Chapter 23
Ning Rushen finished speaking, and the three present were all somewhat quiet.pYCBcDrWbRdbiqMFvQNeqfagfPrVBo
WgnscrPcaMSgdPIThe air flowed subtly, but it wasn’t clear where the problem lay.tyDGdZcRhFFrKpzSkTaDEApvBJcdHN
XfhTSmBqSkktyNnAfter a while, Ning Rushen carefully pulled his sleeve away from Prince Xuan’s hand. “If you want to argue… don’t pull on my sleeve to do it.”kDKchFDlaMQeeAnjUlYCrEHNcaDGTj
tzHqEdqTbdXrFTTLi Wuting massaged his temples, realizing belatedly that he had been inadvertently drawn into an argument with Ning Rushen.GqIwjqNGzXwgkCjZjoqPvzfacWzCWs
BdVKkeRKtyngGJP“Enough, go back to the mansion and sort yourself out. We’ll give you a few more days of leeway, but don’t continue this endless entanglement,” Li Wuting said.YdEigjMUHkBLrgimJvavOcZGMFKsto
pXDUiybrYKQMGJhSeeing that he couldn’t linger, Li Yingtang could only agree, “Alright. May I ask Your Majesty to return those papers to me?”opNXngaDaNHtPJufbeoiMAAmSxEKAD
RyfioalnIzJjVuUFeeling a sense of generosity as the person was about to leave, Li Wuting said, “Granted.”WOlDpCzvwBKKiddhYnYHgAqFPnHhGu
jJyyteabbKqBlZELi Yingtang instantly felt smug. “Hah! I knew you didn’t throw them away!”VhCALYMzULzfqrcBzHfeDCTaCktlQV
rZMiOkVHIQXaJaBLi Wuting turned and instructed his guard, “Go and collect the belongings for Prince Xuan.”aYuwCGLPwxBWefxgacpJubqZMZEPlC
bJzfJhTLfSVkTdPWatching the desolate figure disappear down the steps, Ning Rushen withdrew his gaze, feeling emotional. “Why bother.”zKLnmufcPUxZPdaZyAVtURNZMqwLhs
DcmkRLUFYhPJBlzHe turned to Li Wuting, curious, “Your Majesty, what exactly is on those papers? Why can’t I see them? It’s like Pandora’s Box.”QkUjbjxnUjVIrnZWFtyREpLuhilkKB
ybpjAlmsUltsoOaThere was a momentary flicker on Li Wuting’s calm face, then it settled into a stern look as he replied, “It’s nothing. Didn’t I tell you to speak less with Prince Xuan?”qZOrQkLJEaHXsWfFUblFSNhzBxPpBi
bneckiXkLtuySntNing Rushen’s mouth fell open: …jAHhKdDfTRbzVAFYEZGQlgajLYxlGX
VNHTOyAwWrYkVBnHe was clearly being dragged into this conversation.OPFAiWudSTlnlmQIJNxTSHmuYtNAjA
zyCVfkXwymrAvWXThe two of them stood on the steps, one higher and one lower, with Li Wuting able to see Ning Rushen’s neat row of small white teeth and the tip of his tongue when he looked down.znIDSHliFhJIkclotmNhVYwfqvgOFA
ShVIsiFATXhbtTX“…Why are you opening your mouth so wide?” Li Wuting asked.vYwsuvYrqOROCQlHLXIXfuNkTWyVuf
ZVxnRYpdnAKRbKlNing Rushen’s tongue moved. “I’m having a chat with Your Majesty.”bbpryAUiaZiBPdhKMzrNDLSFBSturw
QnvIJJoeDWLFKDRIf only he could speak without making a sound.LhbJddlCAONpfdthQCLBQCXJbnWfkP
sedChAbkXDhxHgwLi Wuting: …KqifoZAddFYGLTDmUoYZOfSpqsLmfU
gmhRwlVwhedGtMHHe lowered his eyes and stared at Ning Rushen’s wide-open mouth. His fingertips curled slightly, but he couldn’t help reaching out to lift his chin and close it gently. “No need, it’s bothering my eyes.”nnNKuBILlqeUsfPqvirQRuUnqIPwKZ
aQpmpyzEgkXHsHUNing Rushen made a sound of surprise, “Mm…!”ZyEBUdSighHVgIOoocoJlKNvPIDgeB
cDlYysBODhCCIZxDe Quan, who was nearby, glanced over sneakily: Oh my~vAMpsQvpqYjImVgZHjyVCAQCjXPDXQ
tVyqnRsFcMHpXdhPrince Xuan’s departure from the capital was scheduled for the next day at three-quarters past noon.isspHDxQLEEOFJdBILbiZJomHcmLgt
FyVuNszuQdjiHhNIt felt more like going to an execution than to his fief.haFQxZauhAxREofePjEGkykIlRjwLJ
ltcUllKzHgcRLbTNing Rushen attended the morning court, estimating that he had enough time to go out of the city to see him off.FJAJamCxIDBJjANyEeIhxuHHKpUwDX
eWiCqKmGUgUIJlZAs he was about to leave the palace gates, he was called out, “Master Ning!”VhwoQYAUHsORpnHhTDXHUcHeTkKcCf
nlWDybAsVWtJUmlNing Rushen turned around to see Li Jingyu, a young man, walking out of the palace gates, accompanied by the cold-faced Li Wuting.oRgmZurAobPbazzHQIoydoMpnejUZl
nnNjjznlLuaLVGs“Master Ning is also going to see the Second Prince off?” Li Jingyu asked.gIPfPkzyVgUdNSwQPHOSHcNLBhtGmJ
KpMbTeQuQookryU“Yes,” Ning Rushen replied, then remembered Li Wuting’s advice to speak less with Prince Xuan. He rubbed his nose and glanced at Li Wuting, “To see him off,” he added silently.hHlInnLuoXWpGMCQQmgLirMSmppKGF
OLKjcvchZPqCskSLi Wuting remained silent.OrgAHBhfnPPfqolgPEwAcJzbHOdhcU
LxSOIsNPOQeloufLi Jingyu looked around, wondering if he needed to explain such a trivial matter to his elder brother. After a moment’s thought, he suggested, “Since Master Ning is also seeing off the Second Prince, why not join us on the way?”fmBWnguLUdlHWgCFLHToshCHYuKWBO
dnMaChBJJUdNbypNing Rushen blinked and looked to Li Wuting for approval.gYvtKHyhnZxqKkrYLNLlEpHdsZkFtc
bMXUsFqsHOKHZmMLi Wuting casually replied, “Since Jingyu suggested it, get in the carriage.”mNMCuQtZGSFZRefIknLZomwUOfQnev
IawFLbFGTmDSHFg“Thank you, Your Majesty, Your Highness,” Ning Rushen said before turning to Yan Min, who was waiting outside the carriage. He took a snow-colored cloak and instructed, “You go back to the mansion first.”SYQvTjqxwAgsjMSnNXZQEcHRGDgKJa
lKkVJcMhuFnfvSUAfter speaking, Li Wuting and Li Yingtang boarded the imperial carriage.WFzPqruoxyDONwXLvyKyXTgIwzNaYV
nLMMCWuTPNpApnV…pQijgmNEqSEYXZrvoDdgXUbUndePLj
btXzjDGdmbGvbJvThe carriage passed through the capital and arrived outside the city gates.vcCvIWRDajWEQXpsTIzPjiMUUXduSh
ZxzEBcuBIdQcTKNAs expected, Li Yingtang was still waiting by the inn, dressed in an elegant and noble moon-white robe, with a jade fan in hand, gazing into the distance with a lonely expression as desolate as snow.xnRBNMZtMKhLHCodnTmzQPJqBKYSEH
qNoLFCWdhfJGlRwThe carriage stopped outside the inn.ztbFbyMVYwnreVfExtQURFlSvLrgMD
kSUiuXyxDatyRmDWhen the lonely Li Yingtang turned his head, his eyes lit up!ycsOGsoJBeCanWexgOsQhduyVhfkMS
EizhborqYblwPXlHe saw Li Wuting and Li Jingyu getting off the carriage, his eyes moved, “I knew you would come to see me… Oh! Lord Ning is here too?”ZyPCRTJKrmAMtyIeTwwIiUXtANpSEK
rffDWqIuIYzRClFHis eyes instantly became even more intense.XRHbXZrUjjdWyJzZIGnnoofupZNeMc
EPIUAxttNWqjObpWhen Ning Rushen got off the carriage and met his gaze, he almost stumbled from the intensity. Thinking of Li Yingtang’s desolate departure two days ago, a phrase popped into his mind:vcwTbkrHDJAovUAsZYhVjKvQrckrlC
UQuaDPPpluqdGvFA rekindled fire from ashes.ZJAHdVbkBQspFfnZcaMFACViHpUObM
ZXWsvAHdtGVACWiNing Rushen forced a laugh, “Your Highness.”bdImmgqiqMyRzFLktqZpniDvXOeikB
XuqhgWwBucboAtVLi Yingtang rubbed his hands together and peeked around, but was quickly interrupted by Li Wuting’s sharp gaze like a frosty blade:ybhTbXGlfTdmBZjUJaZzrxwbzWlusz
irACwbkpdcTOnOm“There’s no need for us to see you off if you’re so eager.”iktWkRKHxKVqiKDBOsZPmBeaWDnbOy
HEuthsKWVgKNiJQHe restrained his tone, “Of course, we should.”HiSNfTkzpJmAQLctUOwfgNnNiHCxhs
UbmZqvWjAHIxGihThe two brothers stood facing each other for a few moments, then Li Wuting’s tone softened, “Have you bid farewell to the Queen Mother?”cmkDMPwVmsFqpVRVEWfsFhcbzuRoxo
nrfkUMGdIyJkyLvLi Yingtang bit his lip and whispered, “Yes, yesterday…”glHCFRVLryqUMRQYkQNbvoviJOuxXC
WnvrFuztAtiqlKDNing Rushen watched the three brothers chatting about family matters and consciously walked away, gazing at the scenery of the outskirts with his hands in his sleeves.GGBIlGbVGHiSUNVaEeFcAGxnxMMkYW
PHNDOYaAzyGBDoIThe vast wilderness, the gentle breeze.uuCglpCpquaYAazfvVAzkGBIwoXdFS
PDMAXbZbigriuoEAfter a while, not far behind him, came the voice of Prince Xuan, “Lord Ning.”FygpIUODHcvpQFFFFHtCjdSoDcFKMi
FdujNsGimHDChCTNing Rushen turned around and saw that the three had finished their family chat.LYCasTyzNszmCFGxbszhVwUfsGVccv
YvITasnZlpigkHALi Yingtang opened his folding fan with a rustle, “Take a walk with me, I have something to discuss with you in private.”cWxsTIROrJPfrBNnoVBchKuQplpCEQ
qbTOJRBzUYbpadeNing Rushen: ?vZbjDHxMdqKJOIQVyoekAqFfrCXMuh
EUYcniKFemNZVSqLi Wuting’s eyes suddenly deepened, showing a hint of caution, “If you have something to say, say it here.”zxufFrauLunoHyhQrnvMNRTIrIbPiR
nKHfBgmgWJmZgwVLi Yingtang said, “It’s a secret talk between women.”nCRGhufaRXKWmVlRGskRBiapbbKYqi
dSVVFbANXMGuLkfLi Wuting: …FAUoIgCSBJROUEZoTxvWeVnhrsOpey
zsnsgFDLEzjFBDSNing Rushen: Who said anything about women?RnTWRutlFdhgEJKwcqDHgZCkwXkNXj
lWGmoVcwydPeAKNBoth fell into silence, especially Li Wuting, whose face was as dark as the night. Just then, Li Jingyu’s clothes were pulled down as he looked up in confusion:krEJgqWBQWTYqZUGeiDquLkPfoHqdv
JIjFHVZDSmxssOb“Does Brother Emperor dislike Lord Ning being alone with other brothers?”UvCznSAYZVXFuXeLwfmaVvCORuggTy
ypzjDRFzmFlQTSu“…”taTKfmXogBEgJJrtiMIwZNJUQfdogs
XiYxAtFTanaGHdcA big hand lifted Li Jingyu up.PlBBRsPgjPZcBHeeTxEeQUYvIAkVXY
IpFObVkcansTOsvLi Wuting glanced at Li Yingtang, with a faint warning, “Go have your girl talk.”BzFppDLIklDJBHZEHCXIUYccVPvMlU
gKRsmKPdSFFQuElThe open countryside offered a vast, unobstructed view.OUeyQfHelqUtNBuJpEyLoAlRPfERXL
dxAYRYidGgaGoYwThe attendants stayed behind, and only Ning Rushen accompanied Prince Xuan on a stroll.zfRHFdQRVHVaKCxLRJNMSUyyqWbhgi
GWbRqnraGuVLVxuGlancing at Prince Xuan’s profile, Ning Rushen couldn’t imagine what secret conversation they could have.JGiNcYBSVJzKSmuzxXGNvSKcqlVdES
erbWeBUXGsVVoRkAfter walking for a while, Li Yingtang finally sighed and spoke, “Leaving the capital, I’m most worried about two people: my mother and the emperor. My mother has the emperor to look after her, but the emperor is shouldering everything alone… I really worry about him.”xycarFNzjzPmWKDySBaTOhKbhjWUgC
NrKjPPEddzdLnvp“…”mYuLYoUPclaBJkziYvgRkqPifduibf
aPdoKOpJtxcwQIyNo, you’re the one who’s most worrying.yzEwqZmwhAjUmvDyLoYxCdHvQngWaE
kJwEbTRAosPkmIZNing Rushen didn’t know what to say and could only continue, “The prince and the emperor have a brotherly relationship.”xZqwurEykzgfRUUSIdYNZVhDahITtE
CpmhtpolVREQupD“Naturally,” Li Yingtang smiled. “Outsiders always suspect our relationship and doubt the fraternal affection between the royal family. But I can distinguish right from wrong, and my heart is as clear as a mirror.”IaQIBDCjyVVqEdIEoFKatZgCzCHQay
YJGagmdkBaVcpcGHe pointed to the shallow scar at the corner of his eye. “Have you seen this scar?”RasSTAkJwWWHpWvVPiVzIXrrDDOgZa
EycUimFsRzJhVEdNing Rushen had noticed it as soon as he saw him.LTZZbvLrNebkNHqQdUWciNdAxMIMDN
RbsywYhaxjMupPoThe scar was not conspicuous, but it was also not easy to ignore. It marred Prince Xuan’s otherwise handsome and elegant face, like a flaw on a precious jade.LruaXXXSlAOUJftlyFdYhSBqSmkFDN
LgryZkcCjMIeONZHe asked, “This is…?”GnXtWhXxiZFwAsPlPvzvinrWQgwuQp
niOdwiiraYXCQsQLi Yingtang said, “You should know, the emperor’s birth mother is Lady Xian. My life was given by my mother, saved by Lady Xian, and protected by the emperor.”AIbJpFrNhhViWurUgSHiHrILmwsAHn
qirGlkYbwLApXRANing Rushen listened quietly, pondering the deeper meaning.BUzcIbKOzDNZkmPScIWapumQfpRxhG
fzZpgooqOTxWJvj“If it weren’t for Lady Xian, I wouldn’t have this scar, but would have lost my life instead.”vHWeNsIOogExVkJVFKgjpCYawWGowJ
MvWKcjMPqdNPyfpLi Yingtang gazed into the distance, seemingly lost in memories:KMkIZrXviztAIYykbSWinLxGMCihZD
kOEjkEkDOnPPxLN“In the early years, the Crown Prince was dominant and repeatedly harmed his siblings. One year, there was a heavy snowfall in the palace. I was still young, and my mother was punished and confined to the palace. The attendants around me were all sent away by the Crown Prince. He locked me in an old, abandoned palace courtyard, and I was almost frozen unconscious…”JvGqkMeRXoxNIqNOBnblTbYwpXbZui
mBJPFGfTUZrxpzt“The emperor and Lady Xian searched the entire palace, and it was Lady Xian who carried me out of the snow…”RZTeJytCpKCdDKEIOkByeQAPVPPBQr
QBNQwRYWTSSfDXxA gentle breeze rustled the grass underfoot, creating a soft, rustling sound.zUznMvFQaFlBzoumLGgUeIiFtBZiQc
DWBcCcJbBegiKyzIn the vast wilderness, only the tranquil and distant voice of Prince Xuan could be heard.fPkxnMBolAyvnknbJkoBjuEozLGETo
ljIekZzcqcBkefnListening to him talk about his rescue until his recovery, the story seemed to drift further and further away… Ning Rushen finally couldn’t help but interrupt, “Your Highness.”xnBEyoWdmvNGziUmtpCCiFNJgKQdzq
AZXQaimyAHrcudkLi Yingtang paused, “What’s wrong?”swRekvdzLlGYtvnUwoaJRKkOsMgoxF
xHOJSdSfTxOdpYbNing Rushen refocused on the main point of the story, “So, how did you get this scar?”aOQzWQVpCtHkNkKNwCfwtrrYUVddYD
MGPqQkkKUPxjdGl“Oh… this!” Li Yingtang seemed to remember, “It was when Empress Consort Xian found me, she was so excited that her fingernail scratched me.”YpjHwBXDPhYCTgYYRMnRBNWbRuRWbU
FkyHFfmweoneVKeNing Rushen looked at Prince Xuan with difficulty:hKFmHtINKEHBJLGWgSzixYboUMcorg
pRMGPFWDwWrcumHYour heart is not a clear mirror, but a funhouse mirror, all the important points are distorted.aaGuwuoMHqjcjdrHTKhOanudAAuVbM
TMRBMAEPnBOTFoSThe two stood silently for a few seconds.WUPxkOQNFmiEAtbUIlYBedVXfLtOcq
ljZwuuRhJByoAapLi Yingtang brought the conversation back, “Anyway, His Majesty is accustomed to bearing everything himself and is not good at expressing emotions. You often accompany him, so I hope you can be more observant.”etNYSnTpZIoiuNvQoaDqrlwIAZxeXq
umzBbrqQNVdfdSsNing Rushen nodded, “Of course.”pqFMlYlYJJiPMXQVEboOWzxBRFKrPk
xQHbwnIolUcDBaSLi Yingtang sighed twice, looked at him with relief and ripples, “If you have any requests, feel free to tell me.”VtQwOSFiCdgEBPYltikLSyHSpYxzll
jvYkHvDCBqysdDX“It is all within my duties, I…” Ning Rushen was speaking modestly and respectfully, but his thoughts suddenly shifted, and he stopped, “I just want to know, what exactly is that stack of paper?”FYcItQZsVhouAEmTYnsosppwiwoDeL
fKlCrbVkoCEmlVNWhy does everyone avoid discussing this with him?IOJxLXXyZCzhNxHjgqBarGxqbCbPAr
zenwFqQJfUBiHKcLi Yingtang, “…”ixmUsnMBDgdxiiVNEsUKGHDGYfcwHS
lysSPJsEJiQnOKgJust as he was about to speak, he suddenly thought of something, patted Ning Rushen’s shoulder, “Next time, find an opportunity for His Majesty to tell you in person.”LeVsCYRYzScPJNfZgJuHBgjduENOgJ
JLnyBVwyALLlWDfNing Rushen: ?ZpMIwpbBilrWUtmSsBxCOJLqjznQkg
LrAxWEokIVcijPqAfter the conversation, the two returned to the inn.FUSvwEJilalbelVQOgFAyVUDzFQBQu
mzIPGCXkyqiWDPWLi Wuting scrutinized them, “Finished chatting?”szkLcLFXLlqtwzeSrCorvecuASqrEC
KaQkVfoHYnkSKlNLi Yingtang, feeling refreshed, “Yes!”COBVdBnwSCQMJSojjqWHSYKHRsbqzZ
gwPRtyrulHmSZIl“…” Li Wuting furrowed his brows, glanced at Ning Rushen, who seemed lost in thought, then waved his hand to dismiss them, “It’s time to set off.”IBGXwlLbOTBFEHlDvkVOREiTwxtDgW
EetmPDLccnxlMWiThe auspicious time of 3:45 in the afternoon was passing.NaUeZGEAZVylzPNUjvtJTIjiNjOami
mNRQZrNNDWamaNtLi Yingtang finally reluctantly boarded the carriage and left in a cloud of dust.cSzjSXqykKXupPSqpCzpcmruaZBVjh
EFVyWGHXeFzrOebAfter sending off Prince Xuan, the others returned to the carriage.aQHLDpnsrmPAciDeewyJqgWPzPxXZb
UJqWVLTWhjMBjEbAs soon as Ning Rushen sat down, he heard Li Wuting’s voice beside him, “What were you talking about?”bNQnObfAgvXUCYOVCBAlnaryzFFgwX
LAGTALKUtVQablSHe pulled the snowy cloak out from under Li Jingyu’s buttocks and straightened it in front of him, “Just some idle chat.”EecdlNjTDuavFDLjvMgKnRlMyxAiqV
OTaNDqRoCLHygibLi Wuting looked at him.gFRgBkXdfwPMUKeirsPiaXmxrkBLdn
jolgwSMSjUDuDxyNing Rushen remembered Li Yingtang’s intricate and strange heartfelt words, couldn’t help but speak up for him, “His Highness Prince Xuan is pure at heart. If there is any offense to His Majesty in the future, it is purely unintentional.”zOHgrCjWWSXNfguopDqRmHqNLzkdLw
rflWUuzjQllqtJu“…”.IIvIRFldPzGDcCzFSHZhlleFgpMRGn
LYDgUUdytuTsdkYLi Wuting’s eyebrows furrowed as if pondering the definition of “innocence.”UpaAbFcyJipWZdZqBHWkTAktLeYWuH
QncyzwgEdOZbibXAfter a moment, he carefully considered, “Did he say anything to deceive you, or ask you to do some strange things?”EpdbLYaATYpWeVrYxehUdEimYvlKbC
cvlZMIazCkLkOfPNing Rushen, full of doubt, leaned closer. “What strange things?”JcxXEiKUqPTaCjBNDFXWgzQBjOaXle
uXEufUBEHIbzyNmThe carriage passed through the city gate, and the light dimmed. His snow-white cloak was particularly eye-catching in front.fZujDipPraksuLqSRQzgNGURhvghsE
oLuECghRlswJcQDAs the carriage swayed lightly, Ning Rushen’s leaning body also swayed, his breath causing strands of hair to flutter, creating a slight tickling sensation.ezrvOqjcQyCxRAZXqiGtkRHRpCGZjc
fzJPQJOWalLeQBDLi Wuting looked down at him. “To…”nMjksnbVzjkLbrqrZpFGGxxnttzISH
HtRdjEobufGrjlMBefore he could finish, the light in the carriage brightened again.ZTnXznyjYioWRRJKGVAteGvLxYtyZR
wVXEjyYTyIqiZGNImmediately, Li Jingyu’s little head also popped out from behind, stacking on Ning Rushen’s shoulder, eagerly looking over. “What strange things?”CZxUXxUReMKAILIFjayBPdyJQBwngS
SyVrkHHtFliFUTULi Wuting looked at the two pairs of eyes in front of him, paused, and then said, “Nothing, sit properly.”SFtYqYzKaJXzNnZtyAjxBuPoxqWAWo
DZyEBaYCWRycSbnThe two of them retreated, “Oh.”PijHtPFbHwuiqZXLfpqgBIWRrrrwcv
pzQuhhiSfPsTbUN…KjbGibKJTwjvOTsZQVDuqbdxRiVXqJ
BvdhktxMQbULwAuThe carriage entered the capital.QSAAvoSNWwoeTRnwUEIYZNxApDOQcr
lmSTgOrhULApfjfPassing through the city and heading back to the palace in the direction of the Ning Residence, after a while, Li Wuting asked outside the curtain, “Where are we?”PLYqyLzTPtZbttlzPSxIPRoRvPSpQa
pRerVzExROvGoGJ“Back to Your Majesty, we’re almost at Dongsi North Street.”QlhOaBUDsrtJKvMOThAHZYVjQlearX
xigZlglUwfeyGFH“I’ll make a stop at the East City Military Office ahead.”drYPHAizLTODjedyWtlODJLIrCfOeq
obphRuYQEXxfyWzNing Rushen leaned out to peek through the curtain. “Where is this? Should I get off first?”PoOSVrPLMZkhMWnrPAhVqtkidVhCrN
BATsLEdxroWAluOLi Wuting said, “…sit back. It’s not far from your residence. We’ll drop you off at the next street ahead, and you can walk one street over.”YCLdinqQGJTvVNyvVAUcgzdbWbGnDq
yQsDqJtZWEWVZDMListening to this, it seemed he had considered it for him.zgUNUkaBvsLobmMtNdQgiosiYLeiJQ
liFwAaEGMHQNSyrNing Rushen sat back. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”gvbGoHdjtOlIyTQgRpNFAjwcnsTPMx
QxcvNhxRAXNZJjWSoon, they arrived at the next street corner, and the carriage stopped.vfaOuBCAvdPYMYwnDljHJClcoYdyNf
GfYhcIawKMRQhvZNing Rushen got up to bid farewell, and Li Jingyu looked around, asking, “Brother Emperor has official duties, should this brother also get off?”iaGVAoDqMyuGoYuYdqCqQKVtBgCZcu
GFYtplcfBZTpBTZLi Wuting said, “You’ll come with me.”pzCILKifwKmifbkUWHVKmdrFNicGCD
VKnrcdppPThuzCwLi Jingyu nodded. Ning Rushen glanced at the two brothers, bowed, and got off the carriage.WhPEkRMHowkmKDmYEMOpnaOeckmsBe
dPvoGIwcmfqfMbIOutside the carriage was a long market street.SQAgPpjbtxGfZPTCYsyTeFHvfMrxKt
WjfPqVrojgcPiDjThere were various stalls on the side of the street, and the whole street was neither quiet nor noisy. At the end of the street, just around the corner, was Ning Mansion.PSFenzwUroKahWnwfBgVzRyhAqdHWA
BdbAbOmIlIABGCbAt this moment, Ning Rushen happened to have nothing to do, so he walked and looked around.VpxprhBdWJuVqmfEjvyiwpPPaJlenR
UADWVXeUApmRyIcAfter walking forward for a while, he suddenly heard a commotion ahead—rapid horse hooves mixed with pedestrians’ cries! He turned around to see a young man in luxurious clothes galloping down the street.aNwihSESdtcrvPxCmAzoVBCDCENELY
xNuVcQFHSaHhVcBThe horse galloped fiercely, and in an instant, it was just a few steps away.LpwwyWiZxVpVSGSfVqNTUCqJgOqbKh
ZTxkczzbYPSISTjNing Rushen was startled and quickly stepped aside!SgyYrZtbHufSyZaXMHKiBdkQeiLYVC
bLtQoKESMCPVkoEThe surrounding pedestrians and vendors also panicked and dodged, causing chaos on the street for a moment:PiurtaMtrzWUeVVUbzCdHDonLkDuXT
aCXTxRKhfGyfwek“Quick, get out of the way!” “Move aside, pushcart!”lDgUwzXBtLnARBOTaCAOKlhIQuspdm
fJncGrpvzOnZTWPThe arrogant horse passed by like the wind.QpOFIQvgmMsEQpYQKdyZEtFizOLxok
gndUkKrjKFrYRuKJust as Ning Rushen stepped back to a stall, a pushcart unexpectedly collided with him from the side, “Be careful!”TSJgswUOdxkwRTZnDaxcQlVITmFzKK
rSMGZsGsALMMclSThe pushcart banged against the edge of the stall.OJniHumPaMKckogipHguXhNwBcJINC
KwLqeXEsrJPDqjJAt the same time, the cart frame hit Ning Rushen’s waist heavily, “Ugh…!” He groaned in pain, supporting himself on the edge of the stall, his knuckles turning white with effort.DCGUntKSDqUMFyGzKzOEORxzlhUPgb
sFhgIXPUdeAlxZDA head of black hair hung down, covering half of his face.dcLTLKjQjCxSsqIllSgWSgzZodwnwH
VnhfPBuuYKWyQTcOnly a slight trembling of the slender shoulders could be seen, and under the lifted snow-colored cloak, a crimson official robe was revealed.BHUXnJfodGdWjtKgrTVNvppbBaUIdj
sMsUEAohWNhRsPnThe surrounding pedestrians were instantly shocked: it was an imperial official.tFtCsUPMQStaNPEnShdTYGwgdBUrCo
IYdugZPNEBNBVkQThe vendor pushing the cart collapsed to his knees in fear, “This humble one has collided with the lord, please spare me, lord, please spare me!”eZKQbZoaSOatgZuTdKvdPrTZzrefVg
AbjthEsMUyEbrTuNing Rushen was in pain, his waist throbbing. He endured it and waved his hand, “It’s not your fault. My mansion is just ahead, go and call someone for me.”XFMXJyvVEPTDpwTOVxgmSZHGEumWnC
nseCIyjRRBEzQcx“Yes, my lord!”mWeMTBxWADDXFuYlbfhneOSTFCYlSm
HpraQsFSqbRfyWlIn the short moment when the vendor went to call for help,jYUPnilviNHqLlxPooAqUzSORunnPf
EYFrxAUtgQgFfyQNing Rushen finally caught his breath. He looked around at the mess, “The East City Garrison is just two streets away. Who would be so bold?”jnPAaMnqMUlrKnztdyYGhzEEhAtYik
CStMLXSTaLbvjUoA merchant cautiously said, “In response to the lord, that person is Young Master Yu from the Yu Family, which…which manages the East City Garrison.”rmUAmEeKnvOtDlmGfTEPjCVyzJWgwD
phdizagHAponNlFNing Rushen had no memory of these aristocratic families.nWQnpNgsohCgmSqOKrErCLftNeEUVy
rBndUemXJRjTeGxUsually, he would ride a carriage to and from the court, and aside from a few colleagues, he didn’t know anyone, let alone the scions of aristocratic families.dShpGnAiddovkgggkdxXPFPmpjJjCJ
VeHUVUvuUZtgNrnHe didn’t expect to encounter such an annoying person riding a horse in front of his own home.KRsXOzvDpkQsjntKzpOSVPcpQMFKMD
LsUlYxxvlXNxCPlIn just a few words, Yan Min and Shiyi quickly arrived.ZXjbrUcQpgkjfnturweeeQSlzYizSi
UBIcdnMJmERIiFVYan Min was shocked when she saw him, “My lord, how did you end up in such a sorry state!”VeZLiXfsWFFnYdCIbwXpydKZHIbFze
CApPaATAhkvtRZy“What torment, he was just knocked down.”RTkaEtAHlbDQbMsQtMeLRpkLQavIdf
iolhUnOUFkZFAOHYan Min shouted again, “My lord, your face is even paler than before!”OAnLScuIdwNtuzRDOAvxCOfBrNAuMe
CBvFRnfMJXwdqLFNing Rushen closed his eyes and breathed shallowly, “Shh.”kdsRthMtLrjQgLbyyMUIOQMobOpWJL
RivXWjcsOmuxcIk“Your voice is too loud, it’s ringing in my ears.”LPnSsGZqdiHNWwYHDHnVmZKGqRqzZG
joEpBsWQDrPaIJYHe climbed onto Shiyi’s back, patting his shoulder, “Take me back to my room first, then get a doctor for me.”OrRZNhWLzlCnhRDHyAROTcDaLIwosY
wRNeAvOMMGoovZf“Yes.” Shiyi carried him and flew off.LwqvXalcpPLdsGDkGlnVKYASyHPqOC
FSfFuhPAdrsfHKcThe rushing wind whistled past his ears as Ning Rushen lay on Shiyi’s back, the pain finally clearing his mind a bit:IIiMPYoxYkDezsPJnCNIlduTqqPEjA
zDxogWBZLuuHrkPThe Yu Family, isn’t that one of his favorite restaurants?jzLfrBDpiPAQHIJvuxGymSORJaWxva
gzQnLcsuSVQDdSZ·qXTeDMbfXEuAnPZuQclcGxbeAgnzRU
oZRpFmnMaTMsBTLNing Rushen returned to the mansion and lay on the bed, gasping for air.LchjpIWjIRDhHcPBHxgJaMVkNlGkmm
XNravFoQUxmSRAyThe doctor arrived at the mansion shortly after.DfzcGhLPiuPulgHkLuKEBmbiluKEGk
VKosxNZcGJgLfooAs his outer garments were removed and his undershirt lifted, it revealed a large bruise on Ning Rushen’s side, stark against his pale skin, looking terrifying.NxIWybVRhXUSuZnxvNbCqKAvdYgTTh
asxIzSCHhjNymTw“My lord, the impact was severe, fortunately it didn’t injure your muscles or bones.”KLOwEcylyHAEnkcTgzhgCtKhqcGTmy
dQJBAPWpFmBJsGiAfter examining him, the doctor also took his pulse. “My lord’s body is weak, with poor circulation of qi and blood. Besides the ointment for external application, this humble one will also prescribe some medicine for my lord’s overall health.”crEeyXObgiTRDufLIiiXkBmliwEcZF
ReowewgNoOWYEXa“Mmm…” Ning Rushen buried his face in the pillow, thanked the doctor, and had Yan Min lead the doctor downstairs to get the medicine.iYzKfOlahngjrbMdSIFdCWiuBhBpYj
wutUtmLRtEbdCoHFeeling exhausted all over, he lay on the bed and slept for a while.ZpauskOgMwlPvLJhtfKzvZBXLtYhCT
JXBkBOtuZMNBBVlWhen he woke up groggily, the medicinal soup was ready.pLjgihhqNicHsXUIGzKxvEBaDwCoiV
IWpMsTQDxyZrMwtXing Lan brought the medicine over, and a sour bitterness hit him.yBbRcYVRhQvyVyOIYzdIUGyYwxULga
gfUhnlbmBcwIdjsNing Rushen stared at the dark bowl, took a small sip tentatively, and shuddered at the bitterness, as if his soul was leaving his body.ODJPmYHFbFEorbiFyddmNiReIvkyeI
xMkoTBFoUmpdbupXing Lan asked, “My lord, is it good?”apdVBBJoJNoVDfvHIZlNhwTOAvjrHy
UMVoGlZFEydBDSuNing Rushen closed his eyes, “I just had a hallucination, I saw an old woman holding the bowl…”SaDYjscRKrfRGVIDnqoRAXYSOqOGPL
XlpnKmTcSzchuEsXing Lan gasped, “That’s Meng Po!”bHmemJajSimcFvuoHmQVrssWSIHSgZ
ZmduYlNVCVsqBxX“Set it aside for now, I can’t drink this.” Ning Rushen couldn’t handle something so bitter.BjsmuzgkxOtHblekKbjguDfmpCItWS
CGENsEAVcwVPpKWHe turned his head and saw Shiyi standing at the door.XYdbVKDRrMcmRMHjRQwwVVqViMxsaU
ZaKlaNeHQQNhTEHFeeling that he wouldn’t be able to attend court tomorrow in this condition, Ning Rushen said to Shiyi, “Go and ask for leave for me.”drFkLLQojDsKmyUCvzOVlmxTAjFamO
JpicZiLEIIsSWTFHe wasn’t sure about the rules for requesting leave, but it didn’t matter, Shiyi would know for sure.JrnlYkHzCAWTMxIrBhRBvDBLcmqYzG
WPPIPmTPYnFJNoCAfter listening, Shiyi nodded and left.tzINLfBOFTGVfVfedMEULHtFqxTaZN
yYMJvtObvumxvfA…FqqnWAfAhdXJmfGOvKCOsNqqHPglnl
zfVSNuRfBiKYKzBIn the palace, in the Hall of Nurturing Harmony.jEPjgvVkLfOkZPfIfthpHhJADOreoV
CzFFsAbkrFhuJZgLi Wuting returned from the East City Barracks, dealt with a bunch of government affairs, and just settled down to change into comfortable casual clothes.KHhnFmdKULhKySLMpVacXLgDnYSBMr
JpKMjrQKXmCaXEK“Has Jingyu been sent back?”lkkXCxjVJQDIRSunCJLvbDcNrvrnuY
jRqOnBjQuzEhlXVDe Quan bowed, “The young prince has safely returned to the mansion.”OVpRZEspUzEhzGgVkOIKEFkCjPTwGK
rFxWMWKmkLELBjuLi Wuting nodded, then paused. He walked to the low table and sat down, casually picking up a scroll and opening it.eYnjYabDUPNxePiNzBtjfzzoStKmHm
JjbhQYPuoSuGLPvDe Quan observed the emperor’s expression and said, “I presume Lord Ning has also safely returned to his residence.”DuxdAflwPXMPkllJISuUILPUlqHovL
mvLcBOfaOiXozwiA faint hum sounded from nearby.MmGqvabgJFepwwTRPkoPudJxvevXhI
GrhTOzwBszlaUJqLi Wuting didn’t speak, just turned the pages of the book.wgHyOxWVhRmTMMMYbzFWUcWbjQuKOa
YfLvlOoWOJjHyMkThe hall was quiet for a while, then suddenly a faint movement came from outside the hall. Li Wuting looked up to see a familiar yet distant figure landing in front of him—yIFExmbGoTogfcjCCzfGAaRKlpfioY
whppZCcOQUrFUafShiyi returned to the long-abandoned Hall of Nurturing Harmony and bowed.nufsLRpZXrlDkmeaBPTlsRdDSaJTTs
rIozCYygcnlIzJYLi Wuting furrowed his brow, “Why are you back?”weTxzniSgURQNBGLWzzSuPljLZMGyi
uvWcIxhWoCXNjHoShiyi said, “Your… Majesty, Lord Ning asked this humble one to help him request leave, so he won’t be able to attend early court tomorrow.”BGjJbaBZugImanyYsjpzmtOVNAzWcV
EpCVuDDbCszRIsR“What’s going on?”jhKHmvZkRaBFMtiPUKRGZmDnbsstzC
mlgLHEQQIQHJqxo“Yujia’s son rode a horse in the street, and Mister Ning got injured.”MdxIRsPNTggYpOperOlpwkLOKklcAQ
CVOPGfjohmspTOjAs the words fell, silence engulfed the room around the low table.DiaKneNFMFKGkKvkSpPlYRQnkqHARe
RNEcDJmsWPFzhSuDe Quan’s heart sank: He had just prayed for Mister Ning’s safe return home, and now he was injured!ZMKDWwSKhyXzULBRxVgwjcdxJsGUFN
eRHnEBZpreHMZOxMoreover, he was injured after parting ways with His Majesty.GyXgsboFpWoFcliYBxScottEzfXWoz
AAdjjdjvczTeUzOSpeaking of His Majesty…zgAkzkeVDsvoqVbZLtvKscbbYGIcFo
TdTjpujYEdxyJreHe glanced sneakily at Li Wuting’s expression, but saw his face as calm as water, with no hint of emotion. However, with his many years of experience, he feared that his mood was not good.AdggCTzPkETufnXwBlLEFSkThpDFAS
eEhfZbqqvcEmkoAAfter a few moments of silence, Li Wuting spoke, “How is the situation? Has the doctor seen him?”leqzAnzQcuKVEsmTNZekxSAnyRIedE
ijaWhzuENNvzKbrPick-up replied, “The injury is very serious, but not life-threatening. The doctor prescribed medicine, but Mister Ning finds it too bitter to drink.”YwNSlfxjNEcXHVwzlnrVjEWvzdwTHB
XTNfjskfYZIYNAv“…”xCsjZcrOipHprLTMsTWOptqQLMEzwE
kIhwzRBBJxUyBlbLi Wuting was speechless at this and felt a bit annoyed. “He refuses to take the medicine because he wants—”KNGpxoIHjRUUVpmRoVRqzCKplkkvfj
jzuuiQmqpkpXJkL“…He wants me to feed you personally, Ning Lang.”ZBLJIpXOHTsOZNhchZLqnDbfNzCpYX
yjGGKaGDviuqzIWThe dialogue seamlessly appeared, fitting naturally into the scene.BzzMxKaTNzHlZsVQMXwHCSFNMnljCT
WDVEmqpgdSEPbcqLi Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose: …ZsZtaVzlJRNjvdzRGcOjdZGiRSaJbF
NncRtIzwFiIUZRpHe remained silent for a moment, then finally stood up. “In any case, it was I who asked him to get off the carriage. Let’s go, let’s go see him.”kvsGldmKahEfgCuExOHATGaKKggEPL
NAPBxmMsYWnmziADe Quan smiled awkwardly, “How could it be blamed on Your Majesty? It’s all because that Yujia’s son is too arrogant, it’s outrageous! But when Your Majesty visits Mister Ning, I’m sure Mister Ning will be delighted and happily drink the medicine!”CyAlEtYeRaRLedVsoYXMrSinRFGoFw
PxJTRewchPndwjyLi Wuting was getting a headache from his repeated mention of “drinking medicine.”jDMYMdXTbuwjEWZRIohfOHKXDBWhua
orNredizoRebCgt“Alright, let’s leave the palace.”HCVHbyWRcByXnAFpQwWTqEHJbCdbPB
LGwxtpsJVDHWxfV·nfRzwxuvfIlmFPxtwLwfCcXoQaWnNS
JXgCpZilLftluByIn the main house of the Ning residence.TYzKRyyVPrPkGLUAqobMRqsisbdCSr
bwgisthXBkgacYFNing Rushen had just taken medicine and was wearing only a small shirt, with a thin blanket draped over him.IkHWvRrWtxobDiLshjzuZSdSiputjs
rhFlWMtbJLQHHhtHe was lying down when suddenly a shout came from outside the door, “Ning Chen!”SMCKiHDSmLipIRjTdTWBEIvodhwfpY
XcGEeSnilKqzOapImmediately after, Geng Yan rushed in like a gust of wind, “What’s going on? I heard from your staff that you’re injured? I’ve called a few friends, they even said they’d come to take you out to play!”QfTWjDeTgteZuFURCXPwWHbZknidpP
tiKnPBkUyrgISyFNing Rushen covered his ears, “Keep it down… What are you guys playing?”uePYPQFctGqpAWwDBArvRWDcTFvGCy
lGRnHLkOeuamoFgGeng Yan, “We’re going to have fun together.”tdsvMaaEyryypoKypgZXqUjcxhWuBX
wKVSwVbyAvRGMuE“…” Ning Rushen released his ears, “What?”qGFodhJVehICUweHGUtTRYigFsHDRH
ISmIZDTtTvxaWknDid he not hear clearly?NTTjiBUPNBajJiYJpARhXkorgVjZnF
lUnUKdFoLxjxuiAIs the little dog saying something dangerous?QhlAqMgLMZpDYpKqKByDrLXUQJsnxO
rhGzdcTxXBJwTcUGeng Yan, “Have fun! We’re going boating, remember? You taught us, right?”rQpDwTbmbGsltVpOePMNSRKtkTgAgx
XJXlniGHJuxVsUpNing Rushen pursed his lips, looking speechless.gWPGYeQAwrjBLJbzpiHarLnVGFwKHx
kGjBzxSjYWBXWTdGeng Yan didn’t notice his slightly stunned expression and continued, “Now that you’re injured, you can’t go boating anymore. By the way, where are you injured? How did it happen?”yGdCKGuPDFPUAPRXTdjtIWsaVzvNTE
xUQaqXJISIAFdadNing Rushen smoothly changed the topic, “On my waist, I was hit.”qhJklHxeorQgUMQSPiOGlZWyrmZdjD
ZeXEqImiNEAkUme“Gasp… Can I see?”lQouPgVAwsuzSsKXqCEvezSrvUGMKr
tvyzHUIEgKtALeHGeng Yan leaned forward, lifting the edge of his thin blanket.NKMewUdPnHjghNPcfoityrhlpOgVcM
urBcTYdmGqBqUjJA gust of cool wind rushed in, causing Ning Rushen to shiver. “Are you still…” He was about to instruct someone to let go when suddenly, he heard a commotion outside, followed by the dimming of the light from outside.GSXyRFbgXHGsBVtWpcnVHOAkaQtjbn
jxPkfUzwSeeKWfJAhead, there were two hurried and faint sounds: “Heng heng!”lcGsGHcMclBUbCLHasJOGQQFMEanzZ
rvAThhhjlPSPGwaNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat. He abruptly raised his head—PpdehljzAFUisyqREiGJWvmONEecDQ
NgUoXSSeHIoLSJGOnly to see Li Wuting standing at the door, looking towards him with his hands behind his back. Beside him were De Quan, who was making frantic gestures, and Yan Shu, who was silent as a cicada.HSdTZZqDkgPMpXQuQCTEHTVqefUioF
wjDBghHEGDyWUjNTheir gazes met across half the room.RtEuxfMrWCmyvcKWXjvMwpQCilCxmH
rXLxWHkHirsrZxW“…”eHwGwlnueAqlPapvabreGFWLMHEEwH
EfhNZfMIhtHEDdqGeng Yan, by the bed, faced that gaze, his hand trembling inexplicably as he gently covered the thin blanket over himself again.uhFddVmUIkiVIREyksmLNqZNpjZewB
qThVnRAyyBUMHygPpFjHdzKUaTmhrnYfkBqHJZgHTGNfj