This official is so weak

tKBXhVsktKOMOpcTable of Contents

Chapter 2

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

vBcRFWzqLbfvvwn

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!”OnhjvxQsUQBjFRCKAqaTuQWSTaqSIn

VWciXYwNVhGvICM

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

qyLpXVbkOagauvR

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

losQPqjxdlWoQIO

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.jOqMwnXdPGWTgtSdpctLgucVEzUhUO

dpapiOOXDNIVoag

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

uHFrUizgyQhTOaf

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

InhoDlIxxNRrGbV

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

enwHoSqBamxuVoG

Ning Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.LVxRjeRimaWmbCnBRjIJMcahOmeCyd

zSuGCRVLqxudKtx

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

ACNAaqEcaYGxbJk

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

gTJlHlVJzXNtWlR

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

sGcemNPNemmgJun

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.ZyDwLVBvZQybwLTzDcFxXpTpYkDsDa

mPWpxjhUxFlIlhq

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~”UkjPrivuDkHwJRZeRyfKRVDMtoNgye

PowueXKzurnPcxa

Ning Rushen smiled politely: …dJmdrLQuHiOvEyswhNmtCqaRgVnShh

cyFSrCwjMDEeGuf

·aLBowqlGrSRzeOIWnpxMtsjsfItDWQ

QVsIdvKEfgYWUtg

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.vWpgiZaesLqJePXaDnmjsnRKIsNobU

qHaQjGfVXIMeRMy

Ning Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:jSUTBJETIfaOMxkUAtCroQZtWNWYHC

aXFQdSRiMtbgXZm

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

uROyKtYjltfVjxg

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

vkjCMARSnGhSDdb

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

AfsdcosfprLCfuJ

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.uyFuRtLbwEciorUaAUzeFqeniFgwYc

hCprTIFTlLRBFBr

“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.”RbpPXLMEIuqylyGqmFXuVMDaxzKIiq

AJhmXvONrawvnND

Ning Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.EmfKlKVAcsFmDUaptbEgBLKPjGItIB

zjfwvztiDARTXXZ

He might actually survive to see another day.GafPxKkOsZWivrcNwaRYegAoEFnZDy

TcmSTpBpRDWBKaw

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

MJZchjorMvSmbQt

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.”BBqolRHvpeiHNybKzHMgZAqLsfvjUV

HiIKDoIXgsnziOw

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.”JBrZyFdDXFxcVjZnVjlbGCtDzfpyBe

DrxhOXekWGETksV

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

SakZuSiHIoTCgmy

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

VmFsFOvwdDyNLVl

“…”pNURpPmeFRnYeHeXiWWdUMKDRKBIYk

wMxhEIbCOjjReon

Crunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.qBySuqaNwSwngDJQaearzXLZbEOMuu

iXswsLDctLgNApI

Inside the Imperial Study.kftzsYmCbPRvhUAGjlkNqzIUfwmDdK

njpoERVreWVSPuP

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.XrmYvpqvZfwzSQaVkBQYvGFOzpuUVq

oZqDfQmgsWgdjZI

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

VrGgVplnfggaAIL

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.gwPlGlYZwjeSUOkUeLaqHgJpTtqFaV

RqIePtbLGDGwhvM

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

sjHLwnOpmNygEgO

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

SKoOGnwTdDUnySA

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…”TjWlkUwkbHnJXJsndoEppWiZaZFSpO

txtjxLSEtElnQXz

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

MLuidGKIHahEgru

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

sSEpyvNktNyOeZC

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

RQsqJIAsvXiZRTS

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

KnNdRugKqhuahMf

rCSaZjzMHqkZBEHClSmiIZTICHHoaJ

lvkdlPdfyzGHDCD

 EqZAESytrvYTfJPtKGUXqRZuCzWSqY

FpfMyIMYAGsrtyh

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

AJwpFvhbaZOEiqy

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.uPCoDdVwPmHNYJpBNXZHDvNZtwCfkR

SKEmEsfLsEqsNSA

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

gqrRNipFSAhevDd

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

ydCTKecPSRpeLmq

Neither exchanged further pleasantries.ZCngYEzALbuawXqvSGkRKeTZrjSwYX

PIxWxAJVNxdXrct

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.fRsUOXSZspcOQTsMMhGCxGbnCRmFqE

NBOFbFtOAujAvPt

Ning Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”IhvbacYoZdbHWsBbCdeqPyriczRbZY

IxZTUdYBbhQuROZ

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?”RBZcCmMRNvElAGZcwIuxKVolgfOlPp

NqHWIOllCzVFxrZ

Ning Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?sDyXBFtKimKDPOIjsAbynxFTGNyhua

ajNzhPwdAbwJPSE

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

KXSnNNDRtTaeGno

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

LGSGXqcAcblqcMW

Ning Rushen: “…”nMceESnvpVAnVMfzjDHeoHEMcKVFxs

KAEhzhxEEZozPCc

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

XqkcxFTFfTgoTFx

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

UbbVrSIgHGYWTOV

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

HCaprkBZgsIyXrr

Li Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.aVyfmvsdDZorowsiXbpPzCWCoIuuWF

GAoQLUcgqIEYsRS

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.SrjreRcORoWvbIvGiNCIjhanolcfQv

bBhssRpOBUwiIzP

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

FAjZvcfjCxbiiTO

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

siIHlCsaudGeaXH

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.yXwoPUjlcEbaKfbBOsgQQiOjdXJHPQ

bHFamUclyeUhIXN

“It seems I have frightened Lord Ning.”iXzthPAvSDyapNSVUbwQHTOaZvQcFC

pTxFVVbEZDeORzO

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

rvFyxgnUkUBjfbL

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.”owhGwwUCCFEnVXxsLZkaQliqWIAOte

xJLfuRjhKwOfhTK

Official duties?BZpBttOIdSAFLodXLEgxKBoEWDXpRO

BtxiDKDXZGRnnsl

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

boSJyEUCAObvkrp

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…”qoCVTJjSlhxuNZOkqfmftAirkuJxEu

AGkHAjkkmeIspKH

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

pMFAoYDsuOmBuGL

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

zHwoUPxwEbRRbkG

Both voices overlapped.KpWdefxHiCnXOoacxNezHjqBZHWRRe

sblTTYHtQaoSBbR

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

ZcbOvcQLYGoYkBf

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

xVpTLkIqnxhddyH

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.idNYstANpDxooMwxZyTSbypVffMHkT

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

tsaUXjLBMWhJBWY

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

fvuhXVKeFgFRRSV

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—JytKRrVbUhihOQYyjKzaRVaQmMsoFx

nQqLxNAlHLUNDLk

“Mm…”JdMWCnzILbckuUlKPzIzjeZXJuSnwV

aeYbNOPZuillUEO

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

aMQorwBfvhFbIhB

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

tqblFrbAOYJtXLq

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

gioLnLkDentfzWl

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

lZiSNsWRCXQOAXy

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.kwItShyaXFkZIsKxuOXtDhSFyUDOdL

hdOZXRhdzuAjtgL

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

giZHPeyNbwGvbQL

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

dCelErzvDorBcvk

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—”GYMVYpnRJHYQtZFDkaxxNDNZntjNwn

iWlAaqzUfLBNEnv

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

scaJtsaRnPkKKvb

Li Wuting: “…”GqKFdtxKhIJCrFDVOWWvcCKRNHEylt

zblayNpEUliDMvx

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

YiNTWNAWCrfppvw

 jJvcWafToghddBQQNoRXOCSXkrcNlH

OmjjluTuPwViHGZ

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

CEjmyMyZSHwxXpu

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?”njiBmgkRUnbeQTzGNdztRadQVrhUws

iFuSSzgAQOhvTri

Ning Rushen: …EAWQmIGeOLIpnxjYoUMGgPDAAetyVr

DmDeReMHArarGUu

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

sekQFtvfxYoMVgY

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

WWlNCWwRPzmifFJ

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

chbmPztnwwgsigf

·NvoXvQUmaAmJukWwVzCqLuHuGyfFWW

NnYULAbRHksXxrT

Ning Rushen exited the Imperial Study.ynyRAqwQTJXUcEmDbjXkCKZNWEKcze

FKdwrBewlZGUNYR

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.ZhlZsoLpMswtiWoOKHdECCRCqlatRL

JZuJIfygQBTQVsD

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

BhmuwXUdLIkUCai

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

lTDWUItwMZtEAAg

“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?”dPYMFjheHOHxdOJjLpggsMsaMXmUxT

SsTzHhmYhApICNa

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

gDEPfHuKZnLnAKe

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

mLyUscxGlaKlNUs

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

nnaKpDGdXbGXzmq

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.DxljxCxpkczvdFkdBniBnqRpBfbEHv

FvPnPBTdSFouhAm

Dequan trembled like a leaf.LOdebGwmJXlFngTDjgQNYGkzRcEHsT

rKldEQFFujVsJTx

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

OuDGNVAzhuwTBRD

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”zROIraoPhIYPHEzAKEInqDXSkmExFO

jVKhXRyteOzjSKe

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—JJGchrCLpaADAgBOiWuyAKwZcabQLD

SsOJjPrahTEthvW

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!”NwuraZGbPMiLlbtFHyiwxyqIxHximk

GKZzZVVKSQmPFQl

Li Wuting: “…”ObYrixYKDAwRSdIOdvHvonMkqsWLoL

cuTgjQSVdBeKHYi
Table of Contents
enOuqsFwAGlxjudJJamZtdJlQpUsgE

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