This official is so weak

RAmTPRthuHPgxhRTable of Contents

Chapter 27

They had memorized the Four Books and Five Classics, and had studied political history and strategies, confidently arriving here.kgAlJsdpraQPRnZqHermItglzQDrnm

EbiVYNnSIRvLiRj

Ning Rushen kindly explained, “The exam papers are on the desks. You have fifteen minutes to discuss among yourselves. During this time, everything you say or do, every frown or smile, will be part of my assessment.”bbluZiMXmzFSUDlQZKVMpzmBayibOe

hcrFIEGVVzWubkM

After saying this, he adjusted his clothes casually and added, “Oh, I almost forgot to mention, only the most outstanding performer will be selected in this assessment, and the rest will be eliminated.”TimYTFUcJpxGyOYWkZZFMElmwqHYlJ

TkiGUrNXPCxguHH

“Only one person will be selected!?” There was an instant uproar in the room.HwUInHUcAqOnfaBFVEQLSuYerOSkWi

EvVOEhyISrDknHx

Especially among the aristocratic families under the command of the Five City Garrison, they looked at each other, their expressions changing slightly, quickly avoiding eye contact.YBwYsDYpZFooPWIFhKUdWlNWIQaOUd

HxIYBScXHtwCBXH

Only selecting one meant either you die or I live.tXwulThBcpMFuKNNBukJDqKYGhQwWh

JdcfjHTZzOyvkGL

Ning Rushen noticed the subtle change in the atmosphere in the examination room, sat back satisfied, leaned against the chair back, and nodded:pYykNVCcUhjfNdDlxJxnBgWhckZFmL

QnNSMLbdMzQVfkm

“The desks are arranged in a semicircle facing me. Let’s begin.”KwTtBdCWvxidOxfzWldZDzMfYKEBAM

BBYRReroWDOpGBw

Ning Rushen propped his chin and calmly said, “Begin.”GLjJBhxbSyuPDgviWmCAxSDzBzjEZY

gIyXjQsXumlPbsM

Rustling sounds filled the room as exam papers were taken out, and the candidates anxiously and blankly opened the exam paper and looked up:HiBiodTQTULQrveiyYKXvundHbBbXe

VLbyIAbkHNiExny

“Your name is Xiaoshuai, a second-generation official from a wealthy family in the capital. Currently, you are a junior official in the Ministry of Works, with superiors but no subordinates.XJFYxGOSXaoinWvdCaMObdZALSFYqI

YxEwAOjCdOhuMLX

One day, a sudden rainstorm causes the river bank to burst. The Ministry of Works is ordered to repair and rectify the river bank…”QoOaDLvlsqjfiqQVlJUwoAGbPxgKar

DVbrQicidNTyiRB

They continued to read with ease:NxcVqcnBKTmqlxzVuKqChXxMGxTTtk

jMfFLYxtFvtmUkp

“…but found that the treasury was empty. So, you applied to the Ministry of Revenue for a budget of five million taels. The Ministry of Revenue stated that the Ministry of Works still had a surplus of silver and did not approve.xyuiSczSuMdugnGRPRihJzJJQiejMK

JWpDNUcFRUeYiFq

You are now tasked with solving this problem.yckFnokKmbOPeYSlqTVDtZpGxsRXpS

EjNsAEeGcCStvVO

Requirements:CrLjHXPQIDiKrtlstcXkbTcOqzTtUd

eWzsPPHZTJujPZq
  • Fifteen minutes to organize and articulate your views.
  • One person will be selected to report and present to the examiner.
  • If no conclusion is reached, all will be eliminated.”

The candidates were startled: …!CrsEqMbLJqkSDAQHzTcXaHrWnmNOjX

XzbtWUtYtTDEiDF

What kind of question was this, wasn’t this just a waste of time!? And what’s with that last small print…BppSbutbdaDFMprcDzUiFtWCwFSlTq

vjPGVccmugjZkbg

They glanced at Ning Rushen, the chief examiner, but he was just leisurely propping his chin, showing no intention of speaking, completely leaving it to them.IWqOpAxNajIMKrrIuYDkDhuqoFnhmI

GUSNgRQvuZNEtsK

However, his eyes were clear and full of scrutiny as they swept over, causing the candidates to tremble.EXbSkjyrFVomWKtfEWMBPlXsTlhBFm

PVzuxPCkLECSSjH

Finally, one of the aristocratic youths cleared his throat and spoke first, “In my opinion, we should first explain the pros and cons to the Ministry of Revenue…”zfHMrnETOHjWxfXfmwBdWhwkbDaVZq

hqFYfANlsRGFcku

Ning Rushen sat comfortably, listening to the discussion.mCBoSCFMxpCUDGKvmlwWwytKFtyevY

lxKdYYVEKcmWrQE

With one person starting, others joined in.aLSQrPsUMRpkYTKQsUXfYPrXEZOQkR

HNPzOaipoHGwMWH

However, due to the hasty preparation and lack of experience, several people often spoke at the same time, either not giving way to each other or causing awkward pauses.qCgClLsbkQOMYIfqSseUWjPTMGhmnV

yoYXqKiOYAlQKui

mZlfZOxaxqxyGoxvscSTnJiKJWLcsv

vKFjDQVaVKEKoXX

Half of the time passed unknowingly, and the debate in the room continued unabated.TAAXgysiXYBNaMjbSFoXjraQIpnQFJ

hjHeOJoreALMKhd

Yu Tiao hadn’t yet recovered from the shock before the exam, and was caught off guard by this cruel competitive mechanism, his mind in chaos.QRThDVhnQdTUGoDzfDLmdcMNDlfiIR

qGXvcxrkqRGncAu

He couldn’t get a word in several times, and finally, seizing a gap, he said impatiently, “I believe we should report to the Emperor and order the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds!”dqfMJkucPqOojEbySkYvvuJKqbIROp

AyCRlbtqtyYFqRD

Before he could finish, someone else interjected:fuRaqnxERQqIEkyycuVhoazOqHVzVs

anGAecDvQdXjYho

“Brother Yu, you’re too reckless. The low-ranking officials in the Ministry of Works don’t even have the chance to attend court. Moreover, do you really want to completely offend the Ministry of Revenue?”OAVSdzZKMIpnkNNCBoPFtoduPLMRJQ

ipItGJTtgPTriAW

Ning Rushen looked at the speaker—ZvJsdNIsComCVNGAXYgNcKipozsPtf

HQygTQakKlsEAPR

If I remember correctly, isn’t this one of the noble youths who allied with Yu Tiao?kxpPNXHgEEqLWKVyzutfKpNlpivTBv

sGoJQtPzQQeYxFn

Looks like they’re going to fight… Good fight.MsZnLmXqdJvbEQXPjzIonwxlcqmpGo

hvwvujJWrbyhlJf

Yu Tiao’s face indeed showed a look of wanting to tear someone apart.dfQMruEJLgLhqWZlDZcmVYONWVCLVd

qLfHxOpRPmYHQiz

The small hourglass on the table was about to run out of sand.sLmkpQmufUHJWNQIpOPLqRSGgvpwVu

auQDvaQjvmhLptO

The scene was still at a stalemate, with no one standing out.LVloGTbWLZgdsXfXuivuwvMkbgGIHb

iXXEKLfbvWvrTah

Just then, a voice suddenly came from the bewildered examination hall, with a resolve to gamble everything:yLGkGLdzTDJPysOZOinbwduwyrRtxr

mosytRICEKUWuXS

“I’m willing to have my father come and pay this money!”nemqISdWjMiIbipqWWKtQKRZmUQrIA

ObNXYPuTUbjKIDG

The words were like a thunderclap.bmYFhvSyWGomDrOxlJJcXmOScQRyLw

sFvrlIZxHiYJWGK

All the examinees quieted down, staring in astonishment at the speaker.hjJjsPLsMEQkooKMRSbIuAVtUAngJg

dmkuCdYIxrfwPfj

Even Ning Rushen slightly opened his mouth:nNMBVQPJAyAXaKsOkvuQHojkQjZCnW

pRlWIJSziVVPoWj

What a filial son, risking everything to help the poor!IAYWhVsSZRzEaMkPMMSfWvohVYlLep

qHHDHBNxpEjXnLm

He sat up straight, admiringly looking around, “And what’s your name?”ZxStOhsfrWpRoXTjbsSjVsZWBrjTSi

NubIioZlKbWlMHg

“I’m Zhao Xin… no, Zhao Shuai.” Zhao Xin quickly scanned the question and replied nervously.xwtGivMbyYiThMiwNcTkAcJluzwHct

fnHVGaXmMElAgcd

Ning Rushen smiled and nodded, “You’re good.”fmcKXOCistCMSqvyysMxDJnGfbJHdH

bLyRvUerMBtflLF

Zhao Xin suddenly became excited, his cheeks flushed red.mzRhFghbuSFakkgoEYmLSQqabxnGQR

psXzkrtJepzfVRn

The other examinees were greatly shaken! Everyone was having a serious discussion, yet this ‘fearless’ fool suddenly appeared, completely outshining them all?veLTIIcVFtQSwIelyfWbQVzHwgfitX

YyeOnIARmmZVWiR

For a moment, everyone followed suit:FvkXqlBWFNKkKnxwINIcmKBDQIajQf

QaJEpKgxbVRXLYs

“Very well said! My father is willing to pay double the money!”lmfHblZQYSstPtyyqkVTlBdMrFHeOE

cnbaaMedQDdHGAZ

“Alleviating the emperor’s worries is the duty of a subject. My whole family is willing to donate to help the people of the two provinces!”hLTPnPQPMPosCvbLUVvsKDKMouxOuz

uFKxAxgEVWGfQaT

One examinee, caught off guard, decided to go all out, “I… I’ll donate all my ancestors’ savings to water conservancy!”qFnTqxKxPDGyWSgrnSuXNhulychPLx

LRoowgyoptLfoyT

Seeing these noble youths acting like bodhisattvas, Ning Rushen couldn’t help but want to applaud and praise:fTQvDgiqirEOohgkkWrPVPuIndVVvs

ZojRVXoOQTNxBUc

Yes, that’s it, keep rolling them in!NgpYniJTFmpyEjOJbSHhvuWRwFqeaJ

wuncxmwymBHjsyR

The evil feudalism can only be defeated by the evil capitalism.NMvqKvFJiOTRzPBVMESPyeVSuzgzHg

FruQOWRcyGZoGxS

XwGflRgqqyYpmEAksdsTRefGdeUnjO

zSDuqFrXcGlFCPu

Finally, after two quarters of an hour, the interviews were over. A group of second-generation officials volunteered to donate their ancestral homes.fjGnszANpeYCmaiCDGZpAqPINwUsPz

nrALISlkVthrVqZ

Ning Rushen leaned back in his chair, looking at the examinees in the field with anxious faces, as if waiting for a death sentence—especially the defeated Yu Tiao and his companions—and smiled kindly.bijmwEuCyKfKHrUecUdbSGxBDfqSLf

KDiBxoaAGLToMhn

Then he said the cliché phrase, “Go back and wait for the news.”UUuQEFNdTJcPjsUoFpDMsjXCKnDdGo

rBpjNCCuBkCYokb

“Yes, Master Ning…”nYaCNMlovWZPcDMTBHFGZDYmyxYJlb

eDkNPWGSTAwjNCV

The examinees dispersed unsteadily, as if they had just escaped a great disaster.HQvSBwXOjbflhpYVZlMuGogmAPqVPC

TVTvlinKCvohFid

Ning Rushen stretched lazily in his seat and stood up, walking towards the back of the examination room.SjCsZdpFOVLXhuhLuRSuFHSQEpgigb

xZQZdVGGnzXhWbU

Behind the examination room was a room for the supervisors.aKNpgGNccXdGeyWtultWbdplRZuCeJ

VThmYntrfAYopOS

As soon as he lifted the curtain and entered, he was greeted by a group of people—qTPevVQiwIyVOYlMGIIdyfQCiSzpip

FFvBeKVDJLezanX

Palace maids and guards stood quietly on both sides. De Quan, carrying a dust brush, squinted and smiled at him, while seated in the supervisor’s position was the current emperor, Li Wuting.iogwobNlhWiAobeYeqJqcULWyuMFGV

DoawLSfzvaoUaIr

The emperor had personally come to oversee the exam.uDQMlpXYfWLYUmHUUgoeqDQfMtLGnV

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Ning Rushen was stunned and paused in his steps: ?FQalujwfNAPbuhcdgxaWdPnBzQzpoN

EHVPKwtGctmByIZ

Li Wuting sat on the throne, his demeanor as steady as a mountain, with a faint smile on his cold and handsome face as he looked towards him.icdyKFhmnbUaHxyNUTDrLVILHdfSXr

wehOQCNBLCdvcIl

“Ning Qing, come here,” Li Wuting said.lwIsfpzySFMfzOBzJVpzIHOiesqxRZ

ivGXZxmqxZmBvDq

“…”pKKgRRoAlzuKiLdsLdfdRGpVVgyEib

aiitoQOBikMABPw

Ning Rushen hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly approached.nOnfghLnIppcvPYezimGMWROfMDaZx

EAQdsZNhmupjIap

He stood in front of Li Wuting and bowed, “Your Majesty.”ZGeQQJnSHeRTujdYZdsjnqgUldsCqH

BOnXvQzNxTDYuDk

Li Wuting raised his eyes and asked, “Ning Qing, where did you learn this method of interview?”JprVISOGwxGLagLxXxjxOcRwQgIrJp

VsMXXyqfDuKPFpC

Ning Rushen honestly sighed, “It’s the wicked result of tens of thousands of exam candidates.”aXhplyTGXSBtwibRYtSpJrAbmJRngk

VGJVutrdLilgQfL

Li Wuting chuckled lightly, “Indeed wicked.”IGPBPYhBLsTCxNIUmvpRfDcIpTcxls

tTpJSoWVBYnCFdQ

He paused and asked again, “What does ‘卷’ mean?”mbvjCpXvGCQkKlrFyXQvUbABOjSEuD

ltfirqkcFSgdGpP

“It means…” Ning Rushen thought for a moment, then succinctly explained, “The opposite of my diligent efforts.”sEKmkrULanXDYptvgXtfUWRxfIhiEC

UejXHFjeJPIiDdI

Li Wuting seemed to understand, “It means overly diligent.”rKNiepHMeMwxHjRjUIvbFCDEKdFxsA

GhvpTwohGmmMrkC

“…” Did that mean he was extremely lazy?BzTFrOQZtdMzNuoKOAhRrdfoCAqNTE

MAaLUkjOqLDFHrz

Ning Rushen’s eyes flickered with a hint of humor.QzlyKGRgkPTdarmQVVIqSOEBVITVmf

YiDqKzztbfaMyHA

Li Wuting met his gaze, then suddenly pursed his lips and said, “I was joking.” He stood up, walked past him towards the door, and said, “As Ning Qing said earlier—like fish fighting for bait.”nSpzTzHfAzcGZWHngmyKwOuWATxQYD

EfPnEybphqUCVqb

Ning Rushen watched Li Wuting’s back and suddenly felt a kind of sobering feeling, as if he was being looked down upon.uzAWPWYjSHqUKZWexrrRheQUQgbhbv

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Except for defaming his good character.txqonfWnSuTSRCQYBTxuBlXGTFYHXl

cgJtDRqnGzguwAn

“Sir, sir…” De Quan bowed and followed, gesturing to him to keep up with the emperor’s entourage.vlJdiQPATWXVZHWylvXVZLVFmGjoms

ZjmdfMcFkuJkuFf

Ning Rushen graciously followed suit.MBnoGdIOdTnNieJgixIrccPdnmJPwP

EEZTwPDsrBwOJzl

After leaving the examination room, the interviews in other examination rooms were not yet over.xWFCshSXoTygYIxGxkWnwYWMdNPAwd

lRMnOccrLCIWEDf

Only Ning Rushen spent about two quarters of an hour dealing with a group of second-generation officials, while the rest of the examination rooms still had a long assessment time ahead.sommHFAUrhINgAvUhLbJVZFqXTwOLQ

WajlgnyucVZNAXt

Ning Rushen asked, “Does Your Majesty want to listen in?”JjNetnNKuvcLMTecJKYVfxPhIbDgUw

qsxIUkOOZRrTBVl

“No need,” Li Wuting said without looking at him, “It’s just a repetition of scriptures and essays.”SHmpHRielfQXmlrytrVWdGZRypVqia

hDtfoEWFEyiRbGN

Ning Rushen glanced at him again.aIdfhiPbHrtHtpbaZWDeQHatyKNcwx

BjKKZHRkVwEiBey

So, you came specifically to watch my performance…GhCJkFQeJxaCzdQztdjuApeMnhwRJy

jsHxjpXnYKkSdtF

“What are you looking at?” Li Wuting glanced at him.LlkhEHdeyDsWsFYllfyoQCzXuGLMNZ

ZlLzzxWVtSoCazH

Ning Rushen expressed his gratitude, “Does that mean I handled it well?”jhvMkcrRuGJbfsDguKhcbCdCNtPzjU

qzhveLMCxqQakSz

With a snort beside him, “All you did was mess around.”TPbBdRYCquudDkKIfASFLkNyUriyqS

yyUjJnvgagGyWWJ

Ning Rushen: Understood, it means I did a great job.QWluewVQEVQBINtQoxxfloIVUvJRjl

eCMTBfRrIzksMll

Within a few sentences, they had already left the Imperial College.XmzCicTvNeJYIQdAFfhPKwEaUxxdCe

TuROuGnLLzcgnjt

Both of their carriages were parked outside the gate.SYSkQQvZjOrOgnEgglCuJgznpuNGUk

SYvWYmZVmpmxmuC

Taking advantage of the last moment, Ning Rushen quickened his pace to get closer to Li Wuting’s side and whispered, “Which talent has caught His Majesty’s eye?”KnuwOAEvdULAyoivRcqMewVIbETddF

HbTYLVIPKYddIXU

Li Wuting was a bit taller than him.wSUGXuqOgOfNdGgpjpobSBmLxpmnpF

OPfSXSjkpcBpuqD

When he looked down, he saw someone lifting their chin and inadvertently leaning against his shoulder.JVtkZgbxLcqcBVsQbBwNWOhWibpUAZ

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The curve of the jawline was soft and inviting.efaqOmaqMdLjUiqEGAvTRmiaaTVlYx

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Li Wuting asked, “Curious?”lKyLbkKqGODeRPdJzNQzMcTddTvSUH

GuqKXygqbyqBecr

Ning Rushen nodded eagerly, “Yes.”acdynktVmweFgsyxRCbVxLOwevqJNv

HShLvJvebYmfJiQ

The Ning residence’s carriage was just a few steps away, and Yan Min by the carriage was looking over eagerly.xaXUoBkbFofCfSWPJzehzSZXnxcSuo

pMKqIQNNWHRUnQC

Li Wuting glanced sideways and then lifted the back collar of the person’s crimson robe with two fingers, lifting them towards his own carriage. “There are too many people outside. Let’s talk inside.”mAfVBVjPiqotDpyEadeHiaOQTQlvvN

FfyXmjqrTvXamJU

“…” Ning Rushen: ?ktNBxjNWdfhwGLLhbFsEhVvvqGsCMY

cyMnWDHanrGJVHT

Skillfully, the person was lifted into the carriage.KlrTZATHEqGSJRZDIPNeUmqjpITvWp

UsvSlqHrGSrYCis

After Ning Rushen took his seat, he pulled back the curtain and pointed to Yan Min outside, indicating for him to follow back to the residence.tifhIwiGwSCJHMAfSjylYHSfXSQKqe

sPibnkyqHanFatG

The carriage started to move lightly.GavoQhrJkTSOetzHJpaItLsUsnRhmO

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He withdrew back inside and looked at Li Wuting. “Your Majesty?”TlOnqFyncgpuPfgTaiaojXDUJshsSh

dmKvkeaUqAtmqIE

Li Wuting asked, “Who do you think I’ve chosen?”SHNJwTpzaYASAaxtLpzwTZwBAWweVp

mPyaHtjTLXWCKEy

Ning Rushen guessed, “Zhao Shuai?”HNCcPirgnnsERvatFtiAkdjhAFxKzI

mVXMZpIUoHYHkmo

“…” Li Wuting skipped this alias, “Yes.”nWXSojnuvdaZiXZjfHzqehoYJIumeT

KxsQXHbNjdoeAfI

“He’s quite smart. But is his background with the aristocratic families stable?”sOkpoNEpHJaaxHNMCTApmaNQFyTudi

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“These families are all the same to me. If I want to choose one to be a strong supporter, I’d rather pick someone a bit more awake and intelligent.”oeVPegkaTyBflrpTkUrZtuRgZpompx

rDxUUrWGAwcEHTD

Ning Rushen looked at Li Wuting’s calm profile.ClsmmQJrevNyxhWPBcPuxWzxvLLnpC

zbcfRBDFuBdrLwX

It seemed that for him, all living things were no different, nothing special.pKLrluabeFcyONowymRxRLKRQwAGuN

VfIGajEPiTsPawn

Ning Rushen was taken aback, “Then how were the Jin Yiwei selected?”BIiRBTFGGfXjSDsgWBTRGljzBHVwRX

RitukUgiPOjCsti

One didn’t interfere.lhRskbxOHOqzktFnZhQCzFsJVLaDMV

FKEDuSJUkQGXRKe

“Ning Qing.”FpBMDxNybAGXVqeDzytpsnVbeGOeBh

FYxYPNjVwxekHBl

Ning Rushen wisely closed his mouth in time.xDmEtXbxYpldPRodoTcmoDNhiKohBb

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The carriage arrived at the Ning residence’s gate in no time.PblwJBXKhrYWEZwuzbGtvsAjMyzHkI

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Ning Rushen opened the curtain and was about to get off.FcusbOHuFuoZUKVgNiJLSuBPpWJTNp

YHkuxlHfqVWEXGE

He saw Yuan Liu welcoming loudly towards the Ning residence’s carriage a few steps away, “Sir!”fCUyxsGKXVEiPmpHlXVhDcmjYFgwEK

aCfpzTIfdvcQocg

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he spoke up, “I’m here.”UoZNCymhSiJZOQykXFCPDosPvbWweQ

BXQrrzHmyQFXnjy

“…” Yuan Liu turned his head, “You… over there?”mybgHInHLNIdAXBOhcgPJIzVvWztrR

oAGuWNukomjwljA

“Car-pooling.” Ning Rushen saw that Li Wuting had no intention of showing himself, so he jumped off the carriage.kFZjVDbdLsZEOFUebtSLXgOXMCaDUJ

JumMGPJPyMdClso

He heard some commotion from the gate, “What’s going on?”iiotvdiJQiiKmptRSRshjXrBYxUwRs

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Yuan Liu said, “The little guard caught a pigeon!”vaANBhNJNNznnkUTVuezebvyAXJowX

vCvbPoOJPwNJGKM

Ning Rushen took several seconds to realize who the “little guard” was, then reacted: Xiao Shizi.XhUwBSvlpWJSbIXwpMZMasIJOnsZHa

OObQTeIrAgoGYSd

He gave Yuan Liu a deep look: You’re quite good at picking up on things.gBaXQfSwpERJzdvlctcCJueuaZwpID

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“In that case, let him…”XWYazPpZrgRtmLWmfxSNqjFHsakyie

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Mid-sentence, Shiyi came out holding a flapping pigeon. “Sir, I caught a plump pigeon.”HnFhapItIMkAyPPPNsQfsIPndSWiBf

dNRYiYWwHYilpkh

The words “plump pigeon” had already characterized the pigeon.FDYiHQtsnUvYIfMbUqSCnUyQEfdBTT

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Ning Rushen couldn’t help but move his throat, playing in his mind:WVtnPvUcSvZAeAndDCwHeltasSrwHB

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The plump pigeon, plucked and hung for soup, even the Geng dog next door would cry in envy…pKcmttdDEbPjhxSblkQwfwsFXVfKwb

MiABbrWMhrbKoTb

He ordered, “I like stewed dishes.”rNwExmJvdRbRRLtQiTyNmVIROCbJIB

bwMiHpzuBALaofo

As he spoke, the curtain of the carriage behind him suddenly lifted.cCZxwJAwsAuJAaWGcgSviVwqWBmejN

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Li Wuting leaned out for a glance.XigRuBJCmZuxTPULXkCZSqJQlYknVL

IKdVukVWLZcDXeh

His gaze fell on the pigeon, ignoring the sudden silence in the surroundings. He furrowed his brows, got off the carriage, and disregarded the pigeon.MTgEjIPYqFYakoPQsmjdyemJZLiLFk

CeTBQyVZjXfoiWb

Ning Rushen glanced sideways. “What’s wrong?”pDGjnbcyIJlcdzMXsSytYjDAkwHOFT

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…Don’t you like stewed dishes?QVeAyCGEVOITukWLBNWHZqYXHpadxe

TxoBZaiNQGXKcyB

A large hand suddenly reached out and picked up the pigeon from Shiyi’s hand. Li Wuting lowered his eyes and flicked through the dense feathers above the pigeon’s legs, then flicked out a small tube.sESCyAYKQVQWVdbtQWzoLKDRiceIqZ

jbxRxPzCPCYHKuZ

Ning Rushen was shocked: What is this? Is this still just a pigeon?MQQmExJVIdyoKkOSzoHIYWOsLQHUTA

AzOQpZNmqlNbEzb

He hurriedly clarified, “Your Majesty, I’m not familiar with it—”ytTaRRYUoFnlGqBgIUakMvcCVZkFMy

HlOBrOUEJmZeYfb

“I know.” Li Wuting emptied the tube, “I am.”BaTLOpcwcmdbFSLupjCRnkJduNRhqD

MEzjxrfBYMOAipu

Ning Rushen: ?SRlKaBzunvfDLNbBphotivbqYcjouP

UJvpzmjFhfuUzQt

A roll of thin paper fell into his palm. Li Wuting glanced down for two seconds, indicating for Ning Rushen to open it.vbpcILKqLRzTxMQSXQKYaPgPEakAwL

UwAWyDypekevolw

Ning Rushen took it with suspicion and unfolded the paper.LJUpiJDWqsKxBoJOTKOULcDvbxMJbu

ngnfpNWqURKjfhH

Only then did he realize that this thin as a cicada’s wing paper was actually a long article:uxuMVZokpsBYQsfuXDrcWvvTNlcPcC

nknCwyAoqUNJpAT

“Ning Lang (crossed out) Ning Daren, greetings in writing.DdGRsypIFrJQDYwGBOsjrnvIUeNiJe

mfDcBTXjHJrcUJX

It’s been many, many days since we last parted, and I have missed you very much.WHUMXwVPjZqItFjAvToybjuQgCwUvJ

RFepGEwmzLqNDCS

I heard from Jing Yu that since that day we parted, you have not been able to get up from your waist for many days, and you have not been able to attend the early court. I am far away in the south, still very worried.nhrLZofcKKigkPxChmDNwZnMcnicPl

cYBKOmaubKgDFjk

Although the land in the south is rich in talents, it is far less inspiring than the capital city… I wonder if Ning Daren and Your Majesty are well lately? Every time I ask about Your Majesty, he remains silent and replies with ‘hehe,’ which makes me quite disappointed.pKJJdaRKOXUoDwSzWibddhPlFpDHdk

VfBlenfEGsQmUvB

I specially wrote this letter to Ning Daren, hoping to hear about your recent situation.”GOEiamPlikaCxXamlhdbFnqthkUpku

gGGkcQZorkMVNaD

The corner of the letter also had a private seal “Ying Tang.”CdCCZnmxnrsBpCKLuUZgSbrHxVaKEV

PsHdCRaPbUwbfxJ

But even without the signature, the identity of the sender was clear to him.UGhVGbQUEXufhOkPYgoUWGGEmRUJJi

SmMQQrNNhBuPAgg

Ning Rushen: …tdzBGYVndtgCwAXHLfaTkHvFvZFtpy

RmwzpMtosNcAAtI

He glanced at Li Wuting next to him, who had hit the mark. The latter’s face was dark, and his gaze fell coldly on the letter.tYmeMeySkkVmHQSzFDUwTyVxQEXIVs

qsTEtjWNyvcxfPr

Ning Rushen silently handed over the letter.pxAAwKQrQIWEwkYxLTRhTOWegqdkDp

uOCmWHxcPgZOKgY

He thought to himself, Prince Xuan, don’t blame me. It’s your own fault for being so unlucky. The first time you sneakily tried something, you were caught by His Majesty?DSoSVpJIVDOTIRuGkFtPeoeZauEKbp

kWudDBJFJqOHWDP

Li Wuting took the letter, smirked after a moment:kaYDgZlohyDqSznWfFZCTFvcDsQLns

ZkXdjQVixOsvXeu

“De Quan, fetch a pen.”cGompQfBImcfPtCOsVrtxDRupViYJS

YqbRHngBuQlGmni

“Yes, Your Majesty.” De Quan turned and fetched a pen from the carriage, dipped it in ink, and respectfully handed it over.ONgDdndGrsmsxYfXDOaQzekVqEfWFH

tGOxzNzzpvNSFmb

Li Wuting turned the letter over, and with a pen, he wrote two words: heheIRFyzfgsVEmZYAKaOKuahJpSoWSowH

gLFcHwqFMaKvDcW

After writing, he rolled up the letter, put it back in the tube, and released the pigeon.tvwYyTijdvlpeAUCgpSCMWyEiBSnhv

DdkTEHtTaRTYKDa

With a flutter, the fat pigeon escaped from the pot.jNkeBabUbiUAfYWSMyjZEdTiSfxmBP

yzNTJqQosfzVecr

Ning Rushen looked in the direction where the pigeon flew for a long time. Li Wuting’s voice came from beside him, “What, reluctant?”SEbVNYmmzFoELdVJhcAOJiUEBaKmnJ

nUkGUGflMyVbcZN

“No, I’m just lamenting… Prince Xuan probably didn’t expect that the letter sent to my mansion would be replied by His Majesty.”tRmfBLEKZaHdJXQHGLaiBwqWonxhhp

vXlNJCkkPWEecIo

Li Wuting suddenly fell silent.hWHKgJfwomdafmFDwMsVGXNAraDwyg

JtcfhlPyavMLVSA

The letter sent to the Ning Mansion was replied by him.CIatTlfVEQLBEMpNzRLwtEGkflSEMR

SdNxuHtGFoYozix

Thinking of Prince Xuan’s reaction after receiving the letter, Li Wuting pinched his temples, and his headache returned.WotqiJzqAuBwrBwFSjUcEMkahqJbrC

VfYKKNjzQwUeJGI
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