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
xoaOIKDkTvqVWbGLi Wuting casually replied with an “Mm-hmm” and then looked quietly at Ning Rushen, waiting for his performance.RWFAbTsxxXfgbgSmaQYFFeehBfJmHB
CWjSHRThIqdHNliNing Rushen hesitated for a moment. “This isn’t quite appropriate…”yQbwrVclKTEsZRXkOjTkmwHaEJfyDU
pbkgWlPOhXIBnfqLi Wuting asked, “Is there something inappropriate that can’t be shown in public, for Us to see?”AtgZxBPRofoVpcMbxlvsIxQOaNmRUJ
zuhxzrvycfPseKnDo you even know what nonsense you’re talking?giQLxTMPtsPxuPxohgZPCozRpQfNIO
lUMbjmfLqCrlCaHIn silence, De Quan and the Jin Yiwei were also looking at him, as if they were all waiting for him to show off.PrONCpmomSzwEZWCLMGdfoRWLSvmUZ
lwWXGpFlzMfhNwgNing Rushen finally struggled, “It has to be on a boat.”puhVOiuCWShrHiNTTsbDWWakBnYphb
PxILsQugsCXbGGsImmediately, 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
FdVHQlSJaUEmzKaHe paused, subconsciously skipping over that word, “to show off to his heart’s content.”HxwdSekaTecjYYIUMnSQLBpiVSqpxY
gMGJFokYNWnaRgZLi Wuting had already crossed over him, heading towards the bow of the boat. “Let’s go, Ning Qing.”tXdSNrYrhLtaldgcEowjUmUxvjKtxz
xMcwgzMRQwGBPQONing 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
EiodZEYvEjFXryUWith a push of the wooden oar against the shore, the boat pushed out into the water.KDieQdwwGehcjvTMRWGwtVmmxlaGyV
BnJnpTzZlZHqVukLi Wuting sat upright, knocking his knuckles against the boat rail, indicating for Ning Rushen to hurry.PlYhUhGsxIPWhZGZbLTGlZAWrzSEPq
vPjSzCysXJNZwjJNing Rushen sat opposite him, nervously twisting his fingers. “I need to prepare myself first.”BPUKAIIizGwZdJsTMtUmRytXahkkxx
BBnevxJPaBNlsqcLi Wuting was very patient. “Take your time.”ZbqXgAOjoqmnxNxfjzwtkKUuPHLeOL
TuADEBBYNGObzoTDuring 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
QEUYNhNLfQGssVLThat look of a petty person achieving success was too conspicuous.bGwlbBpePTeHsqYPJaSaKHKMIVWQnC
ldMqzFsayFDeezeNing Rushen caught a glimpse of it and couldn’t help but slam his hand hard on the boat rail: Bang!opEbyhZGDqevIWBiqaeorBVxCFRwbh
phOGlZAiiWIXdMqLi 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
upfVIPUyEXyNWVEHe demonstrated by swaying, “Just like this, and then you can ride the waves.”ccMEmcxOQPuuCQaRzbMEXlrJPnmxXg
TjaBnRGEAVFHwWpLi Wuting looked down.ucNAlYKVbqdvVwMzRLhZuysjYIKqWi
HBHuciPDaMrMZlOExcept for himself swaying, the boat remained still.ZjyRVBjDvMeIMZGpvjKULtxiGRSeoE
sStNpIQZsuixBYwAt 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
XHrHBPOSpnuuPLzNing Rushen, dressed in crimson robes, stood out in the night.cGnqTsiVfGLVQqaWKyDnrobSmoblct
jSsQfdxysUMhkCSAs he swayed, the curve of his waist, bound by a white jade belt with snow plum blossoms, drew people’s gaze.scUTyBnAkZSsmquNJpzlaQyYRtfwJs
AecoauPdtUXVZHnHe was earnestly performing an ineffective demonstration when suddenly he heard Li Wuting speak, “That’s enough.”seeVktUoKfzgqsCEfmeLfykbmqgkcb
aGrSEIzDBxCmytcNing Rushen stopped and turned his head: ?pzGUAXmBrPdtApfINGfEDfEdBrPOyp
ynGLhFRoVFZBgZO“No need to ride the waves.”wACWiokLgahvssgSWuypdfTxwtFmXj
zjwpmbvbhCORQqQLi Wuting closed his eyes and used the jade fan to press against his brow. “Row the boat.”zxtFgbgVhfxExdAYxDHIonPfgSafKq
PzAwzIYwomlMNKCThe 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
dqqbLQbPAWVbWeBNing Rushen: Did he just bluff his way through?DAVTUGbBDlIKsbOJSZXNZtuRSuchvl
ogbryBRGxkIsWfrHe tentatively asked, “How was my wave riding?”BLlHWOvEdercUmhGmStoOdzlhtuEJz
lFaKVbjFuJSOzGYLi Wuting was annoyed. “Vivid.”vLzgdNRLOeATCRgDCrCzCKAQztsEZl
SqEeKjvtVNOxGvT“What does that mean, as if I’m dead.”myoWimyIHXepascdYBbfCJfjkRMuYy
cDIsyczaiZjKSYdThe boat continued along the Huaiming River.DNaHPfubrDmdoKZsoTZXUALniMSFym
HVLSUwyungJGitnAlong 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
JyXWvSIvlRlZTFeUnder the watchful eyes of the crowd, no one dared to discuss the merits and demerits of others again.FliNvqgCnTpEXzvESjVVjXRWrmNZTT
iMMbbHVPrjSxjTJNing Rushen listened with admiration all the way, enriching his mind.ijuVzobhDdjosRILozrMaOyLMAYYBq
JMDaVWubfqXwfrzHe 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
vsyMpHsoVPSPINXNing 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
zzlMlZMSMJzSEhXPerhaps thinking of this beautiful vision, he even reached out his hand as if plucking something from the air.LLfLJwBraPstqbkUegvGALUiSoWzUC
VOHyQUHbZBgOOWhLi Wuting: …KHERrLquVOznJpuoskQdHHPQtkqNqQ
xNwtlkXuOqFQUGfNing 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
pwmAeSaKDxkuuOiWas his old brain going to be replaced by new ones?KfqbrOJWYpubYnIdmEhvnGaNhLZzDx
xukLVPBALiOElrcLost in thought, he lowered his eyelids, lost in his thoughts.jXipcRaMZYqkvABDZMpzGWnEUMbkjT
xEJCzZFXATgfuTELi Wuting asked, “What are you thinking about?”BJjSolLbKlalFfTTnvPOeyMLwyOrYv
qQEhXZRAnHrazDKNing 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
HMmCVwKgiuCwXoJLi Wuting’s tone was calm, “Ning Qing, you should go to the Ministry of Rites and reunite with your family.”FOKyMXqfXknApXKHjxJuzcGEHgkcVV
uqgnzsrCfNKiOTBNing Rushen: …hsUXnethlIBxwhajsDFIFLfEjgloBM
FLLnPXNaVfzraLCWhy hasn’t this matter been resolved yet?sbvMqBtVEluWgGLcPEeYIHGNBevrdY
ZVooPBYMkHUXPIZLi Wuting continued, “I’ll find someone with excellent martial arts skills to replace General Huo, making your family even more complete.”WouMsjFPgLKLKgKhNtIlHlJeCOrugx
lExYEJgEAwmDsmsDe Quan, who was behind them, cleared his throat again.qWmArGqOFfdfwWcVLZSSewzLkaBlVm
mzHEDeFfCqKPdFUNing 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
lOIbwURjmVBzYrj“You, this family of yours,” Li Wuting paused before commenting, “are like a bunch of loose sand.”fFScXWIDpExYAuGLEpASZFlCqSucxO
XBPkdzaBYvCiRIuNing Rushen pursed his lips, feeling slightly embarrassed.TeeMsJAZuLjQtFOdgHGlOxsACZRTpG
RLsFBlukbfVPcfdGeng Yan, who had been unable to understand a single word since earlier, opened his mouth but didn’t say anything.zIthbWMupkbyoHASFDMmOIJtylONcC
KYfayBriwVkwgqzIn his contemplation, he inexplicably felt like a dog waiting to board a ship.rXkBJqkcOCFcvaLRlKFthUdHvgIiGx
WwQrXUdwTmMlAZL…uMJByWQykZiCRLvnFxtAsQlZugxrjJ
nOAzKmcgDUaNvXjThe boat traveled along the riverbank for a few miles and slowly reached the end of the journey.XmaRXFmzEIitixiLdkUNAfQyvimXES
GJewuXdsInVBiJDThe Jin Yi Wei stopped the boat by the riverbank and said, “Master, we’ve arrived.”ccvSTKjSsgZIcfBDiARhPljleiiRRp
fXVAIToDnNTdMSKLi Wuting grunted and stood up.dcnHQRdYXzheDhTjXfzRImhLewksia
oGtQMPybVNHfMziNing Rushen also stood up.crqvhcxMwxSBWGhIdaSNGVDJJpMmLv
TlkvJZhOfldUOZHAs the boat swayed with the waves, he found himself standing face to face with Li Wuting. Suddenly, he staggered forward—QTPXZiqznPxCHguHSEJoyyKSJUDrVJ
SlirRqdVUmgQYrgTheir toes touched, and his hand landed on the broad shoulder.VbEAMbLtlYZeHXuYpcFSdyKUePJeQW
HPkIRiUHGHskoSxNing Rushen was startled!qyUqVSKJLRbExAmHXgAWqBZgzwDmhF
BZcdtwSMbCYGqKnHis jade-white fingers crumpled the green fabric. At the same time, a big hand rested on his back, knuckles and hair entangled.cKCmOCzyMChSUSKHKaLSmcNPgenytU
SUCLaVHAxiKtgajHe regained his composure.VDjlRyxxcIDQNUKXSTZNBqnrzLQGeU
CGpXAquJRVWFFKOIn his sight were meticulously overlapped lapels, and a Adam’s apple moved slightly.twPEfNKhwYdqaSlNprSnUwatvksEsd
bvYfTRhzBsEJMquHe 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
WwDUtdfcIwyrskN“Why aren’t you trembling?”qQsgypsTshMGZZPClAroMUfQTdMNBY
gPZxsSCntRBBytVNing Rushen raised his eyes and met the other’s serious gaze, “…”vMBzIWLSVjdASLGEqntRkdAHfOLvvX
pBkKewYbddjbgxTWas he being treated like a hamster in an observation experiment?KeTAzBXinghlJtYfBZGdPmHMiKGzBq
wTAElDtCXaAsQAXHe 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
GZSfibeqjjtVnJcLi Wuting’s brow twitched, “I don’t.”BXczSwXvIFJETABJsiVTFutKJTuUKT
lApxeHBulIkLJAUNing 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
qiwjdAXqBmmszsZNing Rushen sighed softly, rolling up his sleeves:LwsAFJHdrcpBLMyfVGaFUApmuxWmnO
HzdCXTUlEnhKKVyIt’s all Li Wuting, sometimes he wants him to be “wild,” and sometimes he wants to see him tremble.iJsRNiZEYPsZelPZwleQNhGVGwtptG
pCmTWeurWAzSnwfAlways with these strange demands.nimaiVJRWqJkUKYmdzQJGWdDppHKVJ
JrixoLzeCLlmlQzFor about ten days, there had been continuous discussions on poetry and classics along the banks of the Huaiming River.uGkNmNQKvlLLzqrvCanaSruikVXGHc
AhJwhqubRTaoFhrFrom 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
PISWuxzyFTNcGRAWhen Ning Rushen went to the Ministry of Rites to mooch a meal, he asked, “How did the provincial examination results turn out?”HhoBpCZvECHbWgxhlOsIAZdtFijGCq
YIZnmQzveNrEJqTMinister 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
RFwcODhYjatCtpIWith just a few words, Ning Rushen was already considered part of the Ministry of Rites.NVVyeUgNWVYhREAkOalYSbzVpHwJVU
qMdwzOmTRnZyBUHNing Rushen forced a smile, “Thank you for your kindness.”ykhHkzwrMJapiITQNBWtYSnLRPRxnX
vdgRjRaGdPtiTdJThere 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
OkfYTsqRbuavXocUntil the day the results were announced.jzMvLPtcAAOiMmvUHSqogEmtaATCqf
EXnJRjvyecFjBbMOn the day of the announcement, the capital was abuzz.TEYDijtFgDzWeVnMEDxeMeqwhGCgnK
NCukFkJTFzWqQLUWhether they were candidates or commoners, they all crowded around the list to see the rankings of the new candidates.GnmNwjytVjfzINBdjxNOIDpgkvFtCD
thvuSCIrkWebtGxNing Rushen didn’t join the crowd.MnRfgxbcvwIMvvvubiYJtoAdYCpJPz
xCcxbtqhVceRDnnThe 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
AtbNqVMUaLSvBPJBut Li Wuting looked carefully, as if he knew many of them.mwtInVaTpSKprDLYpZNxBFsaeKlftW
YKbUMlZeQHMCliQNing Rushen speculated, “Are there people His Majesty favors?”oZUPzpKELRLuoxBKYlXnoHnoZEexnv
bgEEotBKMmPyycAAfter 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
lHlpgESxMSvqjQINing Rushen asked, “Like whom?”GvtdopuiidCIGFtxzEXSJOBVjTodbF
LaFLDzgFYDdPcXSPerhaps 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
GbbUAIGACCNiObTNing Rushen suddenly realized and earnestly noted down the name.qcdIXdLdYMlmgKFBwQNGjekAhWvotF
FzxTmTgupdWjCPF“And this one…” His slender finger casually pointed to another name.YKGZGUmDRhfCYCUubpSuSpzAkpvuAq
geOfRIJZutYpJfwNing Rushen turned to look, “Who is this?”dUEXFzWQHrleWReHYvoDXLAwEjTHTe
HblpIfGpyUKDoqY“Someone praised by the Lord Chamberlain for their beauty and elegance.”VnqHyEbEdysReNQgOxIeKXXgIJXwmL
OoiOhDbBiTNNQnr“…”uZUlSDvHrWHzEiPIrlvWWplnYGmWVT
ocozCmcXelspHXENing Rushen almost twisted his neck!pRDNgoUFiMhMweQIhboUxUDSEkzhbJ
nKFwSmqTiAQubDbHe looked at Li Wuting’s indifferent expression, and the discussion from the teahouse that day flashed through his mind, leaving him speechless:laIuHkVvqbGvDJfueGxmGQdLMuYGBF
MmqnPOVYespEsmGWould the Jin Yiwei’s report be word for word?cQUQWkxftRqRITiskqALTKcJolyiRe
RNRbxLpjwTTAicnLi Wuting looked at him, “What’s wrong?”DSvhGVQQwFjFvNxlwQRSQgsqSQaxXC
vfbcJPAIRsigCtTNing Rushen immediately lowered his eyes, subtly warning him with his gaze, “It’s nothing. I don’t really care about such discussions.”IvmLtKiDytnSbYygrAfnLtppAceuxU
SmPkqtoqckNRshXLi Wuting whispered, “Ning Qing, you might not care, but you’ve lifted a few tiles.”qGpZBRQkMaTGnjiwiLhBhtKDHPtQSg
RGvEJHDsBrHVBISNing Rushen: …vPZJqSwHkAspvPuGvoWRagDfOpLntC
QYnNkPStGuzzKhLHow does he know everything?aDIturCrrapvrJaHxKZQRTuWnpIFVL
PMIqFWYPZlISySxHe remained silent for a moment, and Li Wuting, showing mercy, said, “Alright, you can go.”oJcOyMftAwEwNqRxuzKAEuOpQKvJno
pGxboMhCSciNCqbNing Rushen took his leave, “Yes, Your Majesty.”AgpIcoSNWscawMRIBfDchpqXCIDvvR
VFTFzKFcmAoqDhSAs he was about to leave the study, he was suddenly called back, “Ning Qing.”UpVWkfdMEgYafNKBSqdioCOMywuGmH
XpEItdZILsjSBilHe 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
lYAbcMIHnTMvaTjNing Rushen: ?nonwInSFfGaSAxTwLpBkPZuoMnGqlw
XqdMCZFoHlvjPbH…pSqpdxbHUzklVsnkyLFcqhNCSZJOAx
KpjLGePKEOekQcqNing Rushen returned home with a head full of question marks.OpPwJWLOnoKHAYBsKXJzAnEPrutNsT
YXNxqsQeJZzHiUgNot 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
EFeSOnwuNVQiLBjNing Rushen tensed up, “Were you caught stealing something?”RETeiXRzotlsXUYLjAvnNNSfyOCtjd
LDwUHFsObgewiOq“…” Shiyi was excited, “I wasn’t caught!”OTfZkgFswsEWVbIQVZcuLvgQyfXelJ
urFHWlBHgJKsKIrNing Rushen looked at him speechlessly.UvcwAPYCHwAlnqCMRZOsIEVQbiFyCo
xZEmRaWNiwkjbTkShiyi regained his senses, “No, I didn’t steal!!”VngnBHZwarQsEaKrFqncuYHDrqLdGX
EouDCglKJqGJBZBNing Rushen rubbed his forehead, “Forget it, just tell me what happened.”MXZtENbFDRIsVzGrwlllmaGXyhaYIU
NnpZbYvXxfzyGfoShiyi explained, “A candidate has accused a fellow candidate of cheating in the imperial examination, and now it’s causing a huge uproar outside.”TfgITJxcZCWCrgVFZSMdROKFcYqYuh
ZZevtqfJFATadxENing Rushen was slightly stunned, surprised.qIWjGFKprJZYxTOmTbQJfeAdDuAnKh
LzERZDrLdBKTshRThe next day at court, there was indeed a commotion throughout the court!tZYhcCzTBqfBpFwSgFRaOQkUtgFFGO
wHwInAalJfpChVkNing Rushen stood in line, listening to the reports in front of the palace:SomIrZkjzCLxynOcqsrjGhoPURrzua
qClhHELCxbAsLrjIt 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
ogOcguiCeaNkjGKBut without evidence, it was left to the emperor to decide.FRARzBhNolkFbhGomrgrlODuRFLOJt
ViijtirWKfvnIseThe whole court instantly became noisy:fBNjkTzfhBvpfcqYyxGnPhFGxwzRjt
MYiEKfGmHZeQBqr“If there’s no evidence, it’s probably just jealousy from failing the exam. Why waste manpower and resources!”BhqxlVQNgsFIIazyRSmHcNeAhQOrey
LpCDtccSuQWqmjJ“How can there be wind in an empty cave? This should be thoroughly investigated.”tPItoRdnPwzZKZeBNiyJBUloRofRBo
BaMvVIjkqZnpWuCBoth sides held their own opinions.IbNwjFDYEvPkSjVwGLSKbapOWmMNnU
mZzBgnPiDtsxkTFThere were also some courtiers who remained silent, waiting only for the emperor on the dragon throne to speak.pLZHVqbYXkaQYcnVJXeJFazjcbQhqT
YhnCxPxubjFokTlNing Rushen estimated that this morning court session would take a long time.RAsoiwsBNMAIaJbyIGHlCqFaoovtbU
lBMTdkhxFIpXKcQHe moved his stiff body and suddenly touched the small walnut in his belt. Instantly, he felt fortunate and understood Li Wuting’s “favor”—OZhiwTDotmbzaBPTAdscTCdpZwNobe
jOISZfhFUyQsSJqToday’s court session involved important matters, so he had eaten the walnut to fill his stomach.eBwrNzyXCPkDIidrsZPVyNRFrfVrhE
TkQBSccxlckTlaHHe took advantage of the chaos to secretly put one in his mouth and crunch on it:GxCjWljdryAbibixwOfgEIsMkUeHwL
SGhHBTcOTycalIiA variety of meals are delicious, but the emperor’s palace food is also good.uJJqmQNlSqlxDtyVJQNUxmjfOjkLpY
UYYHBTfFCOECjbDIn 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
dseRMpuGABywDkpAfter all, adding flowers to brocade is easy, but giving charcoal in snowy weather is difficult~RuHQDBsBxudJGlnoZcjffiEFpoYhOH
RvjJMBzpTaIKIKK·wxZGdkjEPrKKLYukPwLYruslMQZTmp
WdmAwzxayjkGGxSIn the end, it was Li Wuting who made the final decision.oiclVYYYCIRFaZgpWoMBKmjIqoLveP
NmDqRuBsiUveJPnThis case was handed over to the Ministry of Revenue for thorough investigation, with the Jinyiwei assisting.tDthEFjNBORlSDAISZDMuhYGemnRdY
UthMlXxyMDFSgtkAfter 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
HQhXvAKjAhBrFGVHe was now full of doubts and hurried to the imperial desk in a few steps.OuYwKyiXziLUDhLjXoqIZnaNGmMoEI
dQmpppAIztidUPrLi Wuting glanced at him, “After eating the walnut, your attitude is much more enthusiastic than usual.”mSeblJaPUOMMNFBSEipoEkMfpFbTMP
rJKwcqGZFXezFsuNing Rushen, “…”TOdCdrOfAVLIKFizOuTDvAzGOQLgGd
eCYISzTHumFnCBmLi Wuting decided to leave it at that, “Speak, what do you want to ask?”TMkXMurzTBotgTsFidmLfUpsJAzzyT
qxzoqFvspoudNLWNing Rushen also turned the page with tolerance, “Your Majesty previously mentioned that someone would expose the truth. Was that referring to this?”ZHPeFzKEdUKBkBcECvGAeQIBxyhmUr
AurPxTCDcVryFbkLi Wuting responded with a grunt, “What do you think, Lord Ning?”exsiJlhdeIdlvYvXayWhBUKZVmVYhO
osbxQOEbcHvcakcNing Rushen pondered for a moment:ejAFXTqdNYlJPoqgGGXUXgRSOgsUaO
gBlFjTBaDzpoijtHe knew about the “selling fake exam papers” incident.GTnxWQNCegVhLbZBuZHRQCcPKVrlcm
bGiCmdHbkhtdmhfSince 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
QkcKJOPkQVLzTTEHe didn’t get the real exam papers, but still passed the exam.HuGVIyiFinDlhYttDzFHUseAiwgnwN
ivfsvtLttABagjmNing 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
GlqhQkxSTvpLKRJIt led to the exposure of the fake exam papers case.bLYwBEBzloMfIwtYJBboeTrMgIixre
CgedLgVutlxGoJcHe finished speaking to himself, but there was no response from behind the imperial desk.IbPdlYJZEOmvHeHPVbLregjAPcUgtW
MdNDzMzoobKkHWZNing Rushen raised his eyes, only to see Li Wuting looking at him, with a hint of a mysterious smile, “Your Majesty?”EbdEezthGSTlVyPKDPdlLGTKYMNJKh
pCCJFFFFKamlgVfLi Wuting’s tone was slow, “I’ve noticed that Lord Ning’s mind is like the stars.”KGIaYyIutYqfxrEIrtjTmGRvCUkFJv
GvawOGXjkdvnWTLNing Rushen’s breathing became slightly rapid, and his face warmed up a bit, “A sudden inspiration?”ZVtOujUeJsQNyhrvXNFmWLInNERgRA
pyITSXeHWQtDKoFLi Wuting replied, “Comes and goes.”kVGkocIsZnuvACtLqmLHeCdOKLocst
MjGznyLGWnGgCsuNing Rushen, “…”WEXLKjkgFWUKkXZDGIMTBnVIrqqMnS
wRLfRYaElYYJKiCVery clever, but not polite.aEJWoXPNiCnKbTthyOSRCoqgLpGBJk
goBVZKTjmTkqsOx…EeAGkUBRmSzFVtbKFcIfshXAdKIlpp
vsYsOsSsJTHXbZFAnything that wasn’t a sensible conversation was treated like nonsense.gAmLliFqKoCDwlAtiGwxNbDAyoiNql
cXLNsQFpfwqluonAt least it proved one thing: his speculation was correct.CatxybSomiqdKRKvJuEumGatJaACMX
oujrEvTiEFuhLhxNing 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
wxEkloVEwBAfLoK“What is Lord Ning looking at?”ggVNTQIppKRUaiWezVeqUHoKoNBnll
GrwTqWidoejooEN“The candidate decided to accuse him after failing the exam. But why does Your Majesty seem to have anticipated it long ago?”IeVMJkeklRybRRWUmOemIahSfYwuAw
XHYWOHEUNNRfFfVLi Wuting’s profound gaze fixed on him.ZyInqSBfDzQqyNZLFnVaEZWUpHbDwc
GhTdsKXPxVRYGARAfter a moment, he smiled and said, “Come closer.”BmyPtPPEjcIvIxUERpuKHbEayynIWI
VYQwZHZvlFmeuEvNing Rushen, “…”tetxjvMbcrikRfrZtRrwaXroxusElc
fHBObsOtioklcVrThe lesson from last time about freely offering his ear was vivid in his memory.hTluBVeHqZpSHrztloqLFoyQFEiQgg
JcfYckKWBNyauEFFacing Li Wuting’s gaze, he hesitated for a moment, then firmly covered both ears.LWFKtmTSNYnJyvzNeDugMaHWZHDCxz
qCzQnKrLyaUItbPLi Wuting: ?vextYMnmvONwwuQGKPWuKPFdJGjYZm
SPqASrOGdzSNEMSNing Rushen covered his ears and leaned in, “Your Majesty, speak, I’m listening.”wLgDphwfmdnBQJDRNYafflXlOcTrbf
YwBXCOMaLHbpTLILi Wuting, “…”fyrfECgynLIMOYKgYvjYHmFuRDrfen
crFijbMQnMEpZqGobMgtSGRrZCRYAUuzruwxvDNXJyCMc