This official is so weak

vxfIdgpQAYyIktwTable of Contents

Chapter 20

Ning Rushen listened intently as Li Wuting solemnly declared that he wanted to “see him ride the waves,” making his scalp tingle.yiUvlHQrxjvZHOEBJRZrBDuqpoMluM

xoaOIKDkTvqVWbG

Li Wuting casually replied with an “Mm-hmm” and then looked quietly at Ning Rushen, waiting for his performance.RWFAbTsxxXfgbgSmaQYFFeehBfJmHB

CWjSHRThIqdHNli

Ning Rushen hesitated for a moment. “This isn’t quite appropriate…”yQbwrVclKTEsZRXkOjTkmwHaEJfyDU

pbkgWlPOhXIBnfq

Li Wuting asked, “Is there something inappropriate that can’t be shown in public, for Us to see?”AtgZxBPRofoVpcMbxlvsIxQOaNmRUJ

zuhxzrvycfPseKn

Do you even know what nonsense you’re talking?giQLxTMPtsPxuPxohgZPCozRpQfNIO

lUMbjmfLqCrlCaH

In silence, De Quan and the Jin Yiwei were also looking at him, as if they were all waiting for him to show off.PrONCpmomSzwEZWCLMGdfoRWLSvmUZ

lwWXGpFlzMfhNwg

Ning Rushen finally struggled, “It has to be on a boat.”puhVOiuCWShrHiNTTsbDWWakBnYphb

PxILsQugsCXbGGs

Immediately, a Jin Yiwei behind him went to rent a larger boat, one big enough to accommodate their group. He returned and reported, “Master, the boat is rented and can accommodate Mr. Ning…”aJFQPkFUUiERKEBZhTPnimHAplvWVR

FdVHQlSJaUEmzKa

He paused, subconsciously skipping over that word, “to show off to his heart’s content.”HxwdSekaTecjYYIUMnSQLBpiVSqpxY

gMGJFokYNWnaRgZ

Li Wuting had already crossed over him, heading towards the bow of the boat. “Let’s go, Ning Qing.”tXdSNrYrhLtaldgcEowjUmUxvjKtxz

xMcwgzMRQwGBPQO

Ning Rushen and Li Wuting sat in the boat, with two Jin Yiwei standing at each end, holding the oars. De Quan and Geng Yan were sandwiched in the middle, consciously remaining silent.tdoMTQFJfHrimTXbSUrKUsZaNtUfxQ

EiodZEYvEjFXryU

With a push of the wooden oar against the shore, the boat pushed out into the water.KDieQdwwGehcjvTMRWGwtVmmxlaGyV

BnJnpTzZlZHqVuk

Li Wuting sat upright, knocking his knuckles against the boat rail, indicating for Ning Rushen to hurry.PlYhUhGsxIPWhZGZbLTGlZAWrzSEPq

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Ning Rushen sat opposite him, nervously twisting his fingers. “I need to prepare myself first.”BPUKAIIizGwZdJsTMtUmRytXahkkxx

BBnevxJPaBNlsqc

Li Wuting was very patient. “Take your time.”ZbqXgAOjoqmnxNxfjzwtkKUuPHLeOL

TuADEBBYNGObzoT

During this moment of preparation, Geng Yan looked at the situation and felt both anxious and relieved: you don’t want to row, you want to ride the waves! Look, His Majesty has put you in your place!nQuCMrClRgqxDFvuKcRRTJQrmdUkpz

QEUYNhNLfQGssVL

That look of a petty person achieving success was too conspicuous.bGwlbBpePTeHsqYPJaSaKHKMIVWQnC

ldMqzFsayFDeeze

Ning Rushen caught a glimpse of it and couldn’t help but slam his hand hard on the boat rail: Bang!opEbyhZGDqevIWBiqaeorBVxCFRwbh

phOGlZAiiWIXdMq

Li Wuting looked at his reddened palm. “Is this your preparation, Ning Qing?”wnfdozXgBnXCseLNiJMWIwzoOLaxNt

xGoYEnZoZeZDsnM

“No, no,” Ning Rushen clung to the boat rail and began to fabricate, “this boat is too heavy, I’m having a bit of trouble with the waves… it’s not moving. Get a lighter boat, and I can sway like this—”xgvBIxDNGOAqrQyEzaxKkjegaZQbJx

upfVIPUyEXyNWVE

He demonstrated by swaying, “Just like this, and then you can ride the waves.”ccMEmcxOQPuuCQaRzbMEXlrJPnmxXg

TjaBnRGEAVFHwWp

Li Wuting looked down.ucNAlYKVbqdvVwMzRLhZuysjYIKqWi

HBHuciPDaMrMZlO

Except for himself swaying, the boat remained still.ZjyRVBjDvMeIMZGpvjKULtxiGRSeoE

sStNpIQZsuixBYw

At this moment, their boat was still quietly floating not far from the shore of the river, with scattered lights from the riverbank reflecting on the water, adding a faint glow to the deepening twilight.mObPDCBDrudgYoUgdroOIyheQZVHif

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Ning Rushen, dressed in crimson robes, stood out in the night.cGnqTsiVfGLVQqaWKyDnrobSmoblct

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As he swayed, the curve of his waist, bound by a white jade belt with snow plum blossoms, drew people’s gaze.scUTyBnAkZSsmquNJpzlaQyYRtfwJs

AecoauPdtUXVZHn

He was earnestly performing an ineffective demonstration when suddenly he heard Li Wuting speak, “That’s enough.”seeVktUoKfzgqsCEfmeLfykbmqgkcb

aGrSEIzDBxCmytc

Ning Rushen stopped and turned his head: ?pzGUAXmBrPdtApfINGfEDfEdBrPOyp

ynGLhFRoVFZBgZO

“No need to ride the waves.”wACWiokLgahvssgSWuypdfTxwtFmXj

zjwpmbvbhCORQqQ

Li Wuting closed his eyes and used the jade fan to press against his brow. “Row the boat.”zxtFgbgVhfxExdAYxDHIonPfgSafKq

PzAwzIYwomlMNKC

The latter half of the command was directed at the Jin Yiwei. The Jin Yiwei at both ends of the boat received the order and, with a long push, finally got the boat moving.CNNphWVvYPmxdgXKsPTrYMHFRQuZfP

dqqbLQbPAWVbWeB

Ning Rushen: Did he just bluff his way through?DAVTUGbBDlIKsbOJSZXNZtuRSuchvl

ogbryBRGxkIsWfr

He tentatively asked, “How was my wave riding?”BLlHWOvEdercUmhGmStoOdzlhtuEJz

lFaKVbjFuJSOzGY

Li Wuting was annoyed. “Vivid.”vLzgdNRLOeATCRgDCrCzCKAQztsEZl

SqEeKjvtVNOxGvT

“What does that mean, as if I’m dead.”myoWimyIHXepascdYBbfCJfjkRMuYy

cDIsyczaiZjKSYd

The boat continued along the Huaiming River.DNaHPfubrDmdoKZsoTZXUALniMSFym

HVLSUwyungJGitn

Along the way, they could hear the voices of scholars on both sides discussing classics and poems, full of knowledge and talent. They debated and expressed their views to each other during the banquet.ntFyfUvDwDUpPUixyUoOOjzoTnlwxq

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Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, no one dared to discuss the merits and demerits of others again.FliNvqgCnTpEXzvESjVVjXRWrmNZTT

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Ning Rushen listened with admiration all the way, enriching his mind.ijuVzobhDdjosRILozrMaOyLMAYYBq

JMDaVWubfqXwfrz

He was leaning on his chin, admiring the scenery along the river, when suddenly he heard Li Wuting speak, “Ning Qing, what do you think?”zOsXkHnvAnmAVduZFyTtmZArsZsVbR

qdzMrpUJtzoADGd

…Why ask him again? Is he Yuan Fang?zPHgaqTuAgYfTtJlWlhMcobiQWOqZc

vsyMpHsoVPSPINX

Ning Rushen stood up straight, saying, “The talented individuals in the Great Acceptance of the Earth’s Spirit, like clouds, will all be able to contribute to Your Majesty’s court once the palace exam is over.”pGBRwbCqGgJifMiYNBsTSaiCxCACSz

zzlMlZMSMJzSEhX

Perhaps thinking of this beautiful vision, he even reached out his hand as if plucking something from the air.LLfLJwBraPstqbkUegvGALUiSoWzUC

VOHyQUHbZBgOOWh

Li Wuting: …KHERrLquVOznJpuoskQdHHPQtkqNqQ

xNwtlkXuOqFQUGf

Ning Rushen was unaware of how his words and actions resembled those of a sycophant. He followed this vision and thought again: with so many talented scholars entering the court, there must be a few who would catch Li Wuting’s eye.TrUbtXAxyZMFjkNpyyizxQsZCxhXrv

pwmAeSaKDxkuuOi

Was his old brain going to be replaced by new ones?KfqbrOJWYpubYnIdmEhvnGaNhLZzDx

xukLVPBALiOElrc

Lost in thought, he lowered his eyelids, lost in his thoughts.jXipcRaMZYqkvABDZMpzGWnEUMbkjT

xEJCzZFXATgfuTE

Li Wuting asked, “What are you thinking about?”BJjSolLbKlalFfTTnvPOeyMLwyOrYv

qQEhXZRAnHrazDK

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality and dutifully reported, “Your Majesty, this time in disguise, if there are any you fancy, you can summon them to serve in the palace in the future.”EmPyGzsrQRSiqPgvMUpIGpcbgfjowD

HMmCVwKgiuCwXoJ

Li Wuting’s tone was calm, “Ning Qing, you should go to the Ministry of Rites and reunite with your family.”FOKyMXqfXknApXKHjxJuzcGEHgkcVV

uqgnzsrCfNKiOTB

Ning Rushen: …hsUXnethlIBxwhajsDFIFLfEjgloBM

FLLnPXNaVfzraLC

Why hasn’t this matter been resolved yet?sbvMqBtVEluWgGLcPEeYIHGNBevrdY

ZVooPBYMkHUXPIZ

Li Wuting continued, “I’ll find someone with excellent martial arts skills to replace General Huo, making your family even more complete.”WouMsjFPgLKLKgKhNtIlHlJeCOrugx

lExYEJgEAwmDsms

De Quan, who was behind them, cleared his throat again.qWmArGqOFfdfwWcVLZSSewzLkaBlVm

mzHEDeFfCqKPdFU

Ning Rushen quickly leaned forward, leaning his knees closer to Li Wuting, “No, Your Majesty, I feel most belonging by your side.”KduEzgfVwPqtlTPoNlhElOKwxquYBb

wqDjkbXzrSQCWPJ

“Oh, then what about General Huo?”SNguWExyeUGYhPvLXelvNypRvyWKOw

sVNmFvTSTblUogk

“Let him go.”wVhscccRfhygXzOGKLMyKzLsrOLcNc

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“You, this family of yours,” Li Wuting paused before commenting, “are like a bunch of loose sand.”fFScXWIDpExYAuGLEpASZFlCqSucxO

XBPkdzaBYvCiRIu

Ning Rushen pursed his lips, feeling slightly embarrassed.TeeMsJAZuLjQtFOdgHGlOxsACZRTpG

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Geng Yan, who had been unable to understand a single word since earlier, opened his mouth but didn’t say anything.zIthbWMupkbyoHASFDMmOIJtylONcC

KYfayBriwVkwgqz

In his contemplation, he inexplicably felt like a dog waiting to board a ship.rXkBJqkcOCFcvaLRlKFthUdHvgIiGx

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The boat traveled along the riverbank for a few miles and slowly reached the end of the journey.XmaRXFmzEIitixiLdkUNAfQyvimXES

GJewuXdsInVBiJD

The Jin Yi Wei stopped the boat by the riverbank and said, “Master, we’ve arrived.”ccvSTKjSsgZIcfBDiARhPljleiiRRp

fXVAIToDnNTdMSK

Li Wuting grunted and stood up.dcnHQRdYXzheDhTjXfzRImhLewksia

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Ning Rushen also stood up.crqvhcxMwxSBWGhIdaSNGVDJJpMmLv

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As the boat swayed with the waves, he found himself standing face to face with Li Wuting. Suddenly, he staggered forward—QTPXZiqznPxCHguHSEJoyyKSJUDrVJ

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Their toes touched, and his hand landed on the broad shoulder.VbEAMbLtlYZeHXuYpcFSdyKUePJeQW

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Ning Rushen was startled!qyUqVSKJLRbExAmHXgAWqBZgzwDmhF

BZcdtwSMbCYGqKn

His jade-white fingers crumpled the green fabric. At the same time, a big hand rested on his back, knuckles and hair entangled.cKCmOCzyMChSUSKHKaLSmcNPgenytU

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He regained his composure.VDjlRyxxcIDQNUKXSTZNBqnrzLQGeU

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In his sight were meticulously overlapped lapels, and a Adam’s apple moved slightly.twPEfNKhwYdqaSlNprSnUwatvksEsd

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He was staring at the Adam’s apple in a daze when Li Wuting’s deep, magnetic voice came from above, with a hint of seriousness:pNuHLoGFqdmonWJFCBCCcHdgiTfKRr

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“Why aren’t you trembling?”qQsgypsTshMGZZPClAroMUfQTdMNBY

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Ning Rushen raised his eyes and met the other’s serious gaze, “…”vMBzIWLSVjdASLGEqntRkdAHfOLvvX

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Was he being treated like a hamster in an observation experiment?KeTAzBXinghlJtYfBZGdPmHMiKGzBq

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He moved his lips, “If Your Majesty has such a need.”YjOHFLpAkZGPdmobzWgnWdIxCnfnIM

EXMPKuibZEjyZrL

“…” The Jin Yi Wei, De Quan, and Geng Yan, who was like a dog, all closed their ears at the same time.LdMhxvxMTVNRvwAvZSvNZSCBUKJdgx

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Li Wuting’s brow twitched, “I don’t.”BXczSwXvIFJETABJsiVTFutKJTuUKT

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Ning Rushen, enduring the uncomfortable gazes of the Jin Yi Wei and Geng Yan, especially Geng Yan’s face, which was more colorful and changeable than a Sichuan opera mask, felt like he was in a farewell performance.DTBkHVVssCTqrkyqYrajKpYtecyOCq

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Ning Rushen sighed softly, rolling up his sleeves:LwsAFJHdrcpBLMyfVGaFUApmuxWmnO

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It’s all Li Wuting, sometimes he wants him to be “wild,” and sometimes he wants to see him tremble.iJsRNiZEYPsZelPZwleQNhGVGwtptG

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Always with these strange demands.nimaiVJRWqJkUKYmdzQJGWdDppHKVJ

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For about ten days, there had been continuous discussions on poetry and classics along the banks of the Huaiming River.uGkNmNQKvlLLzqrvCanaSruikVXGHc

AhJwhqubRTaoFhr

From the end of the provincial examination to the release of the results, half a month had passed, during which all the candidates stayed in the capital.dusnanVGlCPHArnhroWpVqZzysBEcR

PISWuxzyFTNcGRA

When Ning Rushen went to the Ministry of Rites to mooch a meal, he asked, “How did the provincial examination results turn out?”HhoBpCZvECHbWgxhlOsIAZdtFijGCq

YIZnmQzveNrEJqT

Minister Guan shook his head, “We at the Ministry of Rites are only responsible for organizing the exam, not for grading.” He looked Ning Rushen up and down, “Oh, if it’s Mr. Ning, that would be a different story.”sboywImThVGNnwQHEqKMoqPioCQbzV

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With just a few words, Ning Rushen was already considered part of the Ministry of Rites.NVVyeUgNWVYhREAkOalYSbzVpHwJVU

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Ning Rushen forced a smile, “Thank you for your kindness.”ykhHkzwrMJapiITQNBWtYSnLRPRxnX

vdgRjRaGdPtiTdJ

There was no news from the palace, and life in the capital continued as lively and joyful as ever, everything seemed to be progressing smoothly.StJrAupaQoEeSKnWcCKgqfUmtRwFee

OkfYTsqRbuavXoc

Until the day the results were announced.jzMvLPtcAAOiMmvUHSqogEmtaATCqf

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On the day of the announcement, the capital was abuzz.TEYDijtFgDzWeVnMEDxeMeqwhGCgnK

NCukFkJTFzWqQLU

Whether they were candidates or commoners, they all crowded around the list to see the rankings of the new candidates.GnmNwjytVjfzINBdjxNOIDpgkvFtCD

thvuSCIrkWebtGx

Ning Rushen didn’t join the crowd.MnRfgxbcvwIMvvvubiYJtoAdYCpJPz

xCcxbtqhVceRDnn

The rankings had already been presented to the court, and he was helping Li Wuting grind ink when he glanced over and still didn’t recognize anyone.IghSLBDTmhbgDQtpGtmoNctgmmkHzU

AtbNqVMUaLSvBPJ

But Li Wuting looked carefully, as if he knew many of them.mwtInVaTpSKprDLYpZNxBFsaeKlftW

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Ning Rushen speculated, “Are there people His Majesty favors?”oZUPzpKELRLuoxBKYlXnoHnoZEexnv

bgEEotBKMmPyycA

After a quick look through the list, which was almost the same as the previous life, Li Wuting set it down. “I just have impressions of some names.”kYblUsmoDsntbGbALaTJkEyEdYyAIX

lHlpgESxMSvqjQI

Ning Rushen asked, “Like whom?”GvtdopuiidCIGFtxzEXSJOBVjTodbF

LaFLDzgFYDdPcXS

Perhaps this question suited him well, Li Wuting didn’t pursue his casual tone and only pointed out a few names.yvUIlwSpqWGLahBWWzJPCyohetcePZ

cybMqscfVOvaigy

“Someone you’ve dined with before, quite familiar.”MXyKAGErlHYWLmGMmvzsfbqXHUbMIS

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Ning Rushen suddenly realized and earnestly noted down the name.qcdIXdLdYMlmgKFBwQNGjekAhWvotF

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“And this one…” His slender finger casually pointed to another name.YKGZGUmDRhfCYCUubpSuSpzAkpvuAq

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Who is this?”dUEXFzWQHrleWReHYvoDXLAwEjTHTe

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“Someone praised by the Lord Chamberlain for their beauty and elegance.”VnqHyEbEdysReNQgOxIeKXXgIJXwmL

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“…”uZUlSDvHrWHzEiPIrlvWWplnYGmWVT

ocozCmcXelspHXE

Ning Rushen almost twisted his neck!pRDNgoUFiMhMweQIhboUxUDSEkzhbJ

nKFwSmqTiAQubDb

He looked at Li Wuting’s indifferent expression, and the discussion from the teahouse that day flashed through his mind, leaving him speechless:laIuHkVvqbGvDJfueGxmGQdLMuYGBF

MmqnPOVYespEsmG

Would the Jin Yiwei’s report be word for word?cQUQWkxftRqRITiskqALTKcJolyiRe

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Li Wuting looked at him, “What’s wrong?”DSvhGVQQwFjFvNxlwQRSQgsqSQaxXC

vfbcJPAIRsigCtT

Ning Rushen immediately lowered his eyes, subtly warning him with his gaze, “It’s nothing. I don’t really care about such discussions.”IvmLtKiDytnSbYygrAfnLtppAceuxU

SmPkqtoqckNRshX

Li Wuting whispered, “Ning Qing, you might not care, but you’ve lifted a few tiles.”qGpZBRQkMaTGnjiwiLhBhtKDHPtQSg

RGvEJHDsBrHVBIS

Ning Rushen: …vPZJqSwHkAspvPuGvoWRagDfOpLntC

QYnNkPStGuzzKhL

How does he know everything?aDIturCrrapvrJaHxKZQRTuWnpIFVL

PMIqFWYPZlISySx

He remained silent for a moment, and Li Wuting, showing mercy, said, “Alright, you can go.”oJcOyMftAwEwNqRxuzKAEuOpQKvJno

pGxboMhCSciNCqb

Ning Rushen took his leave, “Yes, Your Majesty.”AgpIcoSNWscawMRIBfDchpqXCIDvvR

VFTFzKFcmAoqDhS

As he was about to leave the study, he was suddenly called back, “Ning Qing.”UpVWkfdMEgYafNKBSqdioCOMywuGmH

XpEItdZILsjSBil

He turned around and saw Li Wuting looking at him from a distance, “I’ll allow you to sneak a few walnuts into your belt tomorrow.”cxsvwbwlxCzGtsUYzFzjjHzmpeOMxw

lYAbcMIHnTMvaTj

Ning Rushen: ?nonwInSFfGaSAxTwLpBkPZuoMnGqlw

XqdMCZFoHlvjPbH

pSqpdxbHUzklVsnkyLFcqhNCSZJOAx

KpjLGePKEOekQcq

Ning Rushen returned home with a head full of question marks.OpPwJWLOnoKHAYBsKXJzAnEPrutNsT

YXNxqsQeJZzHiUg

Not long after he returned home, Shiyi, who normally only appeared with a “pat-a-tap,” actually climbed in through the window and took the initiative to approach him:LrBCodQLvrskQmzupcycamehFaOfoK

cfFvPeBdAnQwlGs

“Something big happened.”lFcnGIRpiGJKmrQJNPBFDUEiZaKOIW

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Ning Rushen tensed up, “Were you caught stealing something?”RETeiXRzotlsXUYLjAvnNNSfyOCtjd

LDwUHFsObgewiOq

“…” Shiyi was excited, “I wasn’t caught!”OTfZkgFswsEWVbIQVZcuLvgQyfXelJ

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Ning Rushen looked at him speechlessly.UvcwAPYCHwAlnqCMRZOsIEVQbiFyCo

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Shiyi regained his senses, “No, I didn’t steal!!”VngnBHZwarQsEaKrFqncuYHDrqLdGX

EouDCglKJqGJBZB

Ning Rushen rubbed his forehead, “Forget it, just tell me what happened.”MXZtENbFDRIsVzGrwlllmaGXyhaYIU

NnpZbYvXxfzyGfo

Shiyi explained, “A candidate has accused a fellow candidate of cheating in the imperial examination, and now it’s causing a huge uproar outside.”TfgITJxcZCWCrgVFZSMdROKFcYqYuh

ZZevtqfJFATadxE

Ning Rushen was slightly stunned, surprised.qIWjGFKprJZYxTOmTbQJfeAdDuAnKh

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The next day at court, there was indeed a commotion throughout the court!tZYhcCzTBqfBpFwSgFRaOQkUtgFFGO

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Ning Rushen stood in line, listening to the reports in front of the palace:SomIrZkjzCLxynOcqsrjGhoPURrzua

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It was reported that a candidate from Ying County failed the exam, but a fellow candidate named Xie was listed. Thinking back to Xie’s previous suspicious behavior, the former accused Xie of cheating.OrmxBNVsMtlxfmLXYuApgwoKKPDBkr

ogOcguiCeaNkjGK

But without evidence, it was left to the emperor to decide.FRARzBhNolkFbhGomrgrlODuRFLOJt

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The whole court instantly became noisy:fBNjkTzfhBvpfcqYyxGnPhFGxwzRjt

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“If there’s no evidence, it’s probably just jealousy from failing the exam. Why waste manpower and resources!”BhqxlVQNgsFIIazyRSmHcNeAhQOrey

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“How can there be wind in an empty cave? This should be thoroughly investigated.”tPItoRdnPwzZKZeBNiyJBUloRofRBo

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Both sides held their own opinions.IbNwjFDYEvPkSjVwGLSKbapOWmMNnU

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There were also some courtiers who remained silent, waiting only for the emperor on the dragon throne to speak.pLZHVqbYXkaQYcnVJXeJFazjcbQhqT

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Ning Rushen estimated that this morning court session would take a long time.RAsoiwsBNMAIaJbyIGHlCqFaoovtbU

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He moved his stiff body and suddenly touched the small walnut in his belt. Instantly, he felt fortunate and understood Li Wuting’s “favor”—OZhiwTDotmbzaBPTAdscTCdpZwNobe

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Today’s court session involved important matters, so he had eaten the walnut to fill his stomach.eBwrNzyXCPkDIidrsZPVyNRFrfVrhE

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He took advantage of the chaos to secretly put one in his mouth and crunch on it:GxCjWljdryAbibixwOfgEIsMkUeHwL

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A variety of meals are delicious, but the emperor’s palace food is also good.uJJqmQNlSqlxDtyVJQNUxmjfOjkLpY

UYYHBTfFCOECjbD

In the hall, De Quan noticed sharply and felt very proud: Now Lord Ning should know which is better, the emperor’s palace or the Ministry of Rites.thbQFGKkfnbCplofBKvHyucjfadVFY

dseRMpuGABywDkp

After all, adding flowers to brocade is easy, but giving charcoal in snowy weather is difficult~RuHQDBsBxudJGlnoZcjffiEFpoYhOH

RvjJMBzpTaIKIKK

·wxZGdkjEPrKKLYukPwLYruslMQZTmp

WdmAwzxayjkGGxS

In the end, it was Li Wuting who made the final decision.oiclVYYYCIRFaZgpWoMBKmjIqoLveP

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This case was handed over to the Ministry of Revenue for thorough investigation, with the Jinyiwei assisting.tDthEFjNBORlSDAISZDMuhYGemnRdY

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After a long and noisy morning court session, it finally ended. After the court session, Ning Rushen went to the Imperial Study as usual. “Your Majesty!”VdECRwKDLUcbowhOfwpaPKxdOMXXvs

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He was now full of doubts and hurried to the imperial desk in a few steps.OuYwKyiXziLUDhLjXoqIZnaNGmMoEI

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Li Wuting glanced at him, “After eating the walnut, your attitude is much more enthusiastic than usual.”mSeblJaPUOMMNFBSEipoEkMfpFbTMP

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Ning Rushen, “…”TOdCdrOfAVLIKFizOuTDvAzGOQLgGd

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Li Wuting decided to leave it at that, “Speak, what do you want to ask?”TMkXMurzTBotgTsFidmLfUpsJAzzyT

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Ning Rushen also turned the page with tolerance, “Your Majesty previously mentioned that someone would expose the truth. Was that referring to this?”ZHPeFzKEdUKBkBcECvGAeQIBxyhmUr

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Li Wuting responded with a grunt, “What do you think, Lord Ning?”exsiJlhdeIdlvYvXayWhBUKZVmVYhO

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Ning Rushen pondered for a moment:ejAFXTqdNYlJPoqgGGXUXgRSOgsUaO

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He knew about the “selling fake exam papers” incident.GTnxWQNCegVhLbZBuZHRQCcPKVrlcm

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Since Li Wuting said that “accusing of cheating” would expose the “fake exam papers” case, it meant that the accused was one of the candidates who had bought fake exam papers at that time.HIHCBJYswDRZzUManhGIKGfyPBevck

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He didn’t get the real exam papers, but still passed the exam.HuGVIyiFinDlhYttDzFHUseAiwgnwN

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Ning Rushen speculated, “Perhaps there was jealousy, and the behavior was indeed suspicious… So the candidate who failed the exam just went ahead and accused him. But unexpectedly…”OkBMjCaujFhhwwMLwWCexjVhtChiRp

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It led to the exposure of the fake exam papers case.bLYwBEBzloMfIwtYJBboeTrMgIixre

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He finished speaking to himself, but there was no response from behind the imperial desk.IbPdlYJZEOmvHeHPVbLregjAPcUgtW

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Ning Rushen raised his eyes, only to see Li Wuting looking at him, with a hint of a mysterious smile, “Your Majesty?”EbdEezthGSTlVyPKDPdlLGTKYMNJKh

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Li Wuting’s tone was slow, “I’ve noticed that Lord Ning’s mind is like the stars.”KGIaYyIutYqfxrEIrtjTmGRvCUkFJv

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Ning Rushen’s breathing became slightly rapid, and his face warmed up a bit, “A sudden inspiration?”ZVtOujUeJsQNyhrvXNFmWLInNERgRA

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Li Wuting replied, “Comes and goes.”kVGkocIsZnuvACtLqmLHeCdOKLocst

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Ning Rushen, “…”WEXLKjkgFWUKkXZDGIMTBnVIrqqMnS

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Very clever, but not polite.aEJWoXPNiCnKbTthyOSRCoqgLpGBJk

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Anything that wasn’t a sensible conversation was treated like nonsense.gAmLliFqKoCDwlAtiGwxNbDAyoiNql

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At least it proved one thing: his speculation was correct.CatxybSomiqdKRKvJuEumGatJaACMX

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Ning Rushen pursed his lips, glanced at Li Wuting again, and the other party still had that confident look, as if nothing could escape his eyes.slNTWQGDovyNFJwfmTcpBKAzxpndXd

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“What is Lord Ning looking at?”ggVNTQIppKRUaiWezVeqUHoKoNBnll

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“The candidate decided to accuse him after failing the exam. But why does Your Majesty seem to have anticipated it long ago?”IeVMJkeklRybRRWUmOemIahSfYwuAw

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Li Wuting’s profound gaze fixed on him.ZyInqSBfDzQqyNZLFnVaEZWUpHbDwc

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After a moment, he smiled and said, “Come closer.”BmyPtPPEjcIvIxUERpuKHbEayynIWI

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Ning Rushen, “…”tetxjvMbcrikRfrZtRrwaXroxusElc

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The lesson from last time about freely offering his ear was vivid in his memory.hTluBVeHqZpSHrztloqLFoyQFEiQgg

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Facing Li Wuting’s gaze, he hesitated for a moment, then firmly covered both ears.LWFKtmTSNYnJyvzNeDugMaHWZHDCxz

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Li Wuting: ?vextYMnmvONwwuQGKPWuKPFdJGjYZm

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Ning Rushen covered his ears and leaned in, “Your Majesty, speak, I’m listening.”wLgDphwfmdnBQJDRNYafflXlOcTrbf

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Li Wuting, “…”fyrfECgynLIMOYKgYvjYHmFuRDrfen

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