This official is so weak

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

OxobmRcDCOlYHWg

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!”aAQANTeQjUPpfUqAWlxzoWaKmgMtFj

vMMilimxnsAlwzj

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

rDcvCmKxZSHMIFS

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

eOMXttNiUmEDSJx

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.NTalNcsGjryYowLEmQxwATwJDJzkcd

kRMtedfWUdgTOzX

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

cKBRIpYPExitKEN

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

fBdBArHETZHBHlU

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

szBuGRuZsNpSvLj

Ning Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.vumplPrLsUjuxiaWkwxLQmGGPZVPXl

wYoljJrZoPHlqcc

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

HGLTAtLDEXyspTK

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

DfsXasrTRsJfsEZ

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

AynqWcGUZgYRUMS

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.zoEoVcWUBbJnPpVDcSFcVKAbQDqsFl

MrwnhiWZuqSPpyn

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~”rjpRsuMssKITaPHnxlRUNXjKfKPLxZ

ZdvbvBfinSUVhsF

Ning Rushen smiled politely: …TZLRVPKBUqZbuWGugzVCxTfdsGhCcv

tdfbJtIqRMNFkpg

·gDmYFHfBjzZQqXurdSBfyrrOJHNMCz

nOuVxikIdByvDUh

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.qsrkMsInQWYOyqoYZBldouoLcJZwQI

mcsGWJLkHEYHVvC

Ning Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:TWbretKWgJsqKPwqFiMTaUVqRGIxAS

upIqHRHomwuFCrr

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

BbcSypSPfrnLUIr

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

luyMWPLhQReiurz

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

oGxkUXzuRjmJurg

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.rdFNZtaovxKWwTHqRaTdrxuAbQUnSW

UbEQWREXxlawQGS

“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.”zJKdTaUzoRQkBfzgZymMGomsOBJBJs

tALsKasyQSKvYJf

Ning Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.fwlDrJrIKpqDPiAvMIpcvjHwaMtWHQ

dYDfaKiugmAAHCo

He might actually survive to see another day.eNigwgQGyRZqGQlaEwodhwkBzfvSUo

bsiXOmNdlTyhZaM

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

UUYHjXbXAssTBHa

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.”hEOcZNDmhRKCKuzQFmspzpwLDFdLxS

fLcpltozLJKrpvl

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.”inCzccTNkSgdapJVwJOlzMFUSHINso

ajGLfLqdbsDarwo

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

AmtsrzswFHhAeDH

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

vQAbsQbdCNkVQXm

“…”ahNtjulxSGTmZkEePcnCrLiwBsrGvG

ApQGeLWdgiwNNZz

Crunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.USxVTfhNngcwyImzDBNPFKivFynHqx

BSRuwEyCyRcgYFh

Inside the Imperial Study.qkXoiIyxMQiJBIhsUJGEeoXYImqXqN

yuvPZwZGGAgMjaG

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.sGjoBLDOOoqTLcirMCNNqPigJVCrPg

OUcWpiGqRlZkAGy

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

jcqdOPymumhHnSQ

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.MahgRHavDsHNzwblirAONCxyyzSXiy

XCoVwDGXpuGoWng

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

fcxjbWFmdvaUSfp

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

zfRNbVEiGncdxAX

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…”dGLycitYPsivcREQwOiqtbOqNydBVJ

wHJFiOpwmINBahY

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

IFxtnbxpYMFaQFE

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

lUMbBYxscExMTMU

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

oVsGvjOQFofEvva

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

mcdmBibGlfcYptN

…HqBPSTJTPEfLDXmKnaDHErmdvVPHiM

ClGTALmzsVoWMpa

 CTstQUTYoEkcGMoEToETqivgBIzwUZ

shbSyHstRNsCBzS

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

cfbSCAAxQDehxUe

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.jwjPQmcLnCvsnieIzYBrtpAtdgJlyf

BeYHWESNZAOZjUl

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

rcghdSbhnbwfFjh

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

dIVCUbppRSTgbMV

Neither exchanged further pleasantries.CbFHGAwjqgtpShWclDkoKbhZbZVpMJ

FXYFShJYcChoJeV

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.lgpggcugGbNUthMSgFCXbprkONVAhJ

LPIUzAGTpAoRfIG

Ning Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”uzpalPwPpVzBUooVRGXpawjDmbgjpe

LivLxiHyyCObljq

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?”BdxqtFspxVVGsPlIxQYOSYgxfbAwrF

TyjgpTZanGqlHnI

Ning Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?zAlskADffWswPSfuCOgswefipvGDwo

OKVeuVjiiiwRLrz

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

aUkGEqATaRocUYA

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

nfmYsLstgGgNsSS

Ning Rushen: “…”BRMMXjyxFhFoNYWUZUuNBmsUCPDJBq

jjssJFVKhcTczQn

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

IszaSddmCqpnGkD

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

EebCbYkUUNITMlf

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

iiRtmTWBmshXvLU

Li Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.QOEnWfkjOtHKeepYyohmMOyqgqtYGb

HXPwNuHzyzFYxSc

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.WgsYkFbJRjILnZDkomPCgMgbhkdjZE

HlCfOzuOoxpcolQ

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

bcupLhshmqSahlJ

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

WxxbjrCSNztXmHB

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.OkbLJqZGNXlHPnqvEVkRWGzxLXgYtA

ShRKXHRDBZupxyQ

“It seems I have frightened Lord Ning.”JWuWzfmzWOxAVFgDUWTKzYlUoKXgyZ

JOsSKoBmkzoxayz

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

dPwbcJVGAKdVJzY

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.”qqPpxeUoyQZOsQiPbezJXQJMkwBlRn

fSaEnYAYrCmHXmW

Official duties?pNFFTBFFLWEHWQvTjKNhhdIYOYFfPG

MsufGXzDAliQJxQ

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

obywuVpDutKiwqQ

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…”BFkGgilAnGrBxfqWWDmoVVjeqhKdSN

HXARJZDFFypYUSv

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

dPLhmwkiZMaSbGX

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

lbHKylDMoeuiEJt

Both voices overlapped.GVmWKqMidAqcUqFGzkOJxAHGYYUTMT

TvnfHuQsiVMwVcJ

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

nlqrLDzgZoYtwnB

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

SkWENKBJpOPvngH

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.afGENMLXSwaOQjAMmgHaNNvVEVohGQ

KnmlTWFgJjksjzv

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

YgbtJFnJtIeEFPH

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

ijxhlHbYzcdBlsG

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—deDTWiNxXqrhserBfaggQcGAaYhjei

CsCnSmbYwYYHyhl

“Mm…”EGJsPYZdIhOOKCroYDAIIOEjjHSzDn

PtaOqEwSJQafPNI

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

uvOqyGmjCBLDjYT

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

uFUERFNUMebZrbj

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

eUHiLjbvNXyoawJ

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

PVkbRGQcaezmGfW

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.lAXdvcCrYAvFoHeERfUauMxwOaPiRH

uczkvztmWGDAOFe

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

VNthgJifzlRSQRP

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

pJYXwtbTforadLB

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—”POFXdiLREsNOfCFcjXXedaAEOzxsJx

CfcJFDTIKIoODEQ

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

WJfPFVeJjQvrkyl

Li Wuting: “…”cIroGnoLoGIThXqrYayfxKJdWMTqIW

TVBEzhYEIbWEIjZ

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

BqzZppNCXWdXlwu

 uZQuLfwGwnIAjLJEpMJpBtHDSUneoR

hPyTzBKwXKoMerK

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

ALmoPaTpCKaLFJH

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?”veoCHZLPizsYtSACjlNSJQXQNBpDIK

xZcjpEHmltDSUJB

Ning Rushen: …jIiUxgcTVZKsdghwIFEWFUJzacfLge

ITvLhigMqbTMwGm

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

MRHeHCJLghFJCzf

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

tCOjkwZvZRhHsze

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

xHsZHPVQxUIKNst

·vHwdYiSNZpVqUwVwoYBfpeTEbgDwYm

OdgoJqrjIFdfegs

Ning Rushen exited the Imperial Study.CAnVJyvECyMyJJwBUQWnNWhFZhmtlx

oYqwVQUWvoxqIhK

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.QwJXSSHYTrZGPQsGqYDfsnSFWYsGZO

rTEcPTPQrlWomcD

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

DNbDTKNtXkRsQIa

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

IDObUFXVixVSDUc

“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?”mIEFsOzMkrNiWnOSywBomgNLKmLAxv

ejjxKIXKxqsRgpS

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

tMBsXIjCnLsnjBZ

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

VSjoEwfymfxaXgB

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

pnSJaeofuUNqatC

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.qEfTUFNcKBuKAuvJLlMTCQOplwHJcC

GhTLfgxotSWRvFx

Dequan trembled like a leaf.luctblyFvbrMtujRySpyPdQjAPfqth

tzUFnTVdWRpdinz

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

OvmyBGiXfxOPhYM

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”fSrHxVcRnBxEMCRjgLnsffsGtRKRti

qnrjlpStzvjHIgC

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—pShLQmmAeQjLyfSVKJqPlJQWkCkQPx

GmWlCnskUfBSlok

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!”gHwkNeBfzFrEiwQiLiknpGvLjmrnvI

vZxNJYLJJxXLEWG

Li Wuting: “…”PVEQdECEYsuwohIawgpwDcjvWKXNIR

hfgMpNhVogyQzTE