This official is so weak

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

GYbqgnEYqSrJIwf

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!”MKPxFsgqZLNXXlWnUEsPFJrGnklHUi

blLmcQvyZOjqycR

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

pNYBLoASVZcQoaF

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

TknsmfXzJytAcsx

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.QguvHRWpDYYcfPEVQyUvfSPVPwgdhR

YHWOOqcqCQcORKo

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

FpVKBgMbkzZJWsi

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

TkgGSQXUixoqPCj

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

XAkbqySDBELjXjN

Ning Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.OZLkIQbUJLSwUWdtvynsOZwudexTbD

FvsQCbbvTSXlnOm

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

jSDZLxjneAfmMPc

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

wlmySQstrdcxGbS

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

sTcBgfsVNQgVXat

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.TauJatlSlpBgdubTguYYbTFIaAZLyF

ycmfiZqPeHftOZL

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~”OuKCiykdevtFWpmEaNZqYMIrXhFqLE

oDEePeweGwtZgqM

Ning Rushen smiled politely: …FeoqMxyiOPQxscHVShByMPKLHeFunw

nIWqZBpmMsVnvKw

·SSsBvEIJcFKjYTDNYoNLoUJkKdmkcG

pkHDgOCupRlOyAY

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.rSTSvbFfYgQOKHKtAPOaSxBCyvkioX

cDnxWhEcZKOLaqJ

Ning Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:TqAKcocKmDduLupFnLqBDtfhJyWIKM

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

XCPiHFbKuKOTcSP

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

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

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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.MEogAcYcSAzXSIdfOvFSfnFqaHWeVm

SwArhNhafUWvTdd

“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.”mOEBkyixyLwYgtgjjiQeuUSgfWzXrj

LyJslXAGZwpEBpO

Ning Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.fESVBWVBZXhrKejCKgyOBpaeORUkfD

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He might actually survive to see another day.tshTeAPIrGkpspRUmpOqqaPZcHONXa

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

HPqaYPtZuGgQibV

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.”teiFkdwTfZOYmRfebirsQrbpMrZxPe

XiBNBlyuTYCjXcA

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.”eqhDdryIVIECctEqbCUTfwCNSlHpyP

TMnNgmmFQMeKhZz

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

jqQpvaYosLSENqU

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

mCiDxwYoITNgubc

“…”qtureBTJpVELdohSliGdWBwZpkWnCK

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Crunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.XzGNGLYULthGmJQALqehvldOqaiDNN

dOnjnkzxHaxRFtH

Inside the Imperial Study.TtsvibbZWzpCbfsWPMpTBrSBEhUejJ

miPwiRXMfcXzVBM

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.hOHvsTRZthrRZZnjkgudrfDvCqtkKO

afStTADovxveaOn

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

qjvRYHXXuXsiwwr

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.FZnMlWGkHKRDdtMxudInQOaRspcFua

ERIFlSDCDGSJweE

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

ixCxTEwIsujYSxC

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

uhtpdYOgPSgsAXJ

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…”LqwegIYsljSyVBcDYNavbMmFBYcUls

RpjblikHCTnlScM

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

rlPfDVTWNfmFHcN

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

NoEeKgZkVGtsFAH

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

WKQMFptKBRtPUwC

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

YPTZvPBLCBzDHAS

…xWtmXeeRPOlpcNvLTyxWnAlXublSDY

ccrYgeBqGVmhbbC

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

xlirXjTixbimJiU

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.GrIzGwFngKbMzkXShhUtlOybsIJzcD

yTKfHuumbByCIQy

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

LvxjAvIrPKxKGqo

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

RWiTMjoMHplbpmp

Neither exchanged further pleasantries.kJqLOgTHaGekNNMpefQrWsfZNieJlE

HmPWWfuIhsvyAVW

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.qIvDqsXPFVABkhntNpnSBVxCFvMvRA

TWEpPffEVOTDUvH

Ning Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”ANRPeMCliDdhPusWpMmDReRoDYoixN

waOmPyTedGAMxQw

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?”UoexdPwggZPQexolSDBflBTDZarzgk

UDwHHVYwuYpHHBZ

Ning Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?lTvhjCRbdjRgGZJOtskvRZVCeWQLuA

NqCBOvYcXOqMAKu

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

IzKEEopdXwgWTIV

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

xSMWJgXSnyaLXHI

Ning Rushen: “…”vYqLflluQrvbhNLkhmFfBQIGHXYwuh

qjYKlhkdNoxOptY

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

OPaWQiGfwWFtYPv

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

RDHcWuJcezzixGT

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

ZhkkQMTBTnxQmPn

Li Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.afESHAicDdLeCevqqqZACaPIkbbadE

bdUHYGTWPJqyObf

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.LtzRuwMmVSRaNCeuxFAlyMZPToIfyy

nHHsrDTdODoXsUz

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

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

QdXCWbsRHlxJgNr

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.sIaBNrBzLkUkQQdmAcddWvaiHQFqvK

pEDmgnQichlMEGN

“It seems I have frightened Lord Ning.”eDGNfONmoggpIYEYrbdErgWFkEthdD

iGQZsahXNgYdgjc

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

afAxSQLyjiZBMFh

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.”AgTUFtoMbAuaAaPEAuOXWVKguSkfCe

aPlpEEbUfzKxifI

Official duties?gXudRsyTfFfZeeqPTApCnARFCzFGoU

wAIgPdIudVhlHvo

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

uiJvifEqjIAwwGO

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…”tGwJkqiyImrlZSAVOSGZBKFLbHGXBa

tiNHFeXfhBCyUmP

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

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

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Both voices overlapped.vUfRiUxWJRWIzRQvNPCbWtPZjidkVL

GPzLRHaavlSrhHb

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

yCorxvTELaXbtIw

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

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Ning Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.rjHKibNyoZcLHOzZmAHCOJbkQqKAWI

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

MXJkTrnoZKAUbgt

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

HVUmkqrCYZvPXpU

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—JFejXwVqHKJRLUobYRMeRumrEtjVYg

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“Mm…”CwAoHEulJnfXfnwDxMsYmnUfIwDrxm

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

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

eXnXVlYUeFYifrc

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

nXCwQlcrXEIMQHf

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

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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.dbbFGAzZudNAiSPWAUuLyWrDSHkzat

BNJYekyfZXaRujh

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

jhKneRhgmMmAsXz

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

SlOIxQMtmqWPdTD

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—”PAnLquENRJHotSSRhZHBwxGFpkFyaS

bCkHDwmczMSYlRO

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

saOwOnhAPVrWYAL

Li Wuting: “…”OJNydGqmzcXKyNOXucsxRgnnbWzBeB

SbIjOoKvZUagPoK

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

AFukTcncKkNTvnu

 VGAiZuMXtfTVPgCSWMDKXaUIZGunth

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

KDcdedsHEjealAN

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?”hfyWJXxgAzUYLyfczGVaIaLiSZFQRB

QSHJeMciXQNpSbc

Ning Rushen: …IjETtMOFBuYuSaGYFtVlmfVzDnctal

SrCDMObqsDEJZZQ

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

TMgGYyYSnOLLRhL

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

DMJcRkyNcFrEaJx

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

jsXhjcFyLcULyir

·noqwTCJJeDvCSSTMldLolpQLOmLJzH

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Ning Rushen exited the Imperial Study.UrVzEHIwjHjAdDLCNKfZBvWMDlGfBf

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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.HHcqiSHMuSMxghkwOYVwivGFDTMnNu

okpIMiuwCPBfkFV

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

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

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“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?”UxTHvWUtNDoNOTlhzzJZvcGgVUIsFO

VOTLpJoIfcJizJl

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

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

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

KJBxqflHkAGTSdV

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.txRSnTHlEmihlJjGYxdZIoCGGbFWTD

EPUPqnHtmzQcCVr

Dequan trembled like a leaf.UnbbbuTzDSrHBSJYpaemRWqYvdurre

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

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“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”MsAgohIkunwvulnLmtLCMasecZHcOY

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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—mSBjEwrWrXrqABRqVMIdHxTdlafWCk

vBsFymRkZZaJJip

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!”fcAZExIjRCYlmWXQDpmhvNRUkWSjjq

sVubLunqMANfKiw

Li Wuting: “…”QbVRMtGTIpjYxqEIoSvYfBZvbzmdDc

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