This official is so weak

Ning Rushen exited the palace gates, where the carriage from the Ning residence was already waiting.xHjQxQOImbUVrUlnrtEtApkbfgtqtg

OlQjtmTBvgrcgKW

A middle-aged man in his forties jumped down from the carriage, his honest face showing a hint of joy. He bowed towards him and said, “My Lord!”RLFHvJGtlqkKxOQquaQJMZdpQbkpoW

QjePmXZJLqqgLzw

The man opposite him was instantly shocked, “My Lord! I am Yan Min, your old servant!”WVoUoFbkUcbEGamvrDLzfnifQCBkfF

puNYTzCDqqtgyzP

Ning Rushen looked at his attire and tentatively asked, “Oh… Steward Yan?”BGqjQsJqrDHmZdSASRMoXPWKDIfzEh

wNfRdfyKhDroyXQ

Ning Rushen smiled slightly, “You look different from usual today. I didn’t recognize you at first.” After saying this, he boarded the carriage, leaving Yan Min standing there, touching his old face, utterly confused.TIsLqIzmjYVjYuvgXThwuZMhBGJdqr

PzmcKbCRHWTWpqB

Inside the carriage, refreshments and tea were already prepared, and incense was burning.ZWCTqdwVWgnpCQpGeiUxGQYmgUBOIb

bwgfwLibCYdTjrG

He casually grabbed a handful of walnuts and started cracking them with a loud crunch, while calling out to Yan Min, “Let’s go.”iDSGWHwpHOfUuROaJgIqyixhKNPgGz

gLatddlUDoymzqW

After traveling a few meters, a sharp, thin voice suddenly came from behind, “Lord Ning—Lord Ning, wait!”msulXrEkBoaHzAmbYgEONZKQCvGKyz

hFhbxbmquxoppnl

Ning Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.wROpvUISwyqXlYYIegvsUpfsBZIkYS

xxMFoKxROdIiEei

He stood up, banging on the door in urgency, “Uncle Yan, quickly, speed up!”meUpZGsYeAllbbutrNnGXAKvLjrUtb

qRpcmxbsZWuWXPh

“Uh, My Lord, but I think I heard…”ncxMrBHXRYkMyQSjxxiotfLDgqHALv

SxtOVUNCTnUDiip

“Lord Ning… Lord Ning! The emperor summons… His Majesty…” The voice behind was getting closer, now trembling with heavy breaths.dafigGDUViurEHjcJkRtZBAIxaFXDF

UnmeMFMqRlsInjc

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and swiftly lifted the carriage curtain, poking his head out, only to be met with Dequan’s pale, sweaty face from running.wIaJpuAHgGMszETkgRgZtNEMFMmZkn

WyQHdNzaHAcdZwD

Dequan, catching his breath, raised his hand with a delicate gesture, playfully pointing at Ning Rushen, “Oh dear, Lord Ning, you sure are hard to deal with~”aCiMhKNcrGskvYwHmNbWxJHQpzecZS

xwXqXxOTuhbDQWV

Ning Rushen smiled politely: …FOXBbvifayuYNOafFeBlBXxLRVYYoJ

GAcOpyyowrPUnMX

·KEVlrRlfqWOLtbdxPdhitwWAymCqlM

jwKUZgCtrTBwYdE

Walking from the palace gates deeper into the imperial grounds, the path was flanked by gold-tiled roofs and red walls. After passing through a side door, they stepped onto a winding path lined with pear trees, their blossoms piled like jade and snow.hfNpudYxligPZwtmKqNvuyaXiQvpuV

PcwhIpCTTNlBKio

Ning Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:pkBvOjpAWYHSzTAMALzOjjzyJzaMZm

SIeBoHHNJfLVpMK

In this spring courtyard, these pear trees make a fine resting place for a corpse.HRUNORzBeQVfJqBSbaRNXyyWlUsJUu

xtSkfGbYcYTAWmk

Once he goes in, there’s a good chance he won’t come out…EwPbGLIVhnXYfJJoHyFyzMEhhCJELX

amsAmpOKgiNrMeR

“Why the sigh, My Lord?” Dequan asked with a smile.skFwmAxVljNCbzqXqazwTFJCtxfMMv

dXmfOYzKBcNfLNl

Ning Rushen shook his head, raising his hand to point at the most flourishing pear tree, “I like this one.” If he were to be buried, he might as well pick a spot in advance.NoxMBEqGpOiJHafSnAJqpqqTjvFboR

giSpSKRrpcLMYYx

“Everything in this palace, down to the grass and trees, belongs to His Majesty,” Dequan replied with a smile, “If you like it, perhaps after receiving a reward, you could ask for a branch or two from His Majesty.”cZWXeVaSmCiIHsnLHeFakMcSdYWpTe

iwEymvsPbWEQFge

Ning Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.sCOnAdXYMzUfBhgSsQqqbUMatLIbwT

YdxaWHsBfQEUoKa

He might actually survive to see another day.hjUhAaLwYWIjxJZDErDZNAdXZNlpvM

bzFCdPXkfxBxUuz

“Thank you for your kind words, Eunuch.”hbXBsEYzSFueRtECZTIaLbeMZYRVCO

hSuBGvFlccftwgC

As they talked, they quickly arrived at the entrance to the Imperial Study. Dequan stopped at the door, bowing slightly, “Lord Ning, please enter. This servant will not go in.”OOXXcbWdVHPPwVIwIKlOLZnjIONedz

ouWIeIkwNaquZAR

Ning Rushen nodded, recalling the palace protocols. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a handful of nuts, skillfully slipping them into Dequan’s hand. “I’ll leave it to you, Eunuch.”lxxnHqVCfbeIOFLZAVNMzjmJwCSyzP

fSHQKpfDtwZbUyU

After tidying his sleeves, he stepped into the Imperial Study.WcelJpZtpIndDRRpSpUoWzZmUtmSzX

fGgllzeigNMbESq

The doors closed behind him, and Dequan, unable to resist, opened his palm: a few small walnuts sat there, with one even half-cracked.HRfhnwZbzBIbCuGMsLrurUZuIBapkC

HUGXLsBXhpCxyfb

“…”JBICmQEnBbKsApPBBNkXIwrdCFlDeb

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Crunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.xpGBtTTIiLTKjgprKTzDUlVckUxdwN

dFxSKXKtXfzwVEq

Inside the Imperial Study.nBhzZcZUcNmQACPBNixEFPuOcrabiU

TGgLVmWtsdXWqfU

The mahogany desk was neatly arranged with high-quality paperweights, brushes, and ink, while a few pear blossoms in a white porcelain vase added a touch of elegant brightness to the otherwise solemn room.loyzhBNAinEyIuUwdxlbNxlLSBjKet

ZJSWJdXnhpyuBVt

Li Wuting, dressed in dark robes, sat behind the desk, his brows slightly furrowed.dJfSBexatuEIzYWznlxrRxpDkIIPuM

vzJxnxUofTklSUd

Standing before him was a man in luxurious robes, exuding an air of nobility and charm, whose features bore a faint resemblance to Li Wuting. He was none other than the second prince of the late emperor, Prince Xuan, Li Yingtang.waqqqtNltrqAriBHewRRENPtpxEgeg

DaHpcxkqjJUtMky

Li Yingtang fiddled with a pear branch, “Your Majesty, what was that about during today’s ceremony?”zxtFejsuwteTeKtZdKwfeykWjEkNBp

JxtnAcuClOqjkVw

Li Wuting lightly tapped his fingers on the desk, without replying.ctCZkoNvKeHRnnZxDvbjsAUPZJpdXL

ztTDTCjLtawAzmM

Li Yingtang glanced at him, then sighed, trying to persuade, “I don’t know what crime Ning Chen committed, but right now, all the meritorious ministers in court are united. He contributed to your ascension and had the late emperor’s decree. Dealing with him too casually might look like killing the donkey after the grinding is done…”sLLlbXAcaiFldIDWvVkxUZYoJIvPzA

qtYrBWrFRpnjdQG

“Brother, I know what I’m doing.” Li Wuting finally spoke.jWVOzeDEHjjOLacSyrdUjgIOHEOBMY

EblHkKBziPGsVPR

Li Yingtang looked at him, thought for a moment, and smiled, “Perhaps I’m overthinking it.”vwauTuvSdJApKVodbiTTsvpHCtMrUQ

IePaNLYqcurRkyG

“Your Majesty,” a voice from outside reported, “Scholar Ning requests an audience.”MUikGfvVovSalVtXIamhuwFNUMXYjl

MGfFlbEVypWFvUj

Li Yingtang withdrew his hand and bowed, “I shall take my leave.”sQVGBzdmUqtlfGqBWnTLzVxnxZDegg

pmtaZekSUmYuUjP

…CWHUXYvRARxRGMTTDeBafkCLNzfjdR

WOWCzcBhOrmMrrH

 PWIbvbrrCiPCeXMvfFNtlPWxIiBvLS

kGHgolJyASkqnuh

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch towards the Imperial Study, only to encounter someone coming out halfway.aBbCatxVVVcdDlatxnOAlRsGwhuCUY

VSYqqOEIviVmfIw

The person carried an unmistakable air of imperial nobility, with features resembling Li Wuting. However, there was a faint scar at the corner of his eye, a minor flaw on otherwise perfect jade.IgOiAQoUXJixqfSCzWjIwiBFqohSyC

wGOqZVKzPNbhElH

He recognized this man as Prince Xuan, recently titled during the grand ceremony. “Greetings, Your Highness.”KlkDloJuDWjsSFTCfXdgFkFAdjvdbo

CnQGCbhmERrayIy

Li Yingtang greeted him amiably, “Lord Ning.”DnFJGVKtyPILtUarZDDsOWcsozCpya

sVTtHsDCuJMWAIz

Neither exchanged further pleasantries.hOjIHpBdamKcTEhwfSwZPsglMAKNYf

gohMTPtoYVyIVhi

They passed each other, and soon Ning Rushen found himself inside the Imperial Study, where Li Wuting was seated behind a desk, eyes focused on the paper before him.zoDBIgnIgKlghnuKWUAWUGTkbloRuk

xKMBAHshcajHcak

Ning Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”AcZGdbISWrWwjAMTtTgdNDSTYZofJo

CqEmcbjSJsDsHzS

There was a moment of silence before a cold voice drifted forward, “I heard that Lord Ning took a fall today and hit his head?”zcJkFBNPVtkrbzlQZBxhINhXLZBDhP

RBTUlbiLLFzGwly

Ning Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?nXLPrtPunHBFygCxdrBkjqMGZwbLdj

whvyZLYYUnGAjmN

With a look of embarrassment, he replied, “Your servant is clumsy.”HdypgwbhtWksDnWoiJtdPcQyfNumHT

ocGYbkZpDVZseMo

Li Wuting put down his pen, giving him a light glance, “Lord Ning is known for his agility, how could you be so careless?”UyTCeSXukozdXGUjtrqvzOdJWGLfeD

xHhEcRXyCAuoXEQ

Ning Rushen: “…”CxiSKsnyMwUxJgasfrIBgVQdxUBzVG

RrRYlKJBONIDAeB

Was it his imagination, or did that sound sarcastic?nmGwYFRwtjjcdNPHWwHpHbjpeTTSRb

DsITImMJuCotUsC

A faint, chilling breeze brushed against him, and he felt the emperor’s gaze resting heavily on him.qvXumKTtVkWaXrHRHBJghJPhDDpjbY

XKOFtVtkisazojz

Lowering his lashes, Ning Rushen coughed dramatically and shakily knelt, “Is His Majesty blaming me? I deserve a thousand deaths… Cough, cough, cough!”xOTHbqzHitTEUvLRRCAssKUHKCjUwH

cySrHwQxtYnGtxk

Li Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.zvXopMStJNaIiTYQChvRdFQbHvHEvB

qRJKHcbkGpGWQXw

The oversized crimson court robe draped over Ning Rushen’s kneeling figure made him appear weak and fragile. His bony back was faintly visible, while his black hair, like spilled ink, cascaded down his back.pWLvVcFgBRAwzLOnxssVUIplstvpFd

lOuvRmYByAtFNrb

His tightly clenched fingers pressed against his lips as his coughing fit turned his face red.wEnFiSLmTMjyJJzzzMtJycVhCkXwYB

NrkChZOqdFwHWpQ

It didn’t seem like he was faking it entirely.CXFnbEnlwtNwFwdXpgTZZdnVrddaub

LyEKxTGCxqIFzMe

Ning Rushen, choking on his own saliva, blinked through watery eyes when suddenly a pair of dark boots with gold-trimmed edges appeared in his vision.sCycOFENYBrfDaRvAUgSKgjzeNqgBe

PXDqhtfWqienGCj

“It seems I have frightened Lord Ning.”LLaozWnKWAcGRlhPJuxXtYYhdyWSoC

TVnZCCWhCqEoXQB

“…?” Ning Rushen lifted his tearful eyes, “Your Majesty?”ZwjybCsAafgwGBCEaAuiZKPYAJkiaV

flKgQrEpJlUTIeh

His slightly moist eyes appeared clear and innocent, filled with confusion. Li Wuting met his gaze for a moment before calmly stating, “I summoned you today to discuss your official duties.”uYOAXHkrGlZzBNpUdxBahDxalJvjoC

qtpGLCeUDfbKzoi

Official duties?kwEbUYAKqBrlzaiYPEqrRfaeIweySc

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Ning Rushen was instantly reminded: Oh right, he was here to resign!cayKmemWDwmRWqXOrNIEAqqQcnkLPM

nmbBayjkSoKvXqL

Li Wuting continued, “Since Lord Ning seems to have suffered a serious head injury, you won’t be able to handle the duties at the Hanlin Academy. Starting tomorrow…”cYtLSPYSRDHiumtIyEOtZvHotXrrzR

eeNmfBDLmUsLymj

Ning Rushen, unable to hold back his excitement, interjected, “I was just planning to retire and return to my hometown—”plTbqgkwTHNVDdrtnTDhOQTOhwEvvd

AAkeXxHOPPBBbWW

“…you’ll report to the Imperial Study.”imDHcygTPgTykNrtrKKCmPHLNkboZE

hdqZCBSlQbRuYCu

Both voices overlapped.lIMSgrujcfizhqCjxMwdjWsGjPOTcZ

hQtLkxxrSIQCLfA

The room fell into an awkward silence as the two men stared at each other, one standing, the other kneeling.AilZtkkvsCdnMbYQeLxMiLQBibVOWq

cqwwqVBkkBiHxIZ

Li Wuting looked at him calmly, “What was it you just said, Lord Ning?”MURJavrfhtgIzkPszMvhXtiENftuOR

PiBdmpCbwYsHEoP

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.EofNztZRxwEIZXSybaUtjFVeIVtGRf

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He really wanted to ask what in the world Li Wuting had just said!yjSPsibmNNwRviRxeZYNbwzStVaBhR

LduAxOmzuMUVLax

“You mean…” Ning Rushen pressed a hand to his temple, dizziness overcoming him, “Did I mishear? You meant I could retire, right?”XgOeIqjINxHLrWXvFLVRJOqIuJZuGW

hnxAQMAQaHLiXAj

Suddenly, Li Wuting crouched down in front of him, his cold gaze leveling with Ning Rushen’s. A warm, rough hand gripped Ning Rushen’s chin, lifting his face upward—BBJVhLOVWrtYijknbqYnmQILBUHYkw

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“Mm…”ETRkmjUvbrQJZaaGFmIEeSumFTVEUx

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Ning Rushen’s slightly pale face came fully into view before Li Wuting’s eyes.zVxXWAAqIKWZBTTSfqEmSsZSAaWoBw

DGJlhArcOpgRDQa

Li Wuting’s voice was soft, “Would Lord Ning really be willing to retire?”hTQOgSBCXNszHRQGEwnYkpTqONeWVY

CbyOYGVHHmEdyFY

“What?” Caught off guard by the chin grab, Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered, and his lips parted like a fish gasping for air.MMUlglUBXKTbLfYveGhRkJardYJmTT

DhKPKpEgKSUYEcQ

His shallow breaths brushed lightly against the calloused skin of Li Wuting’s hand.phNQuihczPgntmrJSvoDVYCcTltHzh

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Li Wuting’s gaze swept over Ning Rushen’s expression. The skin beneath his fingers was soft and cool, reminiscent of the white pear blossoms in the courtyard, delicate enough to be crushed with just a little more pressure.XFiHRvisqQnjVpsfPlHKRbzxKIxORK

jYauaEAXBeThaKY

In the deafening silence of the Imperial Study, the sound of falling needles could be heard.jkeMTLysRFWryfzXXBZYQgUkPiDLan

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The eunuchs and palace maids had long since dropped to their knees, not daring to make a sound.VKyxXwMPCaXZPUSadYVcewxinKmtws

DVnSxsaotGNlXmT

Amid the tense quiet, Ning Rushen, finally unable to hold back, carefully sniffed, trying to clear the runny nose caused by his coughing fit, “Sniff—”rBmcomfuuVQdEfYFCqISjGEWbLQwVp

ikRCqGUClwoUPVf

He glanced up at the emperor’s expression and cautiously asked, “If… there’s a retirement pension?”djNaJoUWkeustezOMAnxTHAqqorWhd

gRqzUgbaTFQWQVC

Li Wuting: “…”xZzJbKeMwpNNWxfEaiMzycwuuPQnXi

AjUYYEShwNPVeBK

After a long pause, the grip on Ning Rushen’s face loosened, leaving two faint red marks where the emperor’s hand had pressed.YxNfClxvOSMzquZNVYiCeXbxOmgePT

obEIxLRgoMmCOIU

 JpGIAECiJfuNugMnCfocJfeKJfmmJu

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Li Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen, slightly curling his lips. “I was joking.”PdhdAuXrQsVlgIgQAXhntNkzwSSbOH

JpnyDKgEWRvQWHW

With that, he stood up and returned to his desk, picking up a brush to continue writing. “Lord Ning was appointed by the late emperor as a minister to assist the new reign. How could I discard such a meritorious servant like worn-out shoes?”QltXDZXeSlGquRzoKAMkujpMOeOrbf

yoQecWAeUAaBngn

Ning Rushen: …vMYmkPuVZSIngMHXPuiFGMqMXujIcj

iFbuVUdCzBfVODk

Then what was all that nonsense about? He had been toying with him the whole time.AjzfGCXLstOpzBGaheiUnvFarKfweE

XWwJtrIFmQKBXvu

After finishing the document, Li Wuting dusted off the paper where the seal had been placed. “Take the decree, Lord Ning.”CIfiXKGAAtdGabrkpdVUtMmMmQmPPV

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Ning Rushen’s fingertips trembled. “…Your servant thanks Your Majesty.”BcgOszyxrdZFPOnYSmtEpgUUKZMwUP

LFmRneOhvxKZuns

·wrJaNTlrOAxdjHIXkWfwhUUVpEvfRS

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Ning Rushen exited the Imperial Study.LPISWEDASvXiVBMADezwjxsNyEmQOz

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He flashed a pitiful smile at Dequan, who stood outside looking rather confused, then glanced up at the sky and drifted away as if in a daze.QsEbKfacRBCnjNXQQcDuLTRkQwEArM

AoAdyEaUMsDkcPm

Dequan, puzzled by the strange smile, thought to himself: Did he get sent to the imperial prison?EUqkToGDihwKJasMLJeTVmVIYLuQhX

WaCtdrVssTzfzhM

“Dequan.” A low voice called from within the study.htwwXXstDoLWnCUEGomFrCbpLHZPFF

hgJRGJNTLpGUdZK

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Dequan quickly pulled himself together, bowing and hurrying inside. When he reached the emperor’s desk, he saw Li Wuting frowning over official documents. “What are your orders, Your Majesty?”MWbBuKnhaVHsSHUBBoreSyqfoGrthB

UebdAUXztgAWzFC

Without looking up, Li Wuting asked, “What did Ning Chen slip you?”CwuKfOmdRiIpaxOqCteFsYUqCZcmtb

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His calm tone carried a sharpness that sent a chill down Dequan’s spine.MhPeGZjNetvwJuowlEiEqDvYHXgkEP

GCwhxndPInPUvtp

In an instant, Dequan shuddered and dropped to his knees with a thud! Cold sweat dripped down his face.CpssKYLCLGquYjsSysjxwjlaDDMBXc

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Giving gifts to palace servants was an unspoken rule—at best, it was a tip, but at worst, it was bribery before the emperor. It could cost one their head.pOaOhCBEleNWSBGOkHVsystCzCxiQY

UlrXrkZgRKOQhuI

Dequan trembled like a leaf.HmWbbxnymHTUlOpJONFjnboWqpjcsf

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Li Wuting glanced up. “Put it here. I won’t pursue the matter.”ayDNNHBWQdeNMUZwtdOelNNKmzUioV

WTqEMFJHTUdLKRf

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”GKmkQfDgGpYcMyCFUWkBoJjGuMknhf

UeGINcRkiiswBCj

Under the weight of the emperor’s gaze, Dequan shakily pulled out a handful of small walnuts from his sleeve, letting them clatter onto the desk—tyRGyKZrzvQSfaJGdtMtJcDjBUPkSE

rpQhAoTxmnewlJP

Then, he collapsed onto the floor, sobbing as he confessed, “Your Majesty, the walnuts Lord Ning bribed me with… there are four and a half in total, not a single one missing! Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!”wZaSGFsxtnyVNiplnjOdiWIJygNdtV

WDbzIdzfxMtNrxb

Li Wuting: “…”dFfnFlVeTpAoElfUbRDBxBsRaJzpGV

MqiZqFnzHvModbA