Chapter 2
Ning Rushen exited the palace gates, where the carriage from the Ning residence was already waiting.ZOtocgrcLDZJUfdKThOUliGCFcGDyg
vBcRFWzqLbfvvwnA 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
VWciXYwNVhGvICMThe man opposite him was instantly shocked, “My Lord! I am Yan Min, your old servant!”GxjitnDTQzxAEkGdtoBalIQhaiSTQE
qyLpXVbkOagauvRNing Rushen looked at his attire and tentatively asked, “Oh… Steward Yan?”fGoMUNrCGZMlhFtZYohhReEmpnAfEz
losQPqjxdlWoQIONing 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
dpapiOOXDNIVoagInside the carriage, refreshments and tea were already prepared, and incense was burning.XykcpOPImMOUdTegmjpcvEsNovUtPW
uHFrUizgyQhTOafHe casually grabbed a handful of walnuts and started cracking them with a loud crunch, while calling out to Yan Min, “Let’s go.”CMLQGRgxlaJBireWjFIsKgoMPTQldF
InhoDlIxxNRrGbVAfter traveling a few meters, a sharp, thin voice suddenly came from behind, “Lord Ning—Lord Ning, wait!”ViWgilyEdfVNKPghJQqZmdHJNBndsn
enwHoSqBamxuVoGNing Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.LVxRjeRimaWmbCnBRjIJMcahOmeCyd
zSuGCRVLqxudKtxHe 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
sGcemNPNemmgJunNing 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
mPWpxjhUxFlIlhqDequan, 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
PowueXKzurnPcxaNing Rushen smiled politely: …dJmdrLQuHiOvEyswhNmtCqaRgVnShh
cyFSrCwjMDEeGuf·aLBowqlGrSRzeOIWnpxMtsjsfItDWQ
QVsIdvKEfgYWUtgWalking 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
qHaQjGfVXIMeRMyNing Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:jSUTBJETIfaOMxkUAtCroQZtWNWYHC
aXFQdSRiMtbgXZmIn this spring courtyard, these pear trees make a fine resting place for a corpse.adchjJWQgXHxTQTaDtLuPMnPQpaVOX
uROyKtYjltfVjxgOnce 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
AfsdcosfprLCfuJNing 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
AJhmXvONrawvnNDNing Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.EmfKlKVAcsFmDUaptbEgBLKPjGItIB
zjfwvztiDARTXXZHe might actually survive to see another day.GafPxKkOsZWivrcNwaRYegAoEFnZDy
TcmSTpBpRDWBKaw“Thank you for your kind words, Eunuch.”sxkxNqYtjXvLiFEjccXNRcCqbSGreY
MJZchjorMvSmbQtAs 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
HiIKDoIXgsnziOwNing 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
DrxhOXekWGETksVAfter tidying his sleeves, he stepped into the Imperial Study.gAERQgrDiZwJLIgFCHxYNWhaOuoSKi
SakZuSiHIoTCgmyThe 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
wMxhEIbCOjjReonCrunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.qBySuqaNwSwngDJQaearzXLZbEOMuu
iXswsLDctLgNApIInside the Imperial Study.kftzsYmCbPRvhUAGjlkNqzIUfwmDdK
njpoERVreWVSPuPThe 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
oZqDfQmgsWgdjZILi Wuting, dressed in dark robes, sat behind the desk, his brows slightly furrowed.BMgAvVlvQrBdhngsyCCqTfdlcuqQxF
VrGgVplnfggaAILStanding 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
RqIePtbLGDGwhvMLi Yingtang fiddled with a pear branch, “Your Majesty, what was that about during today’s ceremony?”vfYAOdSkTFWPfyqTRLqjInPmveEIGd
sjHLwnOpmNygEgOLi Wuting lightly tapped his fingers on the desk, without replying.yooTqsXSdieuzpeJvkvtMOFJZvQCDZ
SKoOGnwTdDUnySALi 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
MLuidGKIHahEgruLi 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
RQsqJIAsvXiZRTSLi Yingtang withdrew his hand and bowed, “I shall take my leave.”rrEIbhOIRAWDvIhERAjZDrYUYmnKCo
KnNdRugKqhuahMf…rCSaZjzMHqkZBEHClSmiIZTICHHoaJ
lvkdlPdfyzGHDCDEqZAESytrvYTfJPtKGUXqRZuCzWSqY
FpfMyIMYAGsrtyhNing Rushen followed the eunuch towards the Imperial Study, only to encounter someone coming out halfway.OMQrBARDZzlkupTEpRYzEfrPzwcBgN
AJwpFvhbaZOEiqyThe 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
SKEmEsfLsEqsNSAHe recognized this man as Prince Xuan, recently titled during the grand ceremony. “Greetings, Your Highness.”NuNINJdSHlsVvmkERhupwpSPvCTxlW
gqrRNipFSAhevDdLi Yingtang greeted him amiably, “Lord Ning.”AXeVoqFHrPYJdZwCSmjcvpNZQBNIsr
ydCTKecPSRpeLmqNeither exchanged further pleasantries.ZCngYEzALbuawXqvSGkRKeTZrjSwYX
PIxWxAJVNxdXrctThey 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
NBOFbFtOAujAvPtNing Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”IhvbacYoZdbHWsBbCdeqPyriczRbZY
IxZTUdYBbhQuROZThere 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
NqHWIOllCzVFxrZNing Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?sDyXBFtKimKDPOIjsAbynxFTGNyhua
ajNzhPwdAbwJPSEWith a look of embarrassment, he replied, “Your servant is clumsy.”DKxwfZDtvvAeusdHhQyUhGITtxXhRh
KXSnNNDRtTaeGnoLi Wuting put down his pen, giving him a light glance, “Lord Ning is known for his agility, how could you be so careless?”SgzKbyqatHbuIzEwhBSTwjWAnWhbuT
LGSGXqcAcblqcMWNing Rushen: “…”nMceESnvpVAnVMfzjDHeoHEMcKVFxs
KAEhzhxEEZozPCcWas it his imagination, or did that sound sarcastic?hNGxQnVnJCVsPnWjFCgVlbxrZxgORA
XqkcxFTFfTgoTFxA faint, chilling breeze brushed against him, and he felt the emperor’s gaze resting heavily on him.GmUzSajBDnomZKkrlKuDjsnSVZLLoX
UbbVrSIgHGYWTOVLowering his lashes, Ning Rushen coughed dramatically and shakily knelt, “Is His Majesty blaming me? I deserve a thousand deaths… Cough, cough, cough!”AijIgUiTArtQIMkcGErMiznCmPJrmx
HCaprkBZgsIyXrrLi Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.aVyfmvsdDZorowsiXbpPzCWCoIuuWF
GAoQLUcgqIEYsRSThe 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
bBhssRpOBUwiIzPHis tightly clenched fingers pressed against his lips as his coughing fit turned his face red.lmThOozXhskmqlsbdHsawRrVkeCetV
FAjZvcfjCxbiiTOIt didn’t seem like he was faking it entirely.OVwZcvdzJFEpDsNEfrwfjvMocOLyIp
siIHlCsaudGeaXHNing 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
rvFyxgnUkUBjfbLHis 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
xJLfuRjhKwOfhTKOfficial duties?BZpBttOIdSAFLodXLEgxKBoEWDXpRO
BtxiDKDXZGRnnslNing Rushen was instantly reminded: Oh right, he was here to resign!YXxuRlPFSWcchQnGrwpEJBLCEkocIZ
boSJyEUCAObvkrpLi 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
AGkHAjkkmeIspKHNing 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
zHwoUPxwEbRRbkGBoth voices overlapped.KpWdefxHiCnXOoacxNezHjqBZHWRRe
sblTTYHtQaoSBbRThe room fell into an awkward silence as the two men stared at each other, one standing, the other kneeling.YYzsyxWdSIkBVPYjaczeKsDsTgILPV
ZcbOvcQLYGoYkBfLi Wuting looked at him calmly, “What was it you just said, Lord Ning?”RwhLcozNHxszxjgxdQmHhotwfjqpBh
xVpTLkIqnxhddyHNing Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.idNYstANpDxooMwxZyTSbypVffMHkT
hBxVIjKYtPGaKEVHe 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
fvuhXVKeFgFRRSVSuddenly, 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
aeYbNOPZuillUEONing Rushen’s slightly pale face came fully into view before Li Wuting’s eyes.zrKssKJkJvwIuRhpcELMKzULZpYMUh
aMQorwBfvhFbIhBLi 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
gioLnLkDentfzWlHis shallow breaths brushed lightly against the calloused skin of Li Wuting’s hand.cJmvDjVUEEBTCLnWbzkKnmgdNsrKtC
lZiSNsWRCXQOAXyLi 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
hdOZXRhdzuAjtgLIn the deafening silence of the Imperial Study, the sound of falling needles could be heard.NLRzvGDkMbolrVZAngzNBkBvQAZNRh
giZHPeyNbwGvbQLThe eunuchs and palace maids had long since dropped to their knees, not daring to make a sound.ifugSdlaLwpcIvkmIkmyegroRyLPFD
dCelErzvDorBcvkAmid 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
iWlAaqzUfLBNEnvHe glanced up at the emperor’s expression and cautiously asked, “If… there’s a retirement pension?”HNjFCPOuTXjRTlewwNCdSnSostNiJu
scaJtsaRnPkKKvbLi Wuting: “…”GqKFdtxKhIJCrFDVOWWvcCKRNHEylt
zblayNpEUliDMvxAfter a long pause, the grip on Ning Rushen’s face loosened, leaving two faint red marks where the emperor’s hand had pressed.SwZtQXdOyotQSBEkQoCmdEbrliyozD
YiNTWNAWCrfppvwjJvcWafToghddBQQNoRXOCSXkrcNlH
OmjjluTuPwViHGZLi Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen, slightly curling his lips. “I was joking.”dewhVHhPJIdwWBAcEgyskiKGZPXmfO
CEjmyMyZSHwxXpuWith 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
iFuSSzgAQOhvTriNing Rushen: …EAWQmIGeOLIpnxjYoUMGgPDAAetyVr
DmDeReMHArarGUuThen what was all that nonsense about? He had been toying with him the whole time.iUmSMAShWqcmtEKZyiFgzywxOaBUFc
sekQFtvfxYoMVgYAfter finishing the document, Li Wuting dusted off the paper where the seal had been placed. “Take the decree, Lord Ning.”jvetvZpsazqJFRRLfBcyJUSzjgxxKT
WWlNCWwRPzmifFJNing Rushen’s fingertips trembled. “…Your servant thanks Your Majesty.”EcrIpCGdmcZHsWbZhVgJRNWYkdnnbn
chbmPztnwwgsigf·NvoXvQUmaAmJukWwVzCqLuHuGyfFWW
NnYULAbRHksXxrTNing Rushen exited the Imperial Study.ynyRAqwQTJXUcEmDbjXkCKZNWEKcze
FKdwrBewlZGUNYRHe 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
JZuJIfygQBTQVsDDequan, 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
SsTzHhmYhApICNaWithout looking up, Li Wuting asked, “What did Ning Chen slip you?”vfYukhwBrxCMABJjFmRbRYTsGSXbCN
gDEPfHuKZnLnAKeHis calm tone carried a sharpness that sent a chill down Dequan’s spine.bpOudrFduoDjKaDpbWuHxchWnodqnk
mLyUscxGlaKlNUsIn an instant, Dequan shuddered and dropped to his knees with a thud! Cold sweat dripped down his face.NmjTXEaKEXDXVHsxfQlhNmXPGnKCHn
nnaKpDGdXbGXzmqGiving 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
FvPnPBTdSFouhAmDequan trembled like a leaf.LOdebGwmJXlFngTDjgQNYGkzRcEHsT
rKldEQFFujVsJTxLi Wuting glanced up. “Put it here. I won’t pursue the matter.”MyMXXqAoVVohJYWwJBPVwUYWSaqItb
OuDGNVAzhuwTBRD“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”zROIraoPhIYPHEzAKEInqDXSkmExFO
jVKhXRyteOzjSKeUnder 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
SsOJjPrahTEthvWThen, 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
GKZzZVVKSQmPFQlLi Wuting: “…”ObYrixYKDAwRSdIOdvHvonMkqsWLoL
cuTgjQSVdBeKHYienOuqsFwAGlxjudJJamZtdJlQpUsgE