Chapter 19
Li Wuting looked down at the two without moving or speaking for a moment.eqHKWVCkUWnLSUxlWPriwqRdCLIefH
STEQhmDgaLHpzyIFinally, suppressing his tumultuous emotions, he spoke, “How did you get stuck?”RGVcRMLMLvYcJtSlJqzGIPfBFAwrPy
yPGnimhElGWgBipLi Jingyu was still flailing about, trying to demonstrate, “Just like this… and then, Lord Ning,” he flipped his head, “it went like this.”fOKgIoetKkhWOsDcHQTSkCqQLQiDQi
jwfbaInoSjdxewpNing 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?”orAosYsjdCLOmgAIygBzzJpuXrnovv
ppuYjlxYLMLmLheLi Yingtang, who was watching, had already rolled up his sleeves, eager to try.FykEMnrTlsGfmckzzRRzkqJFzOewZo
cGGGOHKCAGvEWElLi Wuting became even more annoyed, “Pull out what, do you no longer need your head?”qKbwVkDUPxbEcTwnJhninLPubjNmNR
OzHCUlaNxPPBmwMNing Rushen only saw a flash of bright light before his eyes.dmtxubMTctjoAFSBeHJSmtnXSsnpEp
GDKatRWlPCCXMjWThe next second, a chilly breeze carrying the scent of pear blossoms fell.ctdkjbkOibqkGFrwIGcqMWwrbKNwNJ
bjgSssEbedLNxRUThe sound of bricks breaking and falling could be heard, as if a gentle breeze had brushed past his ears.tTjgNUJODcAuSYYbemKKEsNeLCcSsS
iiuSMEydyrDMxfeLi 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.MvIYcuWFYuzfowKnfNwyOEohuAHLEm
CMXpwguKpWRaPweWall powder sprinkled down on him, dusting his nose.vVdKAcwnwkwgQUmJIZtfrhLZDdUxZN
kbcsOwhDriYYAjDNing Rushen looked up, blinking in confusion.qOIKpNnvXFRaKgzgvSbvFSidFtSElc
JPAFFippZWvPdNxLi Wuting’s gaze lingered on his nose, his eyes calm and deep, “Why is it still hanging there?”VqIDSqMfOGAIWmmKtXtvrwUCSqAqkL
JQXlmwdFOvxzAfmNing Rushen, suddenly understanding, carefully stepped back.DufxyJvDmvBvUUdXHYyYdxyqOQroFX
FOkAanUXxWEPHMKSeeing him as if reborn, Li Jingyu, stuck in a narrow window like a little carp, flapped, “What about me, Brother Emperor?”bTUDjLoHyYqDDejELrlRoZZIQaKfxH
hXzflUmxaKPRssaThis time, Li Wuting did not use his sword.PVIdqdwKeYHQYKjVyUmLPWMBoFZLDW
JdftDKtrPBBGLiFHe 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!UxbkVPcQkvtpoqTlySkucPFEdSHNOZ
jUHJnKxfjwFbtswLi Jingyu felt a release at his waist, and was then carried out by the palace servants.CvEpCRIUJAPvNOPIYnegzMJJSqFynD
aaESnyRdxsjujePHe patted his clothes, “Thank you, Brother Emperor.”QkdIUHuPEwBpDQGSRLlkesEwZWNdBs
VPtbbfFZDRddxEHNing Rushen also bowed his head, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”QnBXUyBRrUKajXHFQpHmsEJvTADmXU
WYKgqxPlmOHQKplLi Wuting glanced at the two, flung his sleeve, and walked back to the previous courtyard, “Follow.”wVASSvJQDMrAKOtHjiZgGgilgezLZH
iYdWDVtXNFcdYxJThe two shuffled behind him.gwwNGDLTrjuHIOBneumZPlQuZRkrzL
RxFvzLgGyczWmcKLi Yingtang, waving his folding fan, hesitated to speak, glancing at Ning Rushen’s head, then hurried to catch up.UcGnlUsNQEeRILdWHSTjZeTsPkkmeN
NynYdVrXieRgkyVLi Wuting and Li Yingtang walked ahead.hJEqMnONKmgjmKpvTaBkPxlNhJeBGs
DKLmCvjInecDhIQNing 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.”xebYuuStQiILSRfEVptvDlXQCfbSvP
rjSJhviIgMWvORA“…”cbiaNWlMEtWqXXyMwMDPleiMmDKkED
EZXpvbZAPPyWMvVNing Rushen held up a strand of hair, showing him, “Is it sharp?” swept by the sword wind.zfEkrMPxczEarpiEvtfnPWObccYSSm
bkkOecTmNSKAcpvLi Jingyu examined it closely, “Hmm.”NAlHinyeydCzzdeSRZVgowKqULNuEP
MxwTEsBJzBGXdaeNing 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.”DfMiWmJjiWDooJLvxrSpXDjZCNFMLu
cLlOKdDrVbsyDvxHe looked ahead; Li Wuting’s hand by his side was turning red.bXlgBCbCfbjOKfAehxgRXPIYfqlzKG
SpVJzvEOIcPmWBuLi Jingyu seemed to understand and nodded.HQUPXbIIAekTqOofBLEVgEwnTInfoF
DYMtTLiMlTJdQLxAhead, Li Wuting spoke lightly, “Tomorrow, have that wall in your courtyard removed. Don’t keep such dangerous things in the mansion.”YzVSJcllskEUDARyXTBEQUsEkoKpSB
WVeidKDkSJafHyfLi Yingtang was shocked!JHVIbDIVWoyvEQLpBWpDjigvQcIJfF
KEhnETCEgeAvIWhIt was the first time he realized a carved wall could be dangerous!LyNpYtPvyUscuCxJpAQuxmpWtDdfvs
lDCurHvGkCexWCVNing Rushen listened from behind, sleeve in hand and eyes shifting:GZvIkEfLIhXTJibZZgUtqUAykOYmyB
GWtIBKtndhYvCPaIn this world, there are no dangerous walls.gTCHfuhrFwBirbOjwhsUDIHhXXrEvM
yzaqlrBhIIZlYoXBut when people keep squeezing through, it becomes a dangerous wall.GAjDrVOHCfedmBgMSKayncWdsahMOm
jNSiGjrRVOIIfoB·TNgfoDeIrnGVAKtGVUXdUkzaWCJTQN
YuuRvjplKJczZOCEveryone returned to the courtyard.fTbBGVGsDSmuvYGMXHOhKLcaDuXmTE
VlYBBXTMyQhyEQHLi Wuting sat down behind the stone table, and Xuang Wang also took a seat.hEdCVTlaSSjbFbtbHAnVdpgEDMZPQr
UzaDIhqTmmdYGnrNing Rushen and Li Jingyu stood in front, earnestly admitting their fault and listening to the reprimand.mfbCwWTTbMWzrsuwrVwQutDcBTOtYE
RjEzfEpYrEPeFQjAlthough 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.CJOrMIQhoRmcrzcnBVcSZtkODOYjnC
fRJIZVJoufetFkLAfter lecturing them, Li Wuting stopped talking.YtdzYFvgoYDpidhmmrThuhrSjwxxDi
wlqqiweTdsvsACgHe 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:jilsxPbTKIzeGiQDhysMOOSLOeehHv
tSJarcsLOTQuIZT“Jingyu, be more cautious.”usdmyfFYocesVAHWCLFjpkIeDNCEvm
wmOgevWgEItJZsYLi Jingyu, feeling the weight of that look, stiffened, “Yes, Brother Emperor.”ogjVswRCCriZokOCfabofAQgOZWzUg
IyKglVWMjapcBNFNing Rushen caught the expression between them, his thoughts settling.bSwQLcZLdjlIBsZKoodKJVKaPBdloo
LwmeyOjBaluxhkYAt that moment, the gaze turned towards him, “And you.”ajWgfAVFQidAjnHKrcAjINRMckYpHR
RtWzYyPqWyNxKZqNing Rushen snapped back to reality, “Hmm?”veqSAuPInPiRAVMGpKPJNlohcwtBCS
VDRrLkFNhMOQXkLLi Wuting looked sternly, his fierce brows furrowing, “You’re all grown up, yet you still lack judgment.”XrqaFdiSMgSoEEurgVdggjhKFutzTr
kiLusXbhqSblIhdNing Rushen reflected, “Indeed, for someone my size, it’s fitting that I got stuck.”nxUOuWyxMoVIdAYropUEYCyvijmUPx
SEfEhHPrJCHhwbhHe lamented, “It was a lapse in my judgment… a mistake!”kwZSFMTESlimTVWxAzBlJdCKcjNfXJ
wbJpVCZIocCEkoVLi Wuting, “…”aHdbzFuyUBdWRpXMyJGxHEbRlYRSZv
LwmZLqsYwCQSGBaLi Yingtan’s expression twisted as he asked, “Is this the discretion you had in mind?”epJioWdRnWOqAnQUHxZfRiFjKQFhhu
qqNkgMYdSDOYOFmThere was a pause in front of the stone table.CHlszGeHLuJnxkCScMENAXrWZTLgEr
UCUBAwmneBCNYoiStill 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?”AYUjaaOTwrPzPtUxOwxnbYAjQIvhRF
DsOuaqypSIEZxLfThe fingers resting on his knee hesitated slightly.MgzTwfwjTAkvyTMoJxJmzCmPGIbgTQ
GlpbJrRyIpuegRKFinally, in defense of his own statement, Li Wuting pursed his lips, “His mind, occasionally works.”bQLBfppGbDDxzvbdGmCjjsPNScInij
mcezZyTUNNMbmhlLi Yingtan implied deeply, “You really trust him…”hnGpOeSYnqGNOQtVHhPnQRWqISmFsD
PIrAyRwajpGZluLAfter the meeting ended, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu finally sat down.WZJNpBjQrYnaYPDKFBeuxYPuOysgRg
VRzAitozGWqXLfgServants attended to them in the mansion, and the brothers chatted over tea in a sporadic conversation.QTNhXowpKMvaEYWsLbZRFFVnXXnlNy
gbewvIRtzRoOnWbSitting there, Ning Rushen suddenly felt Li Wuting’s gaze frequently landing on him. He turned to look, their eyes met,derZdaXmebwtxJMfWhbicXBpjEJKCX
DaZTgTbzIpNPKxh“What is it, Your Majesty?”TMCUbfyxMeddYjLDTNcTfgsUzdIePb
rCcvWKZOpshDzGXLi Wuting paused, “Mind your appearance.”lIVnqCuomeCXoPdCsKYHUQVfoxumli
YfKaLfmtvJQfNyaNing Rushen: ?kYXfdPKmHAEFPkTuLVysBcpKxrSrDp
WIgfGUCeZYHHXshHe reached up to adjust his hair.RfzLqegTwnTfRsaigVxNEWCqfXNpdu
KAIgkcUwYFlKYVkLi Wuting frowned, pursed his lips, “Not that…”tVyScnxuMuckRIJunTdPfofcmGPIdY
btZmSZPashFaSAzSuddenly, a head popped up in front of him.mBEgmorPIKlNzGYHsuSlDgpEJhRqPF
scDVYidDkfTTIEbLi 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.PXexsjJzjtIsEIHYDzNuhHxrNYzuWn
aQwjBudmjoulXAlNing 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.icwVinzsuXrZfHNbwFWIxeYSEkVyfq
DxwQsmXTEanWiPYLi Jingyu slapped his hand lightly, “Lord Ning, you’ve got something on you.”EKrExdApkOEnFEAKKbMPpkadbkiNOp
tcjWVGwiUYXztjCNing Rushen, realizing, “Thank you, Your Highness.”SwiBLdnnHAuzbqrEoJFOfYWtydWyWq
iFmFAsBhHoBkrxmHe touched his nose and looked at Li Wuting again in surprise:qOPnDovAMbSRusBvSrPkqhSIzFvXUD
MqQfLLNnaJdrsgkThis detection ability, more intelligent than the robotic vacuum cleaners he had at home.xoWUmqgPKagxaagxMJWllrnNWkfMHv
OWBqnSDRqfYUfQt…fbNRKvahRBRTlvVuVJBLLIWQQbAHgT
yEKhxrfWMbvjSKQSoon, it was time to dine.mzzyTxCsGZGZJCnznvDxSeAVQqPCMu
BqvGdNhtopGKyIlPrince Xuan, known for his refined taste, set the banquet right in the courtyard, enjoying the spring scenery while dining.UOGBGmWENmBPUVuOXeelEJONArlnnb
pFzvymNfOabfdniRoyals were always attended by servants during meals.dgnJEZAkuFkVnsQsGvcwOUhpNbAPNa
wyBymDIyGfByCBGDe Quan arranged the dishes for the emperor, while other servants attended to the two princes.uDDCoIvdmNxXfchQrIyyfUjxbNgaNF
bcvFKWAxxOWtQLvNing Rushen, asserting independence, sat across from Li Wuting.mBiWPUnmWIxQHeuhrMgCBJSLocGmyw
zklzKFKyeLKvKivThe dishes at the prince’s mansion were exquisitely prepared, appealing in color, aroma, and taste.xdwSbTKZuhnxJGIQQlZskMpnNlBZEz
XeFJIHGpYteGyTwAs Ning Rushen was deeply engrossed in eating, he suddenly met De Quan’s disapproving gaze:hDxEbAmKWLSPKgsMqMbmpBkLHQkvLF
xEeKXLGnDkrHqjOAre you competing with His Majesty for food!JPpeHIJrLMBBCLVerWkHVYyyrCDtqf
YGSNzAaQXRDSRkFAren’t you going to serve him?ajGXCwvoQbxQpSJIntWPVuEaIxiUgF
ppMTuNwwZLZiiXD“…”eFzfxbIDWhxzZeQmWqDFMTUSMNGjrY
cKTpHxxUKYFVpGbIndeed, having just annoyed Li Wuting and then being miraculously saved from the wall, he felt he ought to make a gesture.ThshBgkJWIMKHkikpLBEZLltJQiEqn
JoHaKQrukzLCOMjNing Rushen smoothly got up, “I shall serve His Majesty.”ANbFbdrqbmIucgkhWSRASPFPkDannX
EenkuDPBkJWQeRTLi Wuting looked over.CrJteLFLEQYRzakGnWnwOpllpxnrIc
ahXYOEwiNkqFtIYNing 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.peXVoczEUklcCweYIKvVuKQrsLqtIx
gPzmoCLsTDLmXykLi Wuting, “………”HuNRoeBLqZsVZLBJRkjjBVWChowybM
FaraGkPJUkIOmcQDe Quan closed his eyes tightly in frustration: Why can’t you come around! Is there a hedge of thorns around His Majesty?iRAzoBKPsmkGJGXSEqvgNQTclZwAYr
sjYMrdlOTuIrwnXLi Wuting, observing Ning Rushen’s full stretch across the table, “Lord Ning, your way of serving dishes looks like an assassination attempt.”RzMezbwXnQFnmbgPetsIbQnwyEgFYB
pXmAPaLKSbPUbVuEmbarrassed, Ning Rushen withdrew his chopsticks.LoibfWNopooXfrInuMfgJWyFuNFjqu
AkIIAZdrtkrpyUjLi Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose, “Stop serving, eat your own meal.”tINaGVlBccDUrcnunTCmtPBGZLCdBI
AlUEXoIbmlbNsEaNing Rushen, taking up his bowl, obeyed, “Yes.”HfaVjyTLqobWHPfuyyzlcuituIRccZ
JycwWqzIvUxxKTE…LMCVgaeNZPWQTLUeDqpVpgPBKCkhgl
skMIwATcytOfiuDThe banquet at the mansion ended.LGVVhFYJLPjdvtwEfjKBxBQHpPfziJ
JqshVAvUaJtycwRRelying on emotional ties, Prince Xuan stayed a bit longer.cecqZTATSaIXtJYoiuFCbKtSBgwNLS
eXMisGjGUEkcBWAWith 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.YwLJvrTGryvIteqjGSckmFjEXCjaJa
emEOyukjAyymjiiNing Rushen calculated: Prince Xuan could stay quite a while longer.NWrmuSXDBCeyTdSitLmYcoQPCqVVFE
PQssAbKFAESzbHnAs one of the examiners, he also needed to familiarize himself with the processes at the Ministry of Rites and participate in preparations.cinpWbdfBlQFpHPpwckwAcVNMDsIgx
oSzwmcPAvYwQsQhAs the exam approached, the frequency of tasks increased.EgmZdmOzCrWugaNUlUOTuorLkYMKfj
BHPxNUnBTLgzSocIn the course of these events, Ning Rushen became familiar with Huo Mian and the Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, both also examiners.ByuelhZKlSNeJaZBaDOIaJkVNbEqvq
XDqbzHrFbvadRkjThe three shared a common hobby: voracious eating.UUqLAZIvzmBKLLFyxpjIoppwtcHiUb
AbEVFGeXTpgDBUHThe Ministry of Rites was well-funded, offering good meals.sywEjUSPyjkbngEPRBhMFTcqaePRxk
AIksgfOcaYWujTGEven Ning Rushen, a self-proclaimed slacker, reported daily, always arriving punctually at meal times.dBHrsyeVkHrfudCehaNvsCxaTaEeyV
woaSOVChCrAmdybMinister Guan was quite welcoming, “Lord Ning, feel free to come by. We’ve got plenty at the Ministry of Rites.”SeHpGUlHMeVDsjnkBwwCIrXjHvfkFV
nxMYScKKfXhGbWTNing Rushen happily, “That’s wonderful.”PzNgQwIaaHfySbFuYItHfSTqHkltkE
pPLgpJYwGDWWykVDuring this time, he encountered many impolite people; the name ‘Ministry of Rites’ alone seemed to promise a sense of decorum.PpKIhrJesFvMDHeteHWAyYcdrlTfug
yAqYRNqLbymMyFlPlus, the leader’s name literally meant ‘manage food’.ZWcVEzMDoHqFlVEaRBzJpHGvPUzcqa
OEEGljNBpUAepExIt all sounded very encouraging.KFHptOvZDHPnrdZvYnIMZzBWUgCuEt
yGkqmvFRrCjpaQbHis 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.”FskroXuWhgdBdXXNIbyBuISducJEnV
pNcUgXaeypGAktDMinister Guan, already warming to the idea, rubbed his hands together, clearly plotting.IDhPuDDWeDRyVDBbEEdPnXtlVandXp
JbifpQIakNoIPqYNing Rushen choked, “No, no, no… that would be too much trouble for Minister Guan.”pDWLGvFkoUVFkuvvQPdVNjDHjOImSO
pThtzKzLglLIsXv“It’s no trouble at all. Moving people around is common practice among the ministries,” Minister Guan assured.VnJMJUIVgDbVCQarBNxSDswKfCMiQk
GIxZqAQogxtDpHw“……”hOgtKinPGcZWdDdzfNTGnzUMhMTFNw
uMHqzMCuEYUUUfFThe two exchanged a few more pleasantries.mmYYwWBthtOYuMfUbljEIMMXJHPXtw
tfUeFcumtcuuqTHAt 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.”RRaJdjHdgNgeWPFTHHCwubyGGCQoNo
LXzWWpXytvcYjTqNing Rushen remained silent. To those unaware, one might think Huo Mian had returned from fleeing a famine in the northern border.LmZGEiLZERmSeWJcxpmvIORmWHCfVa
rHbhtitppQrmIOg…bspyyZlYwNdhTpMDGZCbTGJuwXrqCd
RRvjEHWPYqlpNChAfter several busy days at the Ministry of Rites, Ning Rushen finally found some free time.mSanjzmnELaTsPLEfgNogqFHXnZxmd
cEyruKwpZLhMwDpHe 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—dHvcfDQyqmucQSUrLnYjbYIioZxDXk
pBNwkxOKfOolGStEmperor Li Wuting appeared unchanged at first glance.TLfPTEboZLdpoixaaPoXyioCdlceEP
RleeGqyumZDAQqpThe subtlety mainly came from De Quan’s eyebrows, which seemed to be squeezing together as if each hair was exerting effort.sNyKxVTrRzXxNfwFHPwPuaulUSCOBn
dbPZNAtTimqEjMNNing Rushen was puzzled. He had been diligent recently; what was the issue now?bklCmfsluyOQjnCFhRoBnYBhlaxKoo
zgOleJpEkGHFRrLNing Rushen glanced at De Quan and approached, “This official greets Your Majesty.”SCMGVNydcysqClfwwLavuvkUijOgHW
RomJmIHkJXPNccZEmperor Li Wuting, without looking up from his memorials, asked, “How busy has the Ministry of Rites been?”ExrxpbefCjBVxAibZpiVQrqAWeRadv
ZowgAPvUmcWBTMY“Very well, all preparations are going smoothly.”TPimNOoAStGujxvPbIBHpEOCtaNxlx
wnjoIJjWmyPhysL“Hmm, is the budget still sufficient?”XIgWqHsMRBJIZLWDspZBxiRVGIKEfq
rzOmJrlVGEnokLw“Your Majesty, it is sufficient.” Every meal had meat.dCuAEOfCfeizDEFpwUHvIsEmybnTcJ
lANfSKQlcOfPSuLAfter discussing these official matters, Ning Rushen noticed that Emperor Li Wuting’s expression seemed satisfied, which slightly eased his concerns.qYDisjbYHVsSwsjJfcdwuaZGANDmBQ
neYJnDncEyRGVkgPerhaps he was being overly sensitive.YPopBcgbekYFJXxtVmuVeEcXPKxohq
zKJNAQWxouKyQGpHe was too guarded against De Quan’s glances and gestures.czcBkzbtLExpfSuRnKbEJXFSjInxdT
qoVNZaRHnScMInVJust as he thought this, he suddenly heard Emperor Li Wuting ask, “The atmosphere in the Ministry of Rites is good?”KxLtHJYzVaLGTSSSIXNqCXTZSCPblo
wPovrORawhlenUnNing Rushen, not one to speak ill of his colleagues, nodded, “Like a family.”GBrVrYGadKRsojJjzxpQjEvdPUlpXx
IYQGLSUYIrbmvOGEmperor Li Wuting chuckled, throwing a memorial at him, “No wonder they have come to ask me to allow your whole family to reunite.”sNEFsKAmmMMDgqlrAkQuWCJezUQFvj
kOGnCMXRqcAXYotNing Rushen was puzzled.GTpeZuStqgKwnUKNqszvvRKjqkqEjD
cWqSPUhkHneHDNuA sense of foreboding surfaced as he picked up the document and took a deep breath—Minister Guan actually sought to transfer him!sKeFkBuPcGKORNdTZWWQXfRxtBbJOn
lDiaMvQiLjQynSaAnd he mentioned that “General Huo also has such desires.”CzIdPCYvwgbuObMYGxxevKipfcddxA
bUCJABhBWbbOHIHNing Rushen was shocked—fNaVuNagRIieLpLBlgrGIFUpnCfUFg
qAkEAWGOeQhtiXhNot 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!tHvByXctNSSTbyTGWMMQdLVyXnXToD
DFbbRxSVMoBqhcwWhat for, to build a fortress in the Ministry of Rites?XOiiLkRYSbeDpbYilXzAWHiCkISldA
OrXbtWfyQUKJXIL…It turns out the most impolite person was the Minister of Rites!XfBjKFNzbSMokmmiHHrHvCkugYzPIr
zDyTXVSyNuvSwUOHe moistened his dry lips and, holding the memorial, looked towards Emperor Li Wuting.vTXFSmhPuZWxpUwjMRLlbPyvqOPGcl
gzpRcHjEhrPOXOoEmperor Li Wuting seemed to smile, “The Ministry of Rites is very good, even the top scholars and warriors love the food there.”AvpUyIMBEtZpBrakuRoAKBlKRDqfyJ
FOcqUWxbrvNYDNDDe Quan was frantically signaling with his eyes: Deny it now!ZnBERpXssGdAewtJoueFWrkHKDLeHe
coiKlnllTRiaDYFNing Rushen quickly denied, “I am not confined to the Ministry of Rites.”HgrogpbwZIEFiEcVEfGHJmtdMAANKy
nZmzzdAKeDytWBPEmperor Li Wuting, “…”ExQSmXBwhgeCOskMWWJYwaQcUhoLWm
XilHuRBpNutQHCSHe tapped his fingertips on the desk, producing two crisp sounds, “Oh, a feast from all homes, I had forgotten.”rUDJZckCLUQVtYvxLJUPbjWFbSRWvb
eDDPvCgFhooNFLMNing Rushen hurriedly tried to recover, “I am merely dedicated to my work, busy with the imperial examinations.”ftshkywpOzcEYXgWeOqbBNoAcClDba
YDuwsrDbCfijUKOEmperor Li Wuting did not respond, as if quietly listening to his bluffs.zXZkpLMoLYOvnNiqIxrjaOMQOcgrES
PuymSStYgcjYThVNing 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?”brdSvZSrfxCCTTIvumpSzxoyBoRROQ
rKobvaeZiuLONvMThis time, Emperor Li Wuting responded, “As usual.”XjazUMqfowHGKThOCPoSfSlhGdnPVA
WISHeroTlhfxMPAHis response, “as usual,” meant he was still letting the situation unfold naturally.JodzGHekljvKauvYwHMXNfojywquEN
HWCGeSBjPgQlZJV“Hmm.” Ning Rushen pondered.lBJSpsBYJWtMcSeqCUUGcDyadHmkzK
tmfFNhrjgcOOExNCheating 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.wwsHteScmVxGFrzPqLJDICYJGBeUPc
KYSXrAmcdPNeliAWithout someone coming forward, Emperor Li Wuting would not likely expose it himself.JNKLnFryUexhHEZDbubBSPWmxrjLCm
MhQhDggaYbFNhsDWhatever his reasons, knowingly overlooking it could attract criticism.imAjnezOCMiiXnDvRkYFLsxkluonIP
XlplLNzAWyEUJDl“What are you thinking?” Emperor Li Wuting asked.eqQGBfLjvmCZdsFwhcYjECQhlcdOSa
HbEYCsKDewPsEmFNing Rushen probed, “How will this matter ultimately be revealed?”pIRHrNJkBbaMxVmrDDVTXDZQfLYNPZ
klCOwrdTHXmBmYNEmperor Li Wuting appeared calm, “No need to worry, someone will expose it.”ILuGsBBuBrxohcPbWINtNFPRVosRnf
CTLurcQXUZWYqTD“?” Ning Rushen stared at his expression, sensing that Emperor Li Wuting seemed to anticipate an event not yet occurred, “…Someone arranged by Your Majesty?”SeDwhrjMxghdbgRWJNgNdjrqdTqBDP
jlIHIVgFKqScCiQEmperor Li Wuting’s lips moved as if about to speak, then he suddenly looked towards him.zXPVoNUqxLSICCANmINOOGemALwihW
iBykfdJihfWLggJSuddenly, he smiled, “Want to know?”hDEGmEQxOxSQcFAjMNKDTEoxhoGOdo
RqdgzsEBWkAJuDQNing Rushen nodded.yHhxBOoIQQyAuERZvsuoQGLzdEnbRE
ApDPPzDCSqlpCjfEmperor Li Wuting said, “Come closer.”ERzfBiMASDehqQDxkFymzbiBXMEHvl
hYmuOaaYxiLKRFlDe Quan and the courtiers were still nearby.VWlyJYJypgsXljeEEnHZJvSYFlFcDu
VZMNJQFHXHmStdxNing Rushen guessed that Emperor Li Wuting wanted to speak privately, so he moved closer, “Yes, Your Majesty.”jaPQMLtkBbLNefxKowHwwYQCjUhonB
ibJkMOETXTHuRAzHe walked around the imperial desk to Emperor Li Wuting’s side.rZSOryWjvXumCqtvTrkavNcTEFNOfH
pRiMmlWXCSalbgoThe 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.FEBDRrtVrTcIHcBqJdBVgxheaxIvSD
vXmgmpOeIPrdbMmHis falling hair strands covered the outer half of his face.WVtEuILEEBfmaCWnMAwEYLrtSUAwzV
nhjgATFARvnhMLpDe Quan and the courtiers couldn’t see what was hidden behind the hair, and the courtiers respectfully lowered their heads, daring not to look.VOkGmAfviYIgIhnYKCwgNovbbqIHNJ
zBWGnCKtjfsihrYNing Rushen leaned in close to Emperor Li Wuting.PCNmSSDDhzoQZxfRfxoBPzirDbaPcL
DUgeQsObybYfQCBLi Wuting lowered his eyes and noticed a luminous white earlobe adorned with a red mole fluttering beneath the eyelid.pOrFUlJDOeReAYdNaYliWSNARRmFGZ
JLybWGgRcWTPojxHe tapped the desk with his fingertips, then chuckled softly as if amused.NVIjPtSaCnrWSkcqqVIUlNYclPEQTw
qrpSTGgvmFAeyRG“Guess for yourself.”TJLHWzWvxGlDeFoxsUIxLozQgBkhfL
oJnFKRrdTDYfuLL“…!” Ning Rushen shivered from the warm breath, enduring the nonsense response.pOUbstwIMOwtKULHqwctTdbfJVHdJG
dYiXDuuMakJyAmLHe instantly bristled, turning his head in astonishment: Is that even human speech!?gGVemKPvqYeSkYnyvraQiZnmqasoap
YPZUaTtzWoNcIgCDe Quan sneakily squinted towards them.KbWtmAvACnSCWvYGXBApJPLxWkuGNa
gnxwNSJoSoastQWJust 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.TxSxwPtDVSRbGWOQZcyQlNIJDVmEyH
xjdJwYSmczHlLhqDe Quan: Hiss… Ouch~stTzBYeqajbVuonUNRlJUMKMbsgvvA
VamoyWcryyxTkQBSuch was the scene in the imperial study, quite… quite beneficial indeed!pWtgwpBXFlBFJMzkgTCxCSEszQTWyC
lGbldSXVRuhTspXBehind 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.DLZMiYghzxcnLsZofSfIYnWbAkmhPf
zRQOCUbJlSfowgX“Go now, think it over.”VgUsyKVJwjhWwjLZYceRDadfZMzhSP
WyLEpYHPvmsxqTYNing Rushen took a deep breath, grinding his teeth, “…Yes, Your Majesty.”imnSAzUfyqrqFusZzszEkrSWrwtqAJ
UOipkTFEnixQGGIHe left, his ears red hot.yvZYhdYvwMxkhfDLvdjyInzGvHeTYw
mIKSahtkPkcdrHN·EhqMaNubXgEzjYoVxANbfKTnEWCcwj
geCpGKOtLXQzmkHReturning to his residence, Ning Rushen’s ears had cooled down, but he still felt a lingering warmth that made his tailbone tingle.BSatolNKPrKJYfAmXXwWajcmkbbuQa
TaaKUSibuZCbNivHe recalled the heated phrase from Li Wuting that wasn’t quite human speech.JVAPzHDHWpAybtAJHmQaMmaPXVTGJH
lAclmklqrUHiUKPThinking 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.”pNZIXCgjfUXGaPrjrNZlXUtSiefcdX
gwmaLqkbvaqAAONAll was quiet above the beams.sjtxjXMbutFxSUaGbQXUQKDnshQSDS
rBIIFITnKxLlyBPHe paused for a moment, then snapped, “Pata.”wiTZdYApASHSniziFYKRRYeHnvvBDi
tRtGyDlrfFiyzOFA figure immediately swooped down, standing before him.vEfivUAtrImfcdHgWdvKRJCspXyPoa
uRGEiuwAOwqNqIbNing Rushen: …Do you insist on responding to “pata”?PlPsBAVmrqUjEOUiZERkpoGmEvfwOO
LMSofwHOqZLvWOwShiyi asked, “What do you need?”gbpOOoEIHAyhmUNyAbJLttfyAblQFE
tXKmkDNTRVeLKTaNing Rushen needed information, “Besides following me, has your gang leader assigned you any other tasks?”PxdgqGYvBXlOQDWweWQIWRHjVvYNLk
rFKYipEXosRPZAMShiyi hesitated, “…Our leader only instructed me to follow you, nothing else. I haven’t seen the leader for a long time.”TAqRCSlygdwiGNXcxaXYyrvcIsIaqp
ekntBTSSjkFlLHNNing Rushen asked, “Haven’t you been in contact with your other colleagues?”RtSOLmuXXGgMMprUoezuxgFcllDQoX
BwfXGjFpDjAOvgS“No. Why do you ask?”ChtiOIYblhIWzbTAyNbbWpoyUZfUjt
JqUDrUBsYgCoefQ“Just saw one of your colleagues working as a waiter in an inn a few days ago.”jfnhNbkyMHvGZnHaKbEECcxhFniyFk
vUmSTItzWkGtgCjA faint sympathy crossed Shiyi’s face, “Those are just odd jobs.”pqMYNhukravpMdJJNQuUUGdGAqYRpC
hueGglSYpJsvzGyNing Rushen sighed in frustration: …At least they have jobs.ruKABSMuPOxdvbkaFrnCoxGONFfoPY
JzvoAhaofcmzCEYAre you sympathizing with someone who was dismissed?MklsyLzuMlACKPJWrEVYClJLFKEoJW
umQhvDCsHVgtiVmUnable to gather any useful information, Ning Rushen dismissed him. Before Shiyi left, Ning Rushen stopped him again, “One last question.”ObTSuWgQnqTRmftvdAbJAPbQKOZAVA
LbYXeZyGCBJdjScShiyi, “?”TyWqxWMsimNRnfCPZSvFRRCjBDOBvo
jgMycoFKkDTgqeANing Rushen, pinching his ear, asked, “Does your gang leader have any peculiar hobbies?”aPNvVBPMOPTaVqMBUMbQHnbnJNUixI
tjyvXQJPaoIALWxShiyi disagreed, “Our leader is very serious.”KsLySIiEzJxcivlopBMxjHtROaLalI
GDIDVxQornxPQzLNing Rushen waved him away.XKCzYorMUifQbwlmyScjhpExBMvSTn
AWPyLqjuQRyXkQs…ognVERtLQxkanVLPGZtthOXoVABKXM
AzSwCvdHDPVpUbyUnable to guess Li Wuting’s intentions, he decided to stop worrying about it.HjSWbaOFayiPcermNVaHxvpHvfuAKY
JEPbrnFBzzPJawtAs the month drew to a close.ZUJJixXZTOdRsxmPrGckTvfEwDwkGD
zHjbLsLsoIYnBRoThe postponed imperial examination finally arrived amid strict preparations.NOUVcJcPaQELgrowasjAFxzHphaIdl
NFUHZvyfNrgIrUSThe exam lasted nine days and six nights.WEWKSTeNbFKCcrXNKzquFnBhZdjYFp
NEnOZcFbhEDVQYNNing 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.qKsVzcfivJNQwRiwQzAnCwEddMvxVU
MvBGNFBujCYlcRqHe exemplified the spirit of various scholars.DaLGRkrvfOytCynQXugIkmBDqtfaSz
WJOxNjqXfuEyeeIThis continued until the end of the examination.PEucamGgDPQrYGlIRvFOTLQVvxHYbb
JVrWMjlQgYjOvvYLike 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.SykIIfijrCHNAksEcFmuVXVCsWYLeC
WbfIisAjXISqrAcMany set up seats along the Huaiming River to discuss classics and poetry, earning widespread praise.xyAHIlekjuCMEUVGlcjImCdLkRQrUf
UUQUeIkqbxbAMyt—It was a tradition of the great state.tlTLFlXAiDyVohgZPPuaReBoNlpaux
fEbkhRyyZZAvrwyNing Rushen had received an invitation from Geng Yan days before, suggesting they go boating together.xfrElPOJbSPFmkclhpjAjCfbaZEjDM
ivVDiacUXzzotANWhen the exams ended, estimating the time to leave, he glanced at the water clock in the corner of the imperial study.DatREPOXhgjVrfEFjPSsTfEIwkRgMV
ylxGemPYPdvSWIrThe clock was unclear, and he instinctively leaned forward.aDUkHHMdcydIhLXDFdIYZtIPvezYOH
QkQhJdunkxQyqPVLi Wuting looked up, “Ning minister eager to return?”LHAxfKQQJYnigiLApnQmfxYlWEZqXI
xsQcqSjDDvtjcODNing Rushen retracted his neck, “How could that be? I was just seeing how long Your Majesty has been working.”nWcdnlraYkHMDrzcOJBgaqUabpGhOG
MuoimHIqgztUHSyLi Wuting chuckled.FEYkkSexljVWYNzDKrNkdnoLinhWfo
EehwDbikBNHfknJAfter a pause, he waved, “Alright, go.”HXSitGxGxlvUkuZMCySvzUnlWxRHaw
oegyxjKKUeYTpxuNing Rushen thanked him and quickly left.AyfDhyXRDoeKIrfnnCORHhdIeWQABL
QQBzSKpNwnwZWxCOutside the palace gate, Geng Yan was already waiting, rubbing his hands together eagerly.GJfLhuucDrHVnISZEokwvgeJRJmnXi
tlViwebpvvAIDsVUpon 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!”YoJPFyqUiStjAbEsehQFntTlAVphvH
WnmcUmImudDQEcLNing Rushen shook his head, “Listen.”JsagDpmjHPhbqjxwqGBlhXpEVnQXQB
pTDZBDZWbfCMCubGeng Yan leaned in to listen closely, “What? I can’t hear anything?”CekMlYfWCzCryXSqxSigCOviUvjlwo
TBJiWoRZpLzZSXL“That’s right, because it’s empty.”qrpHHkeMwzOREACqdcdcXjzJwSWuHP
xntuXkHuZGqZUCG“…”RzGUTktIkNeOPjKPSWSoxjhwByjSVA
RSJEtyCefWGTcGDGeng 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.”cqaFBNqiphHHTbjPFTBefAJzHkDFJR
kqDSLXBYMQyFBsT·vMCwtxKkUGFNCjBygzGWWNTgdzMzJI
CjnfUZmHmtsSkNsAs dusk fell and the lanterns were first lit.FdPtTAmjTcgXWAPywQVDglCkygSlFk
TGEHpIGOdOxectNThe capital’s taverns were bustling with patrons, and the lively streets were busy with people coming and going, their robes brushing against each other.DhnlxvQgsRdpPwDUXKvyyxPJMtKjff
ywuUnFbeiVCSAexThe two found a restaurant and dined on the second floor.JZSPIhlwIxNOcerGipBikhatHFwwNN
nGIwkkOjpRDXnZMThe private room’s window overlooked the busy street below, providing an excellent view of the festivities.tEpavSoZxuIcGairiMlPcHuEkndKeD
HuUiBwjgBGijMejAfter settling down, Geng Yan continued to reflect, “You say your mind has fallen to this state, how can you still be an examiner?”vvqGlGWCJSAkpZXhZuNEgtneOFjusS
nPPsAORAKHykXKENing Rushen subtly stepped on his foot.rGomrCzKNmODNODqUwOjqcCeMLfWCM
wnBGvWcFGfyDtowGeng Yan exclaimed, “Ow!”nlaQHJBdyPgxeISHNFrcDSTHBHUvcW
lJsfexmKlcKuNTDNing Rushen replied, “It’s the emperor’s decision, are you questioning him?”VRoQUGBUhwtupDTCDAGELSPzIFlnzC
YjLlfQqUYpDuQWHGeng Yan, shivering with anger, retorted, “You’re just bullying by flaunting power…”ARFcnDVHwEDyaIjiWUGibeJfQvqydc
IOtOJIbtLcyyPLCWhile they were talking, the server had already started bringing dishes.oCFesDMtxErnHqLeeGysQpmGFnkuqX
FDUmfGXzSDMAJtINing Rushen offered him a grilled chicken heart, “Eat this, ‘like cures like’—grow some brains.”OATqGqHozblebQzycgqmPDhCIRDBmQ
dEXWVBWpwMNsjjMGeng Yan shivered even more.hsfhMLvEQsWrsfZuiTitFGuNDPYXgQ
kLNmBYsoQDaFwpXAs the two continued their chopstick duel at the table, they suddenly heard snippets of conversation from the noisy street outside:WTHQRnMjbhkMINymrTddrkIeXaJyrC
ppsRpWqVkFaeExL“With… such talent, surely can…”fzGsKforxnbgFVkuNJLtLdmwSKpDkO
nvcipHGgvLAaooB“That year… literary top scholar, Ning…”UuhDBFuMihpRGBTrSbZieRycqHOSIW
hYUarrIUzuZPYDdNing Rushen and Geng Yan stopped their playful fight and looked at each other: ?EJDAiRlaycMWaWZwLuHYCUtSUzSOSo
AELsETClHXXKSGfThey opened the half-closed carved window, and the voices from outside became clearer.xLfrgakyOuOnapvUUhJIxAHZiBWLbb
dBeFyejzicgkCUpNing Rushen leaned out the window to look down.GblvAHRxmqVYBikDrDXhVJxPbPdhQC
JjJeKJIZvSToXpnBelow their private room was an outdoor tea stall, where several young men dressed as examinees were engaged in a lively discussion.OeaPCdTfrFVqZAEKwQmHqfSYmidIof
UHQFxqirhGgtvAc“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?”MwsIoiMdmgUXoRWijKyQnpjUQPdNuS
YiOfflyHIKFWRBb“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.”owssGBwRJDwGehcccHaFNgXSMFjmXh
IXttYWmMpavIivNThe 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’…”wxikCJEyGGBrwridzKGhwyOtdlqWLG
peLWVFUUpgBdNRuThe conversation ended there, full of implied meanings.cTdkccwRBoxfMfJIsgvNVgSOLgkLXZ
YehctXTUEUdxvCZOn the second-floor window sill, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan lay prone.rkhZopLgUZfJemxZNTMSpTwasxSKVc
XHKRDZGXqSaAFmIGeng Yan commented, “They say you became the top scholar with just your looks.”qjqKSYVHlypEndFltQQxeHYzLbtSam
syZbVZHlErbFcIYNing Rushen replied, “Then at least I still had seventy percent talent, now I can only rely on my looks.”WuMrpvJgacHvhGMnpkisyhxrBaxiZq
mEbBECDkrSeHkNvGeng Yan choked on his response.PNXoLmbTgLFRCZiwlOmVPLQEUzMUAr
ryDtwQvNfDrJHcZAfter recovering, he asked incredulously, “You’re not angry?… Hey, what are you prying at?”MnnQUWvgDhxXMhwzsvTWhhFaZVDryo
WhDZqlaliYuJcpUNing Rushen peered down, “Do you see if those roof tiles below the window are a bit loose?”rcXNbamzCezleGkjCywKlYnmEIOLbt
UIlNIcPKBTeeMHQAn unspoken agreement arose between them.YMLBIOciHMlTaUKfbePZnmqGnvfiDo
CMmLPeDmdCmqyrgBoth reached out, flipped the tiles, then quickly shut the window and retreated.AJGWejtAqYHHembuzDFpnSQoABNRGH
PpsGvtWkLzMnSoYClang! A wail arose from below.lGetNmoUYNrvmYTpFldHdXRZxNHrKN
TamYmekqhqwCFnqInside the private room, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan sat opposite each other for a few seconds.KwQDTRCQFdmmiSRmdgHJeYeZvnACho
FVBVZxRWbxniCQzGeng 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.jaEecABMcivXSerYpoYnyHhfUhPytA
wsuAaYTYaGcYyNUNing Rushen held him back, calmly stating, “You forgot, such days inevitably involve certain people.”dflofAWJkSLUiBJaSeQXWXfVuppPai
TWJaxzeIMuZtSxnGeng Yan took a moment to realize, then it dawned on him, “…the imperial guards!”WIIeHLMCPtTCyTsZMKiSkGAUGmvVqr
LUDCoRzIprWCXXxNing Rushen sighed, “Proud and inexperienced, still too young.”snvjgSpUXKWOJdGQVlBzRChfWKNuqz
gljKlWuWxafngvoThe 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.eHHtxvajPYgGVDFzCFUrNgBbMTDcjA
tVcLJqpzvDibXJmThis was to control the flow of rumors and prevent issues before they arise.cHhHBrSyMesqhMquauScNdyKsiyQFA
tLcGWfyUXCEDcFVNing Rushen finished his meal contentedly, “I’m full.”CkdSRfWBKojqUghcCAcZmyFxrwLuEN
bsWdeBmPmHMaLQqHe stood up and patted Geng Yan, “Come on, let’s go boating.”hquBQIuyMjPILdaILwiGYTLBNjcljN
wHLoWGmycWzLsjG…MxirLzwbpAiJERuWRdtCBdytaBJKRx
hSWPnWCFXimSFjRElsewhere, outside the Heart-nurturing Hall.TkKmlpnDSdYPOeNzpmqfhpmvGHGGhJ
tlduvDjYCNbtyXNLi Wuting was dressed in a dark blue official robe with a carved jade pendant, exuding an air of elegant nobility.kspoGbHRjKgSBVsqHWXIpYyOwkZxHe
WmOIUaogpLZMiGVYin 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.”GbKfRmXyhsqImtglsdNSNgEaPdGjmQ
nrfsHvjugwZsNDGLi Wuting acknowledged his report and dismissed him.ZvbbAoCRjLQIlsWXvbdxkiZaWpLyaP
GTPNOxkWYBDtmyiOnce 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.”RSmHhRoSiIwVJCaNtSitAvWHmfXLCx
RYdAyvEMvRHsLjx“Let’s go,” Li Wuting replied, stepping forward, eager to participate himself.pmmojZHXThqlGwYGdwHFmMpUosYttY
mgVTSaKGTDIsGAR·onsXoYlmRaTzFJOBGWuGAFFmsYFkIf
iwfytpjsKrwtefYAt the Huai Ming Riverbank, the scene was brilliantly lit.HJxxfNtKtSMYzAUoXpmLHwdcPQrnir
BGHhuEHnOSRVYSsThe 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.avlYCiDDYIqAETrQyMmtzuyLLXgoMQ
QNmnRHtfTcFwxygNear the lacquered bridgehead, there were boats for rent.jfEKyxgnJlpuhMUZcfsbeddORCNnjd
lEdbPdqkpIkOYIjNing Rushen and Geng Yan approached to rent a wooden boat.yYgJTKaDvqYuQzCGxldMgBDgZDPNFB
zjtmLDTKbaVwJSh“Do we hire a boatman, or shall we row ourselves?” Geng Yan asked.bgJHPbQAkTTEWQQRrkHLAgZUITZxzF
xzludRErlEhmQIX“Let’s row ourselves,” Ning Rushen decided.StjYFQtBlFjyMVpIvibkJWNRVmArvb
ndcQmaEOPhiLEHxWith strangers around, they couldn’t speak freely.XJGcFqGoZWKTuNSBqmkWWlyEHpJMfL
QEQZlkFkMSPiwEaAfter a moment’s thought, Geng Yan agreed, dismissing the boatman and handing the oars to Ning Rushen.qtrQjySitBMvnurFCGJIzHuQtBAMjf
STeWtPrYIeZrQDKNing Rushen looked embarrassed, “I don’t know how to row.”UjqHfCHMrFqUWuLXkuYpogSjQvjyVs
jIfyrVJYukfMHjo“…” Geng Yan exploded, “Then why say we’d row ourselves? Does ‘ourselves’ only include me?!”rtTtMgAMUSzZeMpDwMtGxOttHSlBWU
YgjmbKLegJDlQuENing Rushen covered his ears weakly, “Your voice is so loud.”ygONiyMOXwMJsxtStbFrfDeaWJkYNf
YQdiPqOqFCIlHsn“…”HtcbkjzajrLHtAKvpljNLhtzJobSCg
nphETJuCFKZeDacNot far from the bridgehead.ULZnLuhFbmgDIwYWlZGUSgSScmSOzj
nHIFHDVohAMnwayLi Wuting, accompanied by De Quan, made his way through the crowd toward the riverside, followed by imperial guards in plain clothes.folhfmjsTfnfjIhGJNFeeutHBAakuB
nZKIpdWCfSKVlTDAs they moved, a bright color caught the emperor’s eye.WThryWQiDiJNZLMRNLkvKeOdukjtpg
cmCQaMlBmnORfcfDe Quan exclaimed, “My lord, isn’t that Minister Ning and Lord Geng over there?”HoEhGUzkDydZlvtlNmTaaCHNNvpyGh
SoemgFxqpNXxGoZLi Wuting paused, looking in the direction indicated.hyVwjyOLaTIGZcmxpwYdtkyCbVCiqg
aZXiPFGnEbpzSGOIndeed, familiar figures stood at the lacquered bridgehead.jqBOfOebwSCPjSgyImirbsTDRiTQHE
qxLpQXhKSIcfBMLNing 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.eUuClqPRnQJyufvFoGEDIBcIudRfKN
DFPUzgNKvCbGLFXWhatever he was saying seemed to nearly provoke a reaction from Geng Yan.voaaGovpsCprEBwCDqnaknjvsjBhnP
mrlTgTWognxpRMaLi Wuting, touching the jade fan in his hand, changed direction, “Let’s go and see.”tTBZibduXaXUXwDfoqVekEcTurPZJW
fGYgWaSceoWzNJY…CqkvTCdtihZBcbvDAAeqSqyBPwYoMR
mcXefgRFcSrAXGaAt the bridgehead, Geng Yan was still arguing with him.dTWlhtCMthoHoxoSsEPDmsiwXxaPkT
DWscsJuIjYjutDV“Let’s call the boatman back then.”kYClRjVIEBtoSjaosaCNmombhCZUaG
sgjhuxeDyZXKhGT“That’s possible,” Ning Rushen reminded, “but can we still talk freely? Talk about your father, your job, your secret ailments…”aLgFRXXlvRySMvjwRXyFVtmaeipDzg
zCfkdyUnOpUjGtw“I have no secret ailments!!!”DjcIoWRLdJOjuFgwsIwFoELdzybRwW
QoDeaMDpFcNYGufGeng Yan shoved the oar at him, “Take it.”wdTZluRWnYretVURcdNWHadOLETFMu
bbvWmAzwYlDRgrTNing Rushen folded his arms, “I won’t take it.” Was he planning to capsize the boat?MUHRPBvQuCTOsNGTGHBwElOrXWNBlw
XatZSYpGvRjOtcBGeng Yan protested, “How are we supposed to row without oars!”giqHQGPbYKvDceiakbPsetHHXaHUOj
MEwFOVnDlgxFILANing Rushen teased, “I row without oars, all on the waves.”SBZQoXIrGdZdUCZQDowrYviOEbOUIL
YeuZXuewRUQBZzg“…” Geng Yan’s baffled expression blanked for a moment.sWUAZJemDhtqTBrHhbUWeXqTByzdqi
yDIZbBoFhqJlYNzLooking at the calm river surface, he seemed unable to comprehend, “What do you mean, ‘on the waves’?”DptLDDwjmkrTlaAZvGnOJbyLUeoHnp
JGflPDdlShRXcrsJust as Ning Rushen was about to respond, a familiar voice fell from behind:KkBdKMDgeAJxFVVjMaflqbIknGzYLw
VpCoYdOoKNdnzRA“The Emperor would also like to know.”KZlmTAGJvXvydNDibJvcsDkJGgvHVO
QSKcCjnZnrskEWRStartled, Ning Rushen involuntarily stiffened and turned around.fSoMWxXiFNoSqDrhDYZJyzagaJQycC
QqqXSYRIIXCPHcaThere 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.YPxeNEDieFzFzrQWiduISvQojOLAxc
TpuhxpLFBVswXmPLi Wuting nodded slightly toward him, “Let’s see, Minister Ning, how you ride the waves.”SzWzYZpSBlagnBZmZspbOLDnLhArUz
qWbyuzwrDTGHwogNing Rushen, “……”PDoCjElTkovMAZhIjzkXkIucKfYsML
IupJSQUEGzxDafJogoOXGOKEKMbFunHuVgeqEXwiPTLbJ