This official is so weak

A small storefront, yet business was booming. As Ning Rushen and Geng Yan strolled by at mealtime, they found the place packed. In the noisy lobby, only one round table near the window remained empty.DDViOniGfbfTNPPdyypMfqgXIRbkVg

ywtQxfSPXUjrmRg

Geng Yan ordered a few items and then asked, “How did you manage to get into the palace last night? Did something urgent come up?”EmzXWynacXzTWzlYPczjfWFKadTtDk

pUSPgifOLByUkjz

Ning Rushen absentmindedly replied, “No… just wanted to grab a bite.”swUlXoDzfbTvbyzGjQUKWiojAindFv

mJpshRNhEMMDNyV

His mood suddenly became complex and hard to express. Seeing Ning Rushen’s casual demeanor, Geng Yan couldn’t help but tease him.qAfAzTmsSMlkJauMwZrpIIVRduMWQH

wZpgzJGiMTpoiAn

As they began to chat, voices from the bustling lobby behind them interrupted. A waiter hurried over and said, “Excuse me, the restaurant is nearly full. Would you mind sharing a table with other guests?”ABoPyUAHxdslsTCQVkBCSovdsqOgam

zTGpviSxBmLXJhk

Dressed in luxurious attire, with fragrant sachets and jade belts, they approached the table. When Ning Rushen looked up, he recognized the young men in noble attire, especially the leader—Yu Tiao.oDWyYMjmMJRnQbHQNfsFVoBIhtPwQq

yixMecoYhKvPQQd

The two groups locked eyes, the atmosphere tense.iddOVnJTbblxUmKrvDSsJuhzKRhWFQ

reKPoWqiigDxRoj

Yu Tiao spoke first, neither friendly nor hostile, “Oh, who knew someone was making such a grand display, occupying a whole table. It turns out to be Lord Ning.”OPkpWgkqCyzZpjwTgxAkJZHCSGPfKG

kWXIywqoWNdTVaB

Ning Rushen replied calmly, “Oh, so it’s not about sharing a table, but about sharing fathers.”TwJfutwKVNquYXsFqiLMOyoJVlrlQz

WdQJcWRxJEhBFhn

Yu Tiao was furious. “You…!”LStndkPFDONgvochPioWCbXQFUFWkq

lUYRHyTjRLzgiaU

The waiter nervously wiped his sweat nearby, “Gentlemen, please be civil.”BmNXfoZqfIlGDTcJVSkPuoekNBGOPg

FTSEOMAopEKXMez

Seeing the young nobles still standing at the table, Ning Rushen was considering whether to trip them with his leg or lie flat on the table to block them from sitting down…ILTahxMVNikfdVFnSmnmIJFbqShysH

tkylhPRjdUsWcDj

A voice interrupted, oblivious to the tension, but quite familiar.JYKQyHHXvoDPxphAwuDBVaxnyGecWf

IPvTjsWbNFcSKTY

Ning Rushen turned and saw Yi Shiyi holding two bags of freshly baked pastries. Recognizing him, Yi Shiyi nodded in surprise, “It’s you, sir.”CCOjMyREZlBjxtIZpyddYPIaMqlhCn

QRaETMtVjkvxeLo

Ning Rushen thought, Why is it you?MNgyGCSANfxjXTGCnnpOwYUcWzvhuZ

OHdqfZxgvHkKROD

Seems like buying pastries allows for a flexible schedule.kOmPzkrRUbGnFVXRAkNnKbKQFZfYIi

CGYLulTXmUvNSKQ

Yu Tiao and his friends frowned. “Who’s this?”irCZLENqLzGspLBArCXgIUrSEdbhja

wpqhgbiiPdfPaWP

Ning Rushen glanced around and suddenly changed his mind, nodding toward them, “Please, have a seat.”girJdgYMnYOkVuibUmfPJEOfOxKqGT

qfwYeFqRvJodzgX

Yi Shiyi graciously took a seat beside them.bAughzVpFxAnHESsboEsOAjgAMWlCV

wHfleuwUcbmzbbh

Yu Tiao and his friends exchanged glances and sat down as well.tgCQGPPWnLpOiAMJGXFGEhoQzLTFbe

McCdvGOJwrjauhg

The waiter hurriedly brought the menu, calming the situation at the table. Ning Rushen looked at the group in front of him, realizing he had inadvertently brought together people who shouldn’t be together.eoxhNVcAWTMQFFypgBhYMsVUedMsZh

qytJJnzTuvVLybC

Ignoring the people across from him, he turned to Yi Shiyi, “What are you doing here?”WxvSbepqJUMIfOHCGtxNaEazcPnfpz

NRbVFLcoiojJZVw

Yi Shiyi replied, “I lined up for pastries all morning and got hungry. A friend mentioned this restaurant in the west of the city, so I came.”hERHjUoRUkrUyJfMGaJCKcuVnvhXto

ssyExSoPXrDLIoJ

Ning Rushen thought, …qvdgnXaIZpIBdZykdvELZUqDZHlnIY

OVhqstquPMXDCkO

As they talked, the dishes they ordered arrived one after another.xPqFsuXxvuNbdEsdxUcsupwSXnKowr

OxAfizyiPrIHTUn

Ning Rushen picked up his chopsticks and started to pick at the dishes on the table, while the conversation continued on the other side.nrTDugpJflMNCxtFlLFeagBsjSUglV

GUPtOxsTJyfulud

“I heard someone who was seriously injured and sick for a long time, but still seemed able to eat and run.”FlzwYFyEujUrtIECAzXpTXdHKeMKjT

nHEOpORFXSIgBOc

“Without adding some spice, how can things be made big?”iToGmdJxfqGlsyRiMOOdGwlqGuBRjg

AvXRLYiEMGFzRQU

Snap! Geng Yan slammed his chopsticks down. “You mother——”OcHMUkkCeUMoMyvdjmGxiabumhAGxi

ZYnmGgeVVIREUAB

Ning Rushen raised his hand and closed his jaw.ITzrxjLsGEdiIOtJsinoIyzYHamoxx

IqqNZkOvhArtdvv

Geng Yan, “Er…!”IJUMXAOWDLkQZYLIxoTYqBRwqFcaRi

MgrcNcxMStKcGfr

Ning Rushen caught a glimpse of the grass on the wall gently swaying again, and then changed the subject:bZiAxybvugzQGLxEHmgaFXhrrDXbtf

FBkIGUTuskhaJBR

“Discussing court officials in public, do you know what crime that is?”vvSMSuwwMhjOcETgyNLYcFXaOHrnov

pChaqjjcOPyrhZt

Yu Tiao was immediately ignited by his words. “What, Lord Ning is going to report to the court again? You can try, let’s see if the emperor will punish you!”SkYMsWLSHSVLZwzgBMRRPgLHroGaNe

ZWJFCsFmnwqsOau

Another young man from a noble family chuckled, “Don’t forget, Lord Ning is an orphan… Oops, I misspoke. He’s a lone seedling, neither high nor low, probably doesn’t understand the weight of the noble families.”nAmTsYxadqeYoiNZtmgJBZbjTkOEpn

IwwPKUYUqvrzXfZ

Seeing their arrogance, Ning Rushen knew they were completely unaware that they were about to be dealt with by Li Wuting—DYheLbzRWtRmlgJhXxRIPPZsZUErUp

FlFSsehBHAUltci

After all, their families were not punished when the Cui family fell.gkUkFXabZQKcXKsSxTnoPfJmVmmPHG

NEbCclyspSnQLAu

Even after the incident with the horse riding, the Yu family’s examination qualifications were not revoked. They probably thought the young new emperor was still wary.kDUYssCRfPeqyhqEcWWXDfIQcjTKsG

pLypFEDBCXgnhnE

Just stay out of trouble and you can still get by…UzIQxgaITSEFADQKbqWDBbnDcKeOap

hshezCJeTJwgxbC

Ning Rushen scooped up some salty tofu brain. He didn’t say anything, but the others became even more arrogant, the conversation even vaguely touching on imperial power…gKZKTToKVRvDVYsWJQTOYmCzAmvCGt

pgLcyfWzVJxOdVL

Just then, there was a loud bang!tllznYErkzTIQSwvoqMJmZPErGIQNj

lFnPJizntBUnCId

A dark and chilly long knife slammed onto the table, abruptly silencing the table.OnuwDpTpfsLiSrwsrFbCLhDbzyfHaf

bRsgqGVfvrpNADW

Shiyi put down his bowl. “Say one more word, and I’ll beat you.”JuSQjwVZQOSaplTZhrFEHpIxrGfbaG

EStQTvCWMwyGbiC

The young men from noble families fell silent.TeTEMmIuiPaHnzivYsyDpPXTTqVIgS

uhvEQusofkdUStL

Yu Tiao trembled with anger and muttered, “Evil tyrant!”XqqFqWhaBEHPgevigXVNwOjDARUhFM

AjtMkDIlIdDzaZf

Ning Rushen thought of Shiyi’s master and couldn’t help but laugh.gYDsCIekGyazEWJBBULPdyUqbmCvqf

KKpkkEGRWbcpREx

The tense meal ended.QJjSLxSGUVUZMnUjwUcafUHHCxJAQu

pCkuSwhMOCvQrdx

As Yu Tiao and the others left the table, they couldn’t help but mutter threateningly, “We’ll see.”hDBlmlPyeUJtFSmfmYGsDqhVWEzvDE

VXmnmXcYHSCHQEM

Ning Rushen smiled, “Goodbye.”FYeTFXxflQAKThkEGHfrZNqkyYfnio

aMKeaCpnFIvWwgj

The group frowned and left inexplicably.qALJzgFnBlgMlQwxlDkmYXIXttSUdo

ipSCZdqlHsWYOqz

After lunch, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan left the restaurant and strolled through the streets.iakszaezObwQWCSgoxBnIhhkFTKCSC

hdECrDnqkYvqcun

Shiyi was sent back to the mansion along with the baked buns.WZkXdABrCKPIIpiVfLtmaEsTipSLaP

sLnJJUshyPWyVmS

Ning Rushen folded his hands. “Can these noble family kids pass the imperial examination?”jLzQtTjBRpqwKThqOsTIpLaToUzkTa

peJuAjYtoeYIMLe

Geng Yan said, “The children of the noble families in the capital have been studying at the National University since childhood, so their starting point is naturally different from that of the common people. Moreover, most of the examiners for the imperial examinations are also graduates of the National University…”LVURfAePWUsNLkRblGwlZLqXJbaODW

vONDTEoQCwIONdz

Ning Rushen understood: It was like an enhanced version of their own school’s advantages.VwoRPcDwoVtmSNzRbQWKinlQPzcVDs

TrXdosYMzwjYgmR

When the topic turned to examinations, he simply called for Geng Yan, “Let’s go take a look at the Ministry of Rites.”JRgIvVXbwDKeVUucnTiSEPbHWURabI

mGaRNkXEKkYjzMC

The journey from here to the Ministry of Rites was not far.bOthKumXqnYpaSroIpJyPqeKwzqwrR

OsvyvLFzOFOOjGc

Before long, Ning Rushen saw the gate of the Ministry of Rites.VToBpxxJTgImcCFCTlgjkpdLiSNqTB

VpvVtbBditamHmm

As usual, he walked in as if he belonged there, and from a distance, he heard his friend calling out to him, “Minister Guan—”PpfRuuyohRmAtqsvRRzYPtuRPcShBb

cnKYWQnsKRWLtSn

Just around the corner, he saw a row of guards standing in front of the hall door.mJBoKEHqNRhifwlwhzKQkOIDeGVvkD

PVAUmTXBJyEkFAx

Ning Rushen’s steps halted, and he instantly felt a sense of foreboding.mJWdxmtftZoEjYeslCNZJJivwhpRzU

EXTOuvYwhvClmpA

The next moment, De Quan’s smiling face appeared, warmly welcoming them, “Oh, Lord Ning, Minister Geng~ Are you here to see His Majesty, who is inspecting the Ministry today?”GzKxGkYfpgIbNMYbyxsALHmDOnvZGk

AsQoMuoGDyViPOZ

Ning Rushen, “…”eNAlMsJYSHiIqcJGLvddbZnaEurFye

sEnprcjJWzbWDfL

He didn’t know, he was just a little kitten.BRhpQQhsxMAQUffORMggYOkfKmQDXK

vzjFfBkmFXXzRLG

Geng Yan, “…”uWCBYaKtRsZImcMJDNZLJXHhgkEJGx

ZxDeAxavEzvrWHA

Geng Yan glanced at him quietly.aCGLquEjKSOKisXQLDJqsHkJZocYBv

WjPyvgJYgcDigSj

Ning Rushen silently conveyed to him: This time, it really has nothing to do with him.RtvkgnhgLcGybEyPBkROhPQBZEuEXH

AofESCDcQCyrEJM

The two followed De Quan inside.NliRqmpWhupjaYSeZiFVfXQRABMArz

QKZnAUQIoHVossM

Inside the hall, officials were waiting, Guan Fan and Huo Mian were there, and Li Wuting was standing in front of everyone, turning to look at Ning Rushen when he heard him.nhdycOnynkHJLDxgfELTmbHCRBBLjp

AiDJHDfLdDBRwFk

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”MSdmjnGEedCwyuATSDpYwzvXeQhIYA

NiKEPUrHmTTdnrO

As their eyes met, Li Wuting didn’t ask him in front of everyone, “Are you here to mooch a meal again?” But Ning Rushen inexplicably sensed something in that calm gaze: Ha.GiYZnZLeqaklXIzzaTfyyWiEAuJQsv

UkwPBzuyPWyFOJW

He, “…”sRvfKawKSCOhqNfxkMcgmCnEhyUswY

sSaPVuuQxwPDxbT

In that moment of eye contact, the gaze across from him suddenly fell.kTtOTlfyNCZAFkgKzFuHUdtyStdOoZ

AIzeHXEwGwIGxco

It fell on his neck.HjwTotaLwsOYSCtDIFnPbOwZmgUitx

renHTdSxzokCbCi

Just then, Huo Mian came straight over, “Hey, are you injured?”OBkuhnTsRJfyDoeAWpASWPfnLNVhjK

skhDJOlbbaeGHWk

Ning Rushen touched his neck, subconsciously glancing at Li Wuting.lrZPbHNOCXBJHvKPjPsrWsxmIwELWe

LcPXpTYhtRqorqH

Li Wuting: ?TVVbLngkQPtMwsGWnxgXwHhLsPXeqd

YWoDymSDoZkGUTC

Ning Rushen replied, “It’s an allergy, I scratched it.”xyGTkResGkvjpFoAruOhiXZLVlAyct

yqiuPEUkVAYAber

Huo Mian kindly reminded him, “Oh, you shouldn’t eat randomly outside.”ZGDTdSSVrPRLvyuOGskJbMVGIDsQIz

WqpEyIRGHJTeNyN

“…” Outside. Eat randomly.anFKHQcdqJOQXabwNqEpwnjkitbffG

yzyyQXWLSRXLwBQ

He stepped on a landmine!cIBWqwVicfpurgKfkaKnOsKsCwhTjF

dDljHyMCwnOgJoY

In the next moment, from the other end, there came a faint, almost imperceptible sneer: Hmph.MnkBfEqhEPbDQibkrSjSKcCFdYPqvP

mVVSwFMbJVqJHKH

Ning Rushen braced himself and said, “No, I always eat carefully.”KNcJQcQYHrvjdnSsABJhILNhoaVpqO

ljwDupgemwQhvBq

Huo Mian showed a shocked expression once again!BxstgDDKgpMljceVUpGeNNEglsgfZg

IfVnnJpoSUuTzqi

The imperial carriage remained at the Ministry of Rites, and no official dared to leave until Li Wuting finished his inspection and left the main gate of the ministry. Geng Yan then tremblingly pulled Ning Rushen along, saying, “Let’s go quickly.”HDKGhFglyXmKUAPbKRPrEcaLCDuMHl

oLlVVqQINKAvXSl

As soon as the two stepped out, De Quan came running over, saying, “Lord Ning, His Majesty is summoning you.”aaJmWtEvuBnFEgvEAOMFoICZUsdher

OfeuPszjeOBZqYY

Ning Rushen felt as if an invisible hand was gripping the back of his neck again.NinyBykGvzZCEtnJLCubSqmMkmrPGR

bRaDWckNxOpDptf

He glanced at the nearby green palanquin carriage, patted Geng Yan, and followed.LpPXLbWGdKNXPCvxugaBDKoGRYjYQQ

YyirMJHySfiemvA

They lifted the curtain and entered the carriage.xILENJfIrXwJayIucrShOqtfHZvqiw

xYjIyVFDHKssTvF

Inside, Li Wuting was seated upright, with a finely crafted glass box on the table in front of him.lcnOukmwQHRwRjOapkMjSZibvdPghw

NDBiSJcIvFBzPrD

Li Wuting said, “Take the ointment.”uOirmOxGruIYoPuSkxvrweeACDRvKX

FMwIghEnHlDqQlR

Ning Rushen hesitated for a moment, then took it, somewhat surprised, “Thank you, Your Majesty…”XuemLxgTNDilmDHCiflEXbuKuOIseV

WWzTPklBvLVGKzH

The imperial family even cared about after-sales service?kgsWGlRSNtugFfaFHLeazanaTTgEIK

eOlJmCkAFXNsEmo

Seeing him take it, Li Wuting asked, “Have you seen a doctor?”ReXyNFOABvpRdngACcEysoyvjkGWeR

xMwpRkcAgInJhCG

Ning Rushen replied, “No, it’s just itchy. Scratching it will be fine.”qvzxXPSdzESMDGSxhOaUxxADNaLJcO

WJwMNTPJiEQpeYQ

Li Wuting frowned.qBiZQoiiEmGGovGaooDPBYhEKVNSqP

wqHBHZwamBFvEuP

De Quan immediately interpreted the emperor’s meaning and pointed out, “How can this be allowed? At least we need to know what you’re allergic to.”clcHJzcMTPmSKXuWFwyNBlTfvKqvyK

yjBNDMjxdeSZEOF

Ning Rushen thought of yesterday’s imperial meal and his throat twitched suspiciously. He calculated, “I can eat it again and eliminate them one by one.”XpoZELAzEuBYzBKciZLmITPmwRVjlK

gjmsKqUrIMsFAPK

Li Wuting said, “…”EgZDZlbBpipLwbQyLJdgTvoleeLfbC

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He praised softly, “Ning Qing’s medical skills are still so simple.”dumzAxySiqJbeIoMtErrnFUDBkqGyo

ZTIlnIFVIVtgMos

Ning Rushen blushed and said, “It’s all from our own country.”KZpiQvOXFcaivdHdYLeWQRWmSnzobk

SbIUJbXxGwqgZHU

The carriage couldn’t stay on the street for too long.lbCCyeqZJNZxzeVnPsUYSEgysADBpq

TiXakacZPSVFWwR

Ning Rushen took the ointment and was about to get off the carriage.GNuzrusoeDpFKDsJccutzFSJZrwaIE

jMgujwKBFmnOtaf

He turned to open the curtain, his black hair draped behind him, a ray of light shining on his neck, highlighting the mottled light red marks.jPBHyjtsjWUXpjmkFiFuYLgMbCdCJb

VHmCfoSpAsdjvoe

“Take a cloak.” Someone behind him suddenly said.aFflMMnwKjSuUUQKJMDsPycvyyEhDj

HeVOZUznQnoKpYJ

Ning Rushen turned his head, puzzled.UmtqifmcBIyEOCUQayKvrGzPhsIbEc

WHWZmsQTdpUPDjG

De Quan had already understood and handed him the cloak.BBjNsPnhVaJXwBrELAhOlIOqnUWNoN

pUMeqcKnxJjlnCB

Ning Rushen hesitated, “… Your Majesty, I’m not cold today.”bIfkFljotAYYuxBCMSNfCreaEufmgf

BpVaIWJzCEcNCrc

Or rather, he was feeling heated after arguing.BkYjCvpjejGszLczqGAWjHZhmfxKqq

WJqySsiPHsWMBHl

“Cover up.” Li Wuting glanced briefly, “It’s not appropriate for an official representing the court to wander the streets with such… scratch marks, it’s not dignified.”oMvUYVVwrNgtFtrRFYIhQBZJckxmGi

RrnfFUDyzBPuVao

“？？？” What’s wrong?cOjPlPFYusqWmQmFnZDHAkzHVgucEy

vhVCTbxqljaMorn

Ning Rushen said, “Will it make all the officials of our dynasty feel uncomfortable?”LvOimblGTKYcxkpWYwephSTTyuxLmS

aSWqOhQjRaNWYWQ

Li Wuting replied, “…annoying.”POjUKwdKmyaAwZGLQbxKRiIyofmFFm

FPkzbUDVEHVgfYC

He then drove the person off the carriage.iHRkKuVnhjZFEsjqutPaOLIbpziBGp

pCYXNBtnhPGNubS

Ning Rushen: .pYnnsXoGoImnmplRXjWvcBwGKJlPSX

YiWViONfcOOATUE

After returning home, he still sought out a doctor.NswnRqVPwwzMyXEGNJGsBYjdQQJWlp

qHfpewGqeRTFjhL

Medical skills were limited in this era, so although they couldn’t pinpoint the specific allergy, they prescribed some medicine and listed some foods to avoid.nZONOgoYRMaXuazyFOBrTvDXoCQshd

ObSBZTBTiudWquz

After applying the ointment, the red marks on Ning Rushen’s neck disappeared.cJEwHqBjMiUujbhDhcxXaolMkwaYsW

XMXgwycApCCGEKZ

The interview was in three days.lnOIspvWcZabcLYUxfMXwgeYIBPZBq

oPFIfweRxLWIUnV

He leaned on the low couch beside the table in the room.nnXWMxRPOLRriajwWuVSeLWNCzHKqb

paQHECCaJeogfOh

Gazing thoughtfully out of the window for a moment, he then got up, took paper and pen, and began to write.SfPWuhRWnUjyvwDuhHeTyVsbnWzRHC

jtSNYnWBirvOtPf

Page after page, the strokes flowed from his pen.thfGVYYzwWzTlAIHwPJjLTwjCXuIEo

MZrNSkBZwgEQMAE

Half an hour later, Ning Rushen looked satisfied at his masterpiece: Li Wuting had allowed him to express himself freely, so he had done just that.vyQJXyUxfZOGaZIJwuFRlPhHHdrwyI

CgcCohXDwrLQBHu

…BuRJmWDhrWPibDKFtZuSTGPzEbByct

WykCCynDNtGcRHz

The day of the interview arrived quickly.CkMuHxmlZyVyNmiDwTdhqFWfMhEfxQ

FChUwjrRqovdtjR

Three days later, the weather was clear and refreshing.hxqaDWXliWgkRpLaOsKFHmBJbIzKGB

fVlKtjxtRPXJoeW

Ning Rushen changed into a crimson official robe, took the stack of papers he had prepared, and set off for the Imperial Examination Hall.tcYfOdwpstIGYdqlfxEWDGejhmMbbW

NzzkMokvkJzqLVy

At the same time, in the palace.siQncHRdJbJVwvNWxxXMbMPaybrXcq

BMeoGyvwuvWGsKb

Shiyi knelt before the throne, faithfully reporting.bGyOPPFSamnDFblwNnbshdOYBSUxxn

PUikTJHWytSPYqm

He was reporting on the incident at the restaurant in the western part of the city. Li Wuting stood in front of the steps, listening and then sneering, “In the eyes of those aristocrats, am I so easily manipulated?”tIDGRKnURfRRpLboReSWXvFwogcnLJ

BnbbNAoVBiInbQd

Shiyi added, “The Yun family even said Your Majesty is a tyrant.” The word “tyrant” was emphasized, sounding particularly sinister.yqWXhKYTNUOdzrbDliWyXuoILSdUMB

HUOPotTJFPvHkxG

Li Wuting’s eyes suddenly darkened.VkkbnKkBnvWAeSZbUlBuIRgXKQGWZr

yoFLTlldcZDPrZq

“How dare you!” De Quan quickly scolded, then turned to Li Wuting, “Daring to slander Your Majesty deserves death! Your Majesty, please calm down. Let Mr. Ning take care of this today!”VQjBGexbHkDbbrwxspRGmpWRkuUZfT

bToTdDgPOmiNcOi

There was a moment of silence in front of the steps.maGEJdGTekgXSKsshLsLszAWRMPDds

OKxnPayQHKABQZa

Then Li Wuting spoke slowly, “I want to see what he plans to do.”CHEBSXHHyAEUCMbKPSYlFcObbRGOqg

GpnifcbUXcTZbmZ

“Yes.” De Quan immediately ordered the carriage to be prepared.fUTrdYQdKWOYpBbusIrBeMUkTMCFIZ

BWKksvrhXRbtcSx

Just as the imperial carriage was about to depart, Li Wuting paused.EZbIKahzPJkbWTEKUVjzozKBvhDeJT

SRPiGjIrCxKTqHh

He looked at Shiyi.  “Is that all?”zZPEPzWytyzCRURhYWWLQANLPatiOp

YBejJYecGTJPoRk

Shiyi replied, “Yes, Mr. Ning has recently enjoyed eating pancakes and sends someone to queue up for him. From morning till night, every day without fail.”RoZjvXUsEPFIfOSZiQigQjPPVFPzfA

tRyLkNjpgPBUQnl

Li Wuting remained silent for a moment. “It’s not easy either.”mGFLpsrUJEXUplxYaDMihHgkoWDjKV

LFZfdbJOOkAvMdU

Shiyi became excited, “Not hard!”XKvjTYrLRlcMgAZUWMbJfcZBOHioMT

PLavpEAPYAyPTZj

Li Wuting glanced at him, “…not talking about you.”MlcvEgPpDReFfmvaHMvMUmtnodiZtg

wyDtbUlBGoUGFrC

Then he left the palace.lxWwGgaRDmrLKxzJXmYlWODREQzuBR

vUcboizmemEAvVd

Meanwhile, at the Imperial Examination Hall.XMBCkBGsCimCkZrgyCmLKBOldfAsrR

dDeYlDWVNPxfVKr

A curtain was drawn in the courtyard, concealing the view inside. The examinees went behind the curtain one by one to receive their number plates and then entered their respective examination rooms.bYoyuDDRYkhsBQaqppxylcfVHakrgG

MoGtNpBPqmgifsm

In the Jia You Examination Room, Yu Tiao entered.dtLMQzEHPvMItzjRPjsZpZJAutGlyv

NMonzdKNdSmWNOB

Upon entering, he was surprised to see several familiar faces inside, including the sons of the Wu City Garrison Commander. He was stunned, “What’s going on?”hVNJoomVvimQBfYOhqRbKSiqYdJHJK

TgDZixaSCRywwrp

The others looked at each other, “Wasn’t it supposed to be random?”DJNEvRvNJZWhLqbCrLdcFaeZvwypxe

cTlTTwZAGLbUgeW

Yu Tiao couldn’t figure it out, so he sat down, reluctantly suppressing his anxiety, “Never mind, just pass the interview first.”FOkRNSAGDDHDxmByMdXFlcNTKlBZFn

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“That’s right, we also need to see how Ning Chen will react!”rKluJgzbmqKYBnHFKgYPupyUIRQyav

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Just as they were talking, footsteps were heard from behind the examination room.gmtXBIoUtFeOFZDzLjrjGRCnulgqEM

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The room fell silent instantly.cbbRKWfUQtnYgqPAvzcTyXAuQCwROT

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Among the examinees, there was a man dressed in a crimson official robe, with a goose pattern shimmering on top, exuding an air of nobility and clarity.WHhWvXWMfbxMsFESgQWtyYnPjVOmdP

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Ning Rushen walked to the front of the chief examiner’s desk and smiled slightly.AZlLPulczGvBnkcMrqWrxdCApJqVcG

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In Yu Tiao’s mind, there was a sudden buzz! His face turned pale, staring incredulously at the person standing in the position of the chief examiner:JWUyhcwGKznkUlvSbFnJhwMtIEWpFT

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How could it be Ning Chen!?JhIgPnSuVZPXMmJIGBWksavcJHudNh

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Several other sons of aristocratic families were also shocked, as if they had lost their voices.GaCnuzNXHbwWqnKVngmbWITrODYKjV

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Ning Rushen smiled at the stunned group, raised his chin as he did that day at the restaurant, and said, “Please, be seated.”iOdXMvillvhCQCnzDDDZlDCqAGuhRc

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After saying that, he pulled out a chair and sat down, indicating the start of the group interview without a leader.YkgoELCfGEAdSJgmFIuUVGbXJvGokf

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