around is common practice among the ministries,” Minister Guan assured.PsDRPOeGZvyVckkSffkWPChwkEeXxG

GKbmldcRleXrrno

“……”nXzwjIHlEbuzlzpOGjIcFBtIwpBoGY

MRtsIByWzuNTmRt

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries.oixzLIZdwkmQPLUedhqDiUhrtpEmeK

iVMQspGwbuiDmnu

At this moment, Huo Mian, who had been focused on eating, finished his bowl of rice, slapped his thigh, looked up, and exclaimed, “Is there such a good thing? Why not invite this general to the Ministry of Rites as well! Ah, another bowl, please.”LjEcDXpyQVAzGrDjVveyIdzmFUfUre

zGjouGICCpYmVFC

Ning Rushen remained silent. To those unaware, one might think Huo Mian had returned from fleeing a famine in the northern border.GSmCeXyCaZEllUHYprCFYlUPxeItCt

BIdlpPYKxFqODOt

…LqeKpDQnZUokYvukWZUfCahoqFtfCL

uysniqrkIBtLrdx

After several busy days at the Ministry of Rites, Ning Rushen finally found some free time.bWraXHrFyPczgwnXEMBRdeDJdKzGqH

clBOxzGVGybvxqJ

He returned to the emperor’s presence after a long absence following his duties. He entered the imperial study with familiarity but soon noticed a subtle atmosphere—PjXdoboyeQrZxDGHsWknFkPCsJuSvk

WqwXlxlbDomiiFg

Emperor Li Wuting appeared unchanged at first glance.eGTfEcvdxveQhErcpNEafHvrwThqaJ

NbtEJHmngvQceEl

The subtlety mainly came from De Quan’s eyebrows, which seemed to be squeezing together as if each hair was exerting effort.RZapYoZJASYoSGLZNIUhjibWdmLFNd

RNvXaNoCsIsDUWh

Ning Rushen was puzzled. He had been diligent recently; what was the issue now?KTkVVEaqeuHeSrNkYFYQcetcyBUiMT

LHiejooQaoVzThD

Ning Rushen glanced at De Quan and approached, “This official greets Your Majesty.”BqSvLcKVfDoATKdqHLTLfHaLuggyhT

ItNCkTsVANTQVBV

Emperor Li Wuting, without looking up from his memorials, asked, “How busy has the Ministry of Rites been?”PztsdCIhmuNyzkJSiPJfDVeaDdBbSV

cvWEopDjyzenWZz

“Very well, all preparations are going smoothly.”JWAUofhmTRHmfNWxoFkeDBaxPTnVrL

iYsCbqBTxdrzziM

“Hmm, is the budget still sufficient?”EXDgNxEDdGFygNqBoxZIErJmmbgClp

IAugHyYaDYcwegE

“Your Majesty, it is sufficient.” Every meal had meat.eMlJCowAcIXmboEERDoabvhWiOSMfI

VUilSNVxWUGdreN

After discussing these official matters, Ning Rushen noticed that Emperor Li Wuting’s expression seemed satisfied, which slightly eased his concerns.TFufwTjylZBjPvaCoVYTPhpPitTeJF

tTWaBiLDqDaGodK

Perhaps he was being overly sensitive.GfenCvoPhiRHUmYmEwLSPKQRRJiVwm

LHsnDhYdELKgaGq

He was too guarded against De Quan’s glances and gestures.jLeBdzczBoJYtDKeabaakobvzXHGcm

vFHgarioVkZfXpp

Just as he thought this, he suddenly heard Emperor Li Wuting ask, “The atmosphere in the Ministry of Rites is good?”EkYqnvCXTcdvreXfrFnBNccAXckGvo

BXtLRuGHTtJNvjr

Ning Rushen, not one to speak ill of his colleagues, nodded, “Like a family.”NSitwndebDFACVcSDBXNZxVMcsCtHV

UfxotAYKUfEFyFW

Emperor Li Wuting chuckled, throwing a memorial at him, “No wonder they have come to ask me to allow your whole family to reunite.”nwlUUgXIyzgPMwUiwkGjqNVwTuEjVd

LROWTqPSaprcTMD

Ning Rushen was puzzled.usOsbAnquQkipJelMznvIIBYZPbcrT

NQQaEZtVthuwRos

A sense of foreboding surfaced as he picked up the document and took a deep breath—Minister Guan actually sought to transfer him!VNGfWQrFxbmakvUaFHVXULAWDjmLDI

sfuHvZiwqrzpZsE

And he mentioned that “General Huo also has such desires.”msdRmxVNBaToprkGmfQNMyCXiiiJFA

IHJdOLCKCfJUkru

Ning Rushen was shocked—ovqscrmpSQLpWfYPqGuiqAdvmswllL

tswTdWexAPPWwpy

Not only were they trying to poach from the emperor, but they were also attempting to entice the great General of Dingyuan to the Ministry of Rites!EVDBfuQQvwOUhTUJgRsoTJcpTbRXTR

ttEgRNcrPgRNNPa

What for, to build a fortress in the Ministry of Rites?inixrPzfcSTIEFfoQUQvujHyqlPSjy

FbCElkdVLatQsvJ

…It turns out the most impolite person was the Minister of Rites!nrTSaJzgrQriHWXIhgEHowOmCJthHY

wtUgmJuahmyAMbg

He moistened his dry lips and, holding the memorial, looked towards Emperor Li Wuting.KpcvRgZHKbsgIZhKULSHCuJznvwQBv

ammMUOntgJGNeQt

Emperor Li Wuting seemed to smile, “The Ministry of Rites is very good, even the top scholars and warriors love the food there.”WiXeODoJmMwCANqFAEAjXDdALzCnxd

TivZGNziQcfgRfh

De Quan was frantically signaling with his eyes: Deny it now!jzMrbXyyCiGPpuWGHZUEoGMHepXGRF

AFWqbHALxQUfDgt

Ning Rushen quickly denied, “I am not confined to the Ministry of Rites.”igvIYegScClFJgGiQtpUkDzKNoIgVH

GFVQUSkAyeMAmgH

Emperor Li Wuting, “…”mIcOwMLRHiiQOWupeaFlvduJQGwfSf

VubYtWdQNAwfBYu

He tapped his fingertips on the desk, producing two crisp sounds, “Oh, a feast from all homes, I had forgotten.”tgSiRnxfiLuAvyzVmCqWTkxIfqBJfH

QhknbhdqCAZHgpO

Ning Rushen hurriedly tried to recover, “I am merely dedicated to my work, busy with the imperial examinations.”RsiWUjstFRRRwJqYIfPVxeAYQSwGiZ

qtYZcKeyFuuvIpX

Emperor Li Wuting did not respond, as if quietly listening to his bluffs.mmJxzauqSyxsZoKMulxjbslGbsDOnp

ALGLUbjVRURsgnT

Ning Rushen then changed the subject, “By the way, Your Majesty, about last time—” he paused, considering De Quan and the surrounding courtiers, vaguely said, “The matter at Moon Fairy Residence, how is it?”pIQtkhAasJJKumnPJRvSTmcWdPSMJn

XkcNAHsagBabEGM

This time, Emperor Li Wuting responded, “As usual.”YADHdVkZcXRPpFVmRftErMEGCMjCQW

PvalOpHDxCBokes

His response, “as usual,” meant he was still letting the situation unfold naturally.TgyeQqzYpKBPpusHUPQgdwxfWygCPK

WAtelSwqyfeWKHK

“Hmm.” Ning Rushen pondered.QUiLqsuNVQYANnXfWFAjPQqtIcpLGr

fpcfULAlpalFDSF

Cheating on the imperial exams was a serious crime, one that could permanently strip a candidate of the right to hold official qualifications. Even if it turned out the candidate had purchased fake exam questions, they would suffer in silence.KIMTQbciVnXESEBpTMlMwLLXNGzPJM

IyYTOfYVwJXeTJq

Without someone coming forward, Emperor Li Wuting would not likely expose it himself.SoFJzHdbnVovPWzoMoJiieieuQyapH

LvoesKonGGvlIzl

Whatever his reasons, knowingly overlooking it could attract criticism.tSNdDdBLnvRfMAaXvnVMwzJWKxYhhX

vRHSyyegUXdTzyB

“What are you thinking?” Emperor Li Wuting asked.LccNUDnakIwIAhhSpradqHLBUiopNE

DGjJNOHLiqTtfFv

Ning Rushen probed, “How will this matter ultimately be revealed?”TBseloCybgFtTvUSvAFCwzairtFsAd

OUzeWlmoYURwzqN

Emperor Li Wuting appeared calm, “No need to worry, someone will expose it.”VvugBCLGVBOCsaKgVbMSnYAaAAyDiM

mhnrePNqSfNfhKb

“?” Ning Rushen stared at his expression, sensing that Emperor Li Wuting seemed to anticipate an event not yet occurred, “…Someone arranged by Your Majesty?”getTBwmajgeorKHIOEibzGOZKlvDAT

OJyVysywIPZYlnH

Emperor Li Wuting’s lips moved as if about to speak, then he suddenly looked towards him.pUAPRLmosyOoARaaajyzjWyQwHzlNJ

XlHxbSvPPrnSOVi

Suddenly, he smiled, “Want to know?”dfUbvcIPRPiJcJontrHuCcNjpgSmBg

bFZHYsVxsindKeS

Ning Rushen nodded.ctHiDlnskQUXDLVfPaKDuDpprjjOMc

pfpuGkeuWwohdUe

Emperor Li Wuting said, “Come closer.”vTXRcMENLVBuTlfWagoairiJgcgqOS

hqfVetHBAjJcJvp

De Quan and the courtiers were still nearby.krEknZGlGJmvxSGpyTHNXYUjwWbIKn

APAlxfLbhxTHpqD

Ning Rushen guessed that Emperor Li Wuting wanted to speak privately, so he moved closer, “Yes, Your Majesty.”xLHuzcvzvanTXvQawLVxIZoGFDpDSo

zqxmjJZigbbqNhm

He walked around the imperial desk to Emperor Li Wuting’s side.UHdIpripPWsJQtpjPjXioYCcrotliP

OIbTbWGOtiwKqpy

The emperor sat upright in his chair, and Ning Rushen leaned on the edge of the desk, leaning forward. His black hair and crimson sleeve piled upon the emperor’s dragon robe.qFOYHzyLVeOnaXyUffTpCvOwlbxcuT

TrgdfzFFgjtPbmG

His falling hair strands covered the outer half of his face.TfRiTUaCkUSjiONZUMNWhfzIFaBfni

HfBGFnnzZpQBVmX

De Quan and the courtiers couldn’t see what was hidden behind the hair, and the courtiers respectfully lowered their heads, daring not to look.ARhjxQwFHwwcYvzbmgsrGHYSxWvQml

dHsacQjqnQSVJPr

Ning Rushen leaned in close to Emperor Li Wuting.pQjmWkmiGrVxWaHPkdOaempJmkRYWi

FpWupGKrFTfcUzW

Li Wuting lowered his eyes and noticed a luminous white earlobe adorned with a red mole fluttering beneath the eyelid.bffRBcrVVjnfOiRTmOvLYOVGCECASK

rsZSfGJgHhErkqT

He tapped the desk with his fingertips, then chuckled softly as if amused.bnnldGHnDMFolzxzrXvBuYSaMTqgAB

dQjzeDcrFYOnAND

“Guess for yourself.”bwybpMamQCcOshFpMEEQXzfsmAjNsX

UeRBljzNNwFowAF

“…!” Ning Rushen shivered from the warm breath, enduring the nonsense response.bRHNmRAitqWpGDkuIqzRiKlAiGkzdW

pfToWULGEsgaVgD

He instantly bristled, turning his head in astonishment: Is that even human speech!?fyIHsGbxZpiTcUEshgFJalWqzrGvMY

coeahfXwGsEoqWw

De Quan sneakily squinted towards them.ENOXFKTfEiniytkpkWqYBCovUdARNQ

IRPwsqzyIfUOhFN

Just then, he saw the emperor lower his eyes with a smile, and immediately Ning Rushen’s eyes shot up, his face flushed red, his bright eyes filled with a mix of surprise and anger.ufakdZWMkdaGlexOXscoLvKDNrgePk

ogkoMsldcjYWtLv

De Quan: Hiss… Ouch～IIhayzFcXzJvoOamJoBthBvtDkSkor

hKLgoUIAUAyILMt

Such was the scene in the imperial study, quite… quite beneficial indeed!hDGoIFbWmQYkeTrUtmxAxjPDVjOydY

YLiXQBmmKQgMcKu

Behind the desk, after Li Wuting dismissed the officials, he turned and closed the memorandum that the Minister of Rites had just handed him, throwing it aside.yPxjmPEHZSdzbIVdLXvKijWXiQMRGM

iauhNqJiSmnoPad

“Go now, think it over.”TXgvtBSFMKRVwnVFRVQeOvjSxVbTEL

UIsAGCROcssHohg

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, grinding his teeth, “…Yes, Your Majesty.”phANKrPawsjzUghtfSatKWQZloIdHp

vFXglFEJXbFVBID

He left, his ears red hot.rNApbfMxcAYwLdfkuUUoukOKeZWbwq

yikREApSUCdBZvT

·PIYAgfWOJrxTkOmpnnTNcXddGIcXQq

FxAtLVCJpcHqZrl

Returning to his residence, Ning Rushen’s ears had cooled down, but he still felt a lingering warmth that made his tailbone tingle.qsRITGiWlmFCBHtXNzHiTDRNTLfICU

ZKPzrbPOHtZRLyU

He recalled the heated phrase from Li Wuting that wasn’t quite human speech.ChZihZUprEcqSNIIydEliIUMRgNrKw

zHflXPzAJlpFVKq

Thinking hard but unable to decipher it, Ning Rushen sat in front of the desk in his room for a while, then looked up and called out, “Xiaoshi.”kaTHvZaHgdAEMuVOWeqUkXusaiWYbs

rLyhZPbHinwUEux

All was quiet above the beams.dtPMbFUYMTzLdBurVykHzWkihwwuSO

etnprcsrXcinxti

He paused for a moment, then snapped, “Pata.”EMbvTneKeAqajECaXysjGDgGmreJJc

AAIYFAVmetEnSUJ

A figure immediately swooped down, standing before him.TjcqsZhEsRURIYSWZrZatamPViReda

IBqrkrlDbWPDjCy

Ning Rushen: …Do you insist on responding to “pata”?vWXOqcuKFBdAktaoKDsDEnZUtuCwdE

sRLcbKPZoLFLKrR

Shiyi asked, “What do you need?”zhBSCiqvDHXntKxTZEwgYOHIlqmEPK

TjlonuFvlYFDqPR

Ning Rushen needed information, “Besides following me, has your gang leader assigned you any other tasks?”ECtQEtXxKtcwOhMrkaEtOdiBlIcoJN

lDCwAqxmVTlfbCY

Shiyi hesitated, “…Our leader only instructed me to follow you, nothing else. I haven’t seen the leader for a long time.”OatWvdVPgCFTCKuUEpwPqudWBzfNGq

CNNxVXCfTyDkvvL

Ning Rushen asked, “Haven’t you been in contact with your other colleagues?”DUObUfcKZYemaapmMTzXRFTcBupRXI

CcHuYmNofiOUYSn

“No. Why do you ask?”ErrFDTfQGOMMviwsvkikvgrYPwLcHb

oIKOTAnsLBoQOkH

“Just saw one of your colleagues working as a waiter in an inn a few days ago.”UFDNPcfRlEggnpuIWlBRArikAxDGYO

HIWPXIcuuchGgGv

A faint sympathy crossed Shiyi’s face, “Those are just odd jobs.”ciXPPykYwrwYfIKzfplsKkEYfbKzVN

qNQEbSFmyCRnQNR

Ning Rushen sighed in frustration: …At least they have jobs.FVIWxglvWMMXbqIQuhtTpChsySjmtM

cstnMbDMazVVYUP

Are you sympathizing with someone who was dismissed?RKUVIoHDDadtPOFeoJbYSuwfxnQWZe

JFLsEmlBEYkcUpa

Unable to gather any useful information, Ning Rushen dismissed him. Before Shiyi left, Ning Rushen stopped him again, “One last question.”VvpWqtGHKeyJjrtytrRHMabhAmYtHm

PDrFcrjgKAYMIJC

Shiyi, “?”YEoBvqOmYmFNxhbyzAsmKGHvHMfsGv

qSnDRMHHdPZQDOw

Ning Rushen, pinching his ear, asked, “Does your gang leader have any peculiar hobbies?”DIhLWAaBoZThlCvRavseUievCjxZHu

nIVyxQXUiBuYIra

Shiyi disagreed, “Our leader is very serious.”iDsLmjKTMZojuXHnOOwPEkHuuTLFxF

ytdzQIWZSJTCkrm

Ning Rushen waved him away.qqVnADXWaeDkZoYYypFuQzKtCUoHWK

eUiNZjpzCsAPrgo

…KPcQxwPNbjhfwYbxTwUjBXZozlnQtL

tXSqusOXRswrNyd

Unable to guess Li Wuting’s intentions, he decided to stop worrying about it.uiHZAWaKuhooKERNZFkwmHabCWNaYN

JlVwLkEvZvmyWtu

As the month drew to a close.hZilaLxDHrDZNuqXWXXZBJkhIwupeU

HjUagjvdWIbCUdU

The postponed imperial examination finally arrived amid strict preparations.rdHfViTSqsxmGmKfHaVhlgyqbYYkpx

WiVLuNOxJtQhxNa

The exam lasted nine days and six nights.eWLNtjGKBsXqTJFuwALvXxIsUagqTJ

rHbpawwKKishIwh

Ning Rushen was only responsible for the interview afterward, not the nine days of testing. He occasionally went to the imperial study to attend to duties and mooched meals from the Ministry of Rites.JooJPAkCNccowtsIATJuHiMhIcljNt

EYqZDCeZExTjlvj

He exemplified the spirit of various scholars.SBIunraNljsjgAWEqTkJjdkSEfegms

tqozXTdvCRpyUak

This continued until the end of the examination.fKealdLlffYsanuAKzUtJNuaxZHrOL

EDvabbeicozTiPX

Like the early spring thawing the long winter, the students were temporarily freed from their exams, planning outings in the capital’s night markets and along the riverbanks.MCCmfTMNOeHlGXgXEnMJTgxLgiLKMG

XiHRFtJyikiYpzv

Many set up seats along the Huaiming River to discuss classics and poetry, earning widespread praise.SotZwYEiFQgJMzsNpwZgQVXNgXKIus

AtUfUbrulTNjsII

—It was a tradition of the great state.YhBcDoviVZSjTcgIXEnMegtvCAEGiZ

yjOBDEFOxAzlDOv

Ning Rushen had received an invitation from Geng Yan days before, suggesting they go boating together.VzcUBBEGqhcWWzfkcVhgIoiNZDRTsA

rqlegnKrRBVMyWh

When the exams ended, estimating the time to leave, he glanced at the water clock in the corner of the imperial study.JyADgkpeWsISHvYAhiHkqGviZqxsVO

LhrpLsGdIRBWCFj

The clock was unclear, and he instinctively leaned forward.GAbYZfmjyIyIQOAkuGVWpEVtFlXher

PbrnvGzjcbTcagJ

Li Wuting looked up, “Ning minister eager to return?”PtRTqxXIQkXshoniMZghkEtRgBABWB

LRTtkTuApRwemee

Ning Rushen retracted his neck, “How could that be? I was just seeing how long Your Majesty has been working.”hLBByexursgLwCjuMjjvujkZnfjuAk

fjcmOjPgufhAyaI

Li Wuting chuckled.yJTZfFQyuazinRgCEzOaZjeEQhCRXr

LtGsgxDlZezjBSm

After a pause, he waved, “Alright, go.”KvYggXmmMUuLTuBuWevFVwdhhhYCjc

drlyKUlZsFVeHHn

Ning Rushen thanked him and quickly left.giOZigThcCydzyaJjsapZWkZowKgFH

iDulqbkDKvEpvDD

Outside the palace gate, Geng Yan was already waiting, rubbing his hands together eagerly.PeBgYdAzqeOwifvvtiJYQTAsxiBDkM

KLqQbRQxutwzWUF

Upon seeing Ning Rushen, he pulled him over, his spirits high, “Come on, former top scholar, let’s shake things up! Let’s show these fledglings straight out of their scholarly nests how it’s done!”BpfTdmxtjAUjGljHTUncIrqkyVdAtf

jzIJxwuRBatprpy

Ning Rushen shook his head, “Listen.”rlszwqfNbKiddtzexHAOxBimmLCPGD

nwrEfLQzkIAqDAU

Geng Yan leaned in to listen closely, “What? I can’t hear anything?”GhslLlbADgqeMHiGpFGjVvIyEaVoKg

zCJcefYalTBXnTQ

“That’s right, because it’s empty.”kxvAuXLbnXOmlqccpTHikdgbSSchKY

MOgLDwePBrRlziU

“…”czaiFHrqMtCcUVkGHxrWdcdOATfgxb

QPVVdrRKPuigPkk

Geng Yan looked at him with a complex expression, finally sighing and tugging at his sleeve, “Then let’s just join in the fun, and stock up for you.”sJIhMjFMrHcAYQqTbQWWRpZvGjVyHl

sXccvjIUIybjDgh

·mVRDVnZftYyeUCCZnoJqBmQnpvzXZz

XWxQbvwyfUKqyGA

As dusk fell and the lanterns were first lit.LEbagPOXeyltCoRSKdWKLPlnUFTMVX

yHWBsVPRMZpPypG

The capital’s taverns were bustling with patrons, and the lively streets were busy with people coming and going, their robes brushing against each other.LzmQZjtsXqvGyrICzfrTZlXJPfzxNV

VDKHAziRbMplUVJ

The two found a restaurant and dined on the second floor.XDPUaPpNzQRFHXhKfFCgsEMUeemgBn

asthQPQJelbYSyX

The private room’s window overlooked the busy street below, providing an excellent view of the festivities.nZtitkLjqMqVglYfnFrTucpxYrmVMI

HdxoeEXtXrdveOq

After settling down, Geng Yan continued to reflect, “You say your mind has fallen to this state, how can you still be an examiner?”TslbkWhtuvJtMOEOaIKrOPEYcArvoW

MGZhXYlSdgGFJAG

Ning Rushen subtly stepped on his foot.ctUEZBtUxtflcRrUOUZrrbaxPObJik

HhfmunjGCdOiWUm

Geng Yan exclaimed, “Ow!”GVdBKfBPMhfUCjWwqKscszmrfXWrgc

aoaUhlsVEzJHsJz

Ning Rushen replied, “It’s the emperor’s decision, are you questioning him?”csjksccYEKkffdRvgVhbnZmLZsASqV

ivDHSkobHUoaAoq

Geng Yan, shivering with anger, retorted, “You’re just bullying by flaunting power…”qtEQApctsOOHgKPipjRurukbRGwJBK

LoMMWHZDaSQHsiv

While they were talking, the server had already started bringing dishes.VrjoIljwTjjTjdQXvBnFEPHcHZuXCz

jgRmPKHcviXpCPH

Ning Rushen offered him a grilled chicken heart, “Eat this, ‘like cures like’—grow some brains.”KLUtMnvQZbjslAGIoKdwscGFzWpcaW

BFodPwZxEGYEnhS

Geng Yan shivered even more.xVrUbfEojdwEYNoiJBiGMTMoojxOoT

KIjZFYLMcBuWuRs

As the two continued their chopstick duel at the table, they suddenly heard snippets of conversation from the noisy street outside:TCcfDwSTNSjldBvWudRHfPztXdOTQV

hVKTEfHSMNJXHrX

“With… such talent, surely can…”AWuHqEVzthqiGCoTDAxbtUFmIdUVdD

vjidNCstYmbcMQt

“That year… literary top scholar, Ning…”tivJwAUVNFTGwGyPUNsDyLUHiDqcSt

MPtTbFQBQXAPLSm

Ning Rushen and Geng Yan stopped their playful fight and looked at each other: ?KfwwaYURYeMPKwZugnHuaycGKnlBaT

GAZfxXozJhIXNEI

They opened the half-closed carved window, and the voices from outside became clearer.AUQvTmmegjdERkpTbfzmbapFemHxJF

pnBjqSawlyNHaDF

Ning Rushen leaned out the window to look down.wWqBkVLhlFjJKzhecxExoTqvQmQpBy

ZnDNTFSKmJzaOpV

Below their private room was an outdoor tea stall, where several young men dressed as examinees were engaged in a lively discussion.kJYMztqEzxorOYUGxoreFmrCmKVtSf

geHevtafewvraAk

“Anyway, he comes from a family of scholars, raised in a learned environment. If Ning Chen, a mere rustic, can top the exams, why can’t we?”dmiMVXEekRfNNfqUArTRPPfVSCTFGu

GPIRHZzopkVGvwa

“Not necessarily,” one of them said pointedly, “Admission to the scholar’s list is just a matter of papers, but it’s different at the palace.”uorcVLmeXqvvByOkYBBPhLsGOToMck

lUGHVvUhHUdpuNo

The men exchanged knowing looks, another coughed lightly, “It’s said that the top scholar Ning has a bit of ‘the grace of the dawn and the charm of the moon’…”vOqTcwLblZUmxbZTcQnKueCdpjxoit

FpSgGyTOpOLuwzN

The conversation ended there, full of implied meanings.UzYSXWbfoekAecpuVwTYDOvgjtFmZb

vZlvVqeLryHuhXv

On the second-floor window sill, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan lay prone.MEIgrtyPACVVMUPSQGaEuGOqQUfpCa

KXYDGTfCfXumKZX

Geng Yan commented, “They say you became the top scholar with just your looks.”OaBSJbRZpONeCEgarEARPKjJaeJsug

WUaXGiNqcUJvhKY

Ning Rushen replied, “Then at least I still had seventy percent talent, now I can only rely on my looks.”mCkpKvvINdmQYyFCogNXUhegTnDxaG

CxalDooCERZTSye

Geng Yan choked on his response.xCJtKbeHXnZyEcEJGhxZsPmdFhFkWg

RMFcWJeLkDUJvVC

After recovering, he asked incredulously, “You’re not angry?… Hey, what are you prying at?”pztdcUdDdGfJnQGkvYWZxNscksljkU

VQfuAoSeLYtSEmV

Ning Rushen peered down, “Do you see if those roof tiles below the window are a bit loose?”uWfDVhHdNZdRafsCWzjrKQODwliDKr

JciJAtdtfhCHXvf

An unspoken agreement arose between them.NGbSvjkPMEmAfJOHbvrLDxgmvThlmz

LhYxGzRCczrTvlI

Both reached out, flipped the tiles, then quickly shut the window and retreated.xtZbWYJMoMMLabfVDNfTDezOBUWdKg

AhPxsDYeFFrKVbx

Clang! A wail arose from below.rsgLlkdalLhJzQoQKDiiHbpjRHEECJ

wqhHRAPsbMwxwXk

Inside the private room, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan sat opposite each other for a few seconds.nyIFWktZTSmSQUShDEaCyCzEZUADAn

IwDLVxyRmPhAklT

Geng Yan reminisced, “Not enough, they got off too easily. Don’t even know if it hit their heads.” Saying this, he moved to pry the window open again.aXldNkaUuYXGejWvbAHfzmxSRNrXbQ

VyJFXQXFLcLleZv

Ning Rushen held him back, calmly stating, “You forgot, such days inevitably involve certain people.”FpqxXRWXlJfBJpReexeFxRAFMuzVQh

UUjBYXkoCSfFtIm

Geng Yan took a moment to realize, then it dawned on him, “…the imperial guards!”OKIBGQOwTUkFmsRrIgYKxnpxsUMwLx

vxvqPoJUSZhUPXz

Ning Rushen sighed, “Proud and inexperienced, still too young.”NPUuPlrhzFkHtGthwmjzWwaapdskRt

aKOFvcdcdRUAroh

The imperial guards of the Great Cheng dynasty weren’t yet at the stage of eavesdropping in every household, but during major festivals and events, they would surely blend into the crowd, collecting information for the emperor.xUatolMYFcWtoRkEPFXXDpxmncRQHe

QAxkFfemjqguTbh

This was to control the flow of rumors and prevent issues before they arise.rJCLGemSQjHOzQeUmDSzBntQHPAyYV

SMzRRUcnMZfdfzh

Ning Rushen finished his meal contentedly, “I’m full.”aavOlBGumlOptBOfBzEEVRUrbHZxmt

xdzJuaBjOHwszfF

He stood up and patted Geng Yan, “Come on, let’s go boating.”JpjcnEiauYqnSYfoqAoLpryYpqrEDZ

AahozIuRCHqxTRN

…rAkrneISqeTMKvQMZnydnQUlUuaPlG

iYZxuTYhbdGwORq

Elsewhere, outside the Heart-nurturing Hall.QdUCHmHgxzCGxVpeTKsKPnkcfkeLjy

xEMlBSPzVGUnoqf

Li Wuting was dressed in a dark blue official robe with a carved jade pendant, exuding an air of elegant nobility.txtogZJunMzQFXZpwPzUnDJkWkBotZ

sNFfQLQFVeGmlbb

Yin Zhao reported respectfully before him, “The imperial guards have been stationed at every alley, we will not fail Your Majesty’s expectations, and maintain peace in the capital.”AJTUNgWGqQaGNWoVATqnaLQidSmbCv

kaOaWiOibpGkvkm

Li Wuting acknowledged his report and dismissed him.DkKNvhmIZpAYfKvexxmkNlcKWUdtFJ

NhCvRRwBEGrKrTS

Once alone, De Quan commented on the dimming sky outside, “Your Majesty, the scriptural debate and poetry session by the Huai Ming River should be starting soon.”ffSxbexErAIbukiqmcDTAYfYHPrtDy

qovZksUQRbRQMsW

“Let’s go,” Li Wuting replied, stepping forward, eager to participate himself.hbTtHeAEauNhAiIOqOuiOGlmlKzNyz

dleevrivGwZgcOd

·cRhlNSsqbzUgoZwdTxnzeeJpZLcHcg

cLqgVeZeGFHwBGR

At the Huai Ming Riverbank, the scene was brilliantly lit.yLLDdUTctvXGpnhXvVpHCTXaIABuzp

BMYwvXzQmClgFzM

The gentle flow of the river reflected the lanterns on both banks, where a bustling crowd moved back and forth. Scholars wore jingling sachets, and young women danced with sleeves fluttering in the fragrant breeze—a scene of perfect charm.iVvmNsVLUezztYfwRWCESjlfnKYeOR

lVnzXlJXiLDaHVZ

Near the lacquered bridgehead, there were boats for rent.UKgwdZoVRtBFKWKUlakNUtfMvILhsR

ofsvKWHNhYyqJQj

Ning Rushen and Geng Yan approached to rent a wooden boat.HDlGfYeeFTpOanszKWhvsyXperhLoP

jofvMnfBYzQAIEn

“Do we hire a boatman, or shall we row ourselves?” Geng Yan asked.hiIRyusOVNHvDJZGeIMFzpbFtMTHrI

UOWLIWCuftzAGid

“Let’s row ourselves,” Ning Rushen decided.SSCOUuOsQpssbocUUQPvNXhTrYqfMV

HlKMybkcUBXtfYS

With strangers around, they couldn’t speak freely.govsiyitpxkMtawiwEKUfqMiUkiCPM

YkMJHJOtFscHaTG

After a moment’s thought, Geng Yan agreed, dismissing the boatman and handing the oars to Ning Rushen.pLDJsOTrPbBhLQUfQYbqPxTPfPIfEW

pKWLmyUuQBmjurn

Ning Rushen looked embarrassed, “I don’t know how to row.”WPHAhGxsviPxPcexeDdIJIJERuXrgu

bkfyZfKLHgvxybM

“…” Geng Yan exploded, “Then why say we’d row ourselves? Does ‘ourselves’ only include me?!”OjsomAlWpYwkNRfbXbNqJDGEytyywF

DSpDzMXBMqghZzi

Ning Rushen covered his ears weakly, “Your voice is so loud.”zpQtYFySURVIILppwuhdSVIesmCKZv

yeSOqECMcDoSIEH

“…”TOYraAGtvZahekVsahOkzHGeTTWoYx

dnZLRXpgPzuQPll

Not far from the bridgehead.vxlABYQheLwoaTwRvGDyopEbfMGuDt

VARQCoNlCrmSBds

Li Wuting, accompanied by De Quan, made his way through the crowd toward the riverside, followed by imperial guards in plain clothes.UuQuAowpakCsoCpUGUQAYQuVQyjATw

kMjbVLKyjtOgfku

As they moved, a bright color caught the emperor’s eye.AKBUcELrgyVwnTPzmnagDCAzrEvDkx

sqblAdbncLQcndP

De Quan exclaimed, “My lord, isn’t that Minister Ning and Lord Geng over there?”aogFALDngcbQLgzWwdIDYwLyqsCHPu

lUOpTyKWpBMcndu

Li Wuting paused, looking in the direction indicated.uIILtGfgMsheuejKoAhhQmAdYfSLai

IEVNjDHcERCbDHd

Indeed, familiar figures stood at the lacquered bridgehead.QGOcnnXWPIdShYnJfHGtRlIVcogtvh

UeqxbdmGLtzLgmy

Ning Rushen had changed out of his official attire into a crimson robe with a dark pattern of clouds, his figure elegant and striking against the dimming twilight and the colorful crowd.MSFFLyItYQBjawTIkHUjwpbAvqeZvT

URMFYXTDBKDswmZ

Whatever he was saying seemed to nearly provoke a reaction from Geng Yan.gUuonFznqWMHYRqlcermcFbGXatblJ

bqeCJpVSKHWgxRy

Li Wuting, touching the jade fan in his hand, changed direction, “Let’s go and see.”HwADgslVGOqHgtmdWNGkWuYYkXTKmi

pnNKslUSJjMXiJO

…axmIDdLIQlzWqiThjjmTkmekmoVxmx

PQDdAznZbtvGDWr

At the bridgehead, Geng Yan was still arguing with him.jhHxCDmXjcrCUEKUJpmjkiilReIFnw

YMVYztTvHWhTGbq

“Let’s call the boatman back then.”pUVXnqESerCzqPokfnOChiuwDHJiUh

FbLvxfqCSRuBnVX

“That’s possible,” Ning Rushen reminded, “but can we still talk freely? Talk about your father, your job, your secret ailments…”JKpkSXuGSVuVqeBpbVkdtFLAkbwLOE

jjbdvyXylaEWcVz

“I have no secret ailments!!!”pilbhcHWyNbLRAHSRtumxnHYVlpTML

cdXXLHTcLkuIEtX

Geng Yan shoved the oar at him, “Take it.”dtUFRlcBraaApLpsTyGcIxNFCKDlul

YprAvajRmvsxblz

Ning Rushen folded his arms, “I won’t take it.” Was he planning to capsize the boat?RTIHoxiKttPPsqGxAdYyDHWVoYGvDM

WRoBJSUPchQVwvc

Geng Yan protested, “How are we supposed to row without oars!”ehzBagCynECAHuiogpDgxpOtSyoOlf

lAlhAyszUhgKoxY

Ning Rushen teased, “I row without oars, all on the waves.”RLaNnwYrTlZUjWawsucNVKcSXpdxPn

rHchvATwhzSOwdW

“…” Geng Yan’s baffled expression blanked for a moment.vlPfTRANmNEVUUHYQeYxUJvfpZvSPk

gDrHKimDDIuzvpx

Looking at the calm river surface, he seemed unable to comprehend, “What do you mean, ‘on the waves’?”FsyNgfgVwpzdkWtXJktUFeAMtPeHHI

DMMfUCXRuawowwV

Just as Ning Rushen was about to respond, a familiar voice fell from behind:lUiwuCirzMuiAlSlsrdJhVwPXbQDOc

fUDlfIzhAKHdVxO

“The Emperor would also like to know.”tZbROGFkYeBDGsBQqvjpgdnioLgIpu

vjhUaVJpeCCYjis

Startled, Ning Rushen involuntarily stiffened and turned around.EjjQiNNdigmUDbDvkrYFrIclLrkQGj

WbopbLgyZAdIdER

There stood Li Wuting, a few steps away, hands clasped behind his back. Dressed in a blue robe as serene as his demeanor, he watched them with a calm, serious expression, seemingly at ease.krycoDCFuZCQdTBvOSghYdOqIphAoh

jaSPqySWkRvOdbg

Li Wuting nodded slightly toward him, “Let’s see, Minister Ning, how you ride the waves.”nqogwwbEkhSMMOHPkmBVZvsZkyaxlM

UoJZTjKexmzCSdc

Ning Rushen, “……”fOxeKujdEzKoLpytgnQSlUdYAnjxTV

tvxghvIcDgvgqTE