This official is so weak

“？What… Ning Rushen licked his lips and said, ‘Does Your Majesty also feel reluctant?’SAirnmQuFYBgXYHbDgyNEjxTqlljFr

ONkRDUvQfoiDPoW

“…” Li Wuting frowned, showing rare annoyance. “A leak will sink a great ship.”xMTVfDCyszYNfzpfmIYkhecruiGigu

bjwUeNRIDFFfTLE

During a two-second silence, Shiyizhong suddenly spoke up earnestly, “Your Majesty! Do you need this humble… subject to go fetch him back?”WwszMuDuQFBVREDAwhoDCNsibkmZow

WiERqjYgtewlXhK

Yuan Liu and Yan Min on the side disagreed and warned, “Ahem! Your Majesty has his own guards. What business does a small guard like you have interfering?”JIqRKxLwCrbHfwmNYCTQsVVvgbSLjV

nBbaaTAtEjzoFOm

Ning Rushen sighed silently. “This isn’t even a leaky sieve; it’s a transparent glass cover.”mgMLmRxVLyThAARueFmoJZrEHyPXNM

GtQwmOrTQiVjSGQ

“Enough.” Li Wuting’s head was starting to ache from Shiyizhong’s words.WsPclbWnLAtrTkoOdqztHIjedpTobd

bSwQmVYDxdnYajK

He relaxed his brows and said to Ning Rushen, “Next time a pigeon flies by, you stew it.”HiIYRhAyxIbnRISFahnfESkhQqHRcr

PdLNgaAwUzdeYTo

Li Wuting’s decree was rarely so pleasing to the ear.prCusCJUmlOJeXxKLhbJdqlpFbWgRQ

dJdeRItivMCogHK

“Also,” his gaze fell to Ning Rushen’s waist, “once your waist injury is healed, stop lying down. Remember to attend the court tomorrow.”QCspPViDpoNzSXdBFdLsINGyAxWhWK

PmRdLVIkBHetQHq

Ning Rushen’s enthusiasm dampened. “…Yes.”cFmwgJIwqsZwszBAGMCSAWGsSeQDvf

ogxkuaFxgMYgTeL

The horse racing case that had been lingering for several days immediately reached a conclusion:hmjwJoPjfSxwQwVowoAPngXeCAZDPu

SlwtIcVzqOmjWlj

Yu Lifeng was dismissed for his inadequate management; the children of the Yu family, arrogant and troublesome, disturbing the people and disrespecting the imperial family, were punished and sent to work as laborers to build rivers and canals for the people.HngEuowrZOuUrklkZAMEpBmEFTOFAD

xxJnBiLqvbIgDIe

Those in the Wu City Garrison who had committed offenses were also dealt with.MMLcztceWYPuyFRzPsnIbbyqIrXAOp

aKNSDijGQuKAdhu

For a time, most of the Wu City Garrison underwent personnel changes. Before the noble families could react, another decree appointed new noble families to take their place.jzyGOEgAfWHEXhdQBtVbQoFhElzrtY

cCLBUrxQdZznjuO

The series of actions came unexpectedly but were orderly, obviously well-prepared in advance.TrrzUNpIffdgjfOQMKeqpfKlRRhBgo

fyGGmpgVeTONpcZ

As for why they had to wait until after the interviews–XVDDgpSRBGjBUDUVVrbdvnnDIOcLhF

TLlZIMhAtyCdLnY

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, who was sitting high on the dragon throne: Oh, just for fun.RNerKUkkmdWeVWKLnoeVschmCCqZeV

xmyoWlwHCytgfHa

With the decree issued, the dust settled.XWHtEXmNAsjsRAfnQGszytJLknYyUS

cITcDDgWzvNuPTq

Even if the old noble families were dissatisfied, they were powerless to resist, as the newly established noble families were determined to erode and devour them.eGddooXDYYMaiEzxZhawBxnoCFgPSN

JxcqNjZPZEPAhyw

After the early court session, Ning Rushen continued to the Imperial Study as usual.eMJyftPAfvpzGXrmYFolfXtGRwmzqX

MRHukRCjnxmVkvN

He wanted to exchange views with Li Wuting on the turnover of the “hundred families.”MiwYVRiyCtWGoSKLAwLKfHnqHBraUe

aiNaPQFIBxLXYFt

Halfway there, he was met by a palace servant who brought news, “Lord Ning, His Majesty says you do not need to be on duty today.”nnCRVwsjXWLUcXiEidIjzxFZhHqRJe

mySIqFzUUdTSPBL

Ning Rushen paused. “What’s the reason?”zTuEiSsdOTPtByWdTiQlATPuhQPlne

fZOimCVbaFEDuzy

Using and discarding him after he’s served his purpose?KLlMAnSoJSgzOGelXHfutWxCQkjjJH

NorjkpYNvAOnaoF

“His Majesty is going to the Hanlin Academy today to review yesterday’s interview results with the chief examiners.”vmJbnCgJNILoWZWqCvjJvOwHMwVbek

PRbQxRWlsroTNhM

“I see…”ITHAjJvzxJuctPISyZzZEvRxzWniUX

GBuYLKumJMERqNE

Ning Rushen thanked the servant and left the palace.hoXuEQsDDpLlmMvgfSYMBOOEkVEnnB

yrmGCblCncMRNeC

With a crimson robe swaying as he tucked his hands into his sleeves, he walked to the palace gate. Suddenly, someone called out to him from behind: “Lord Ning–“RZhXDPRzyMNYSxveidFfQwZUwABQmE

VnAYAEWAlicbJBY

He turned around to see Huo Mian rushing towards him.SRluSRhkntFunADHQqUizAyYJLUUuu

oznjkcWVRlizIUh

He turned his head and saw Huo Mian striding over with brisk steps.FrYWQhjgxzohkzjscnNQyGZIjFQknx

iCpHixOuAiaTkVz

“Sure enough, I didn’t mistake you!” Huo Mian walked closer in a few steps, instinctively about to slap Ning Rushen’s shoulder warmly. The palm wind swooped down—then he saw the frail shoulder tremble, and he instantly stopped!fJMzEnRauxgkskgTsDQvWrMGwLRSIs

RXQhCqXViYviygc

Instead, he patted twice, “You’re not on duty today?”NCLnOowpEmGgMOvdGTfMqeWlLErdFt

YNtEopQPJRYOKmG

Ning Rushen glanced at his hand, “…Hmm.”dCPzkbgQGKLByGxZTyXOINCtmBMvSs

OZRrrsOxNguMSzy

Forget about being on duty; he almost couldn’t even function as a person.feVWSyVsdeGOGmcwZDzOTnojMPnork

GBidCmSAATLWLsn

Huo Mian, full of enthusiasm, said, “Great! The assessment is over, and I happen to be free. I’ve arranged to relax with the brothers today. Why don’t you join us?”DtYChUnOvGcwvrrXAVjNxGlhRAChCF

RGcAlEXxfqqVrdw

Ning Rushen politely declined, “I’ll pass on your brotherhood gathering.”xQuHJlJRNKMKGpCghCamAkVHoLiFrb

XtYtEcWZJPheesB

“Aren’t you also one of my sworn brothers!”ouosREfhAKxIbsYOKeppiNEWDIYtbN

hTuTWgkXlyJyYdR

Huo Mian slung his arm around Ning Rushen without hesitation, walking towards the palace gate, “Plus, the trusted brothers are also thinking of you. They even asked last time…”CXOQqZkjoItGDWsztvWBXDbSudGtCU

BXBhFSmfwsWLOXP

“We’re going to play Cai Xuan Ge, Liubo chess…”kRqMbVXnMxBdjGeMUdFAlNRdZouaKd

KCnXowKIgnvtbbW

“And there’s good wine and food…”VukEUrFUIIEVFfNVuQryvOJWwxIGLm

ZKvlVeAvuWdyPwh

Ning Rushen was persuaded by his rapid-fire sales pitch and ended up following him with a dizzy head, “Oh, okay…”sHWelhhlvnomKWEuyysrltPzisVfpg

jXQZPXueWbZctwm

---

Huo Mian took him to a place called “Hua Gui Lou.”VfDaGEmmtAtLXuUyervleAgGvzGQSd

icyQxtIRxzhIuCM

It’s in the east of the city, not far from the Ning Mansion.ZXTsGuraKhhhRauVyzIXjsgRTHfBrG

nKDEZIRliQLQuID

The furnishings inside were exquisite and luxurious, similar to modern entertainment venues for parties, with separate compartments.JvLJCrFsxXVEjtgeBSncLQyUyQrfmX

kwsdnmfjWxagbaR

Ning Rushen became interested, “There are places like this too.”qtHMCHojAAGluIOenZWgjNdgAdoJTy

iMYXnlLhCFCMnjc

Huo Mian led him upstairs, “Hehehe.”cnrcWEfXeNCeDVQOOZfSFZNyizqCrM

GhxovTOPeoidDTM

Upon entering the compartment, a group of trusted brothers was already inside, playing games with great excitement.uROsmQXnVwNLJRMJZogmFeYqQHlFnw

SdrFCHpgqhIJHBz

Huo Mian kicked the door, “Here’s the esteemed Mr. Ning, delivered to you guys!”uQmeIXFdAeCsIxDstzEpwZasOKCXiS

UbVXkyGlPuNsjXE

Ning Rushen: ?AXsBgRehTgcvKowoKazBeIboMReVRj

qtDCLngBfXxSQdT

Everyone turned their heads and immediately cheered and eagerly welcomed him! There was even a mix of surprise and admiration: “Hey, he’s alive!”AqiBHIESHeAeKswFkHuaAVOkQqqZZh

zepTTynHDcBHYAL

“…Was he just dug out of the ground?”vTmGcEuIwzPXyRGrZcjeywiQTohtIo

GgkrwxAjqFgsfkB

Huo Mian kicked away the untimely remark and turned to explain to Ning Rushen, “Last time you were called back to collect junk, we didn’t get to play to our hearts’ content. Now that you’re here, let’s have a good time together!”CGDQQaBQpgPWuLDcSwCfhrHpuFdZIV

vCCogVKeKoohBBy

Remembering the generous sharing of fruits last time, Ning Rushen generously let go of his grudge.PHnqYtMdNjWudfcehlhvVrtPfQxMQs

xkytBuyEBBQJqJb

He looked around, “What’s this?”SXnIkvmXpEoDhReuXuTSZzDmDURCdo

DXIBVZXlUkRXjiZ

Sun Wu, the right guard next to him, looked over, “Oh, Cai Xuan Ge, the Promotion Chart. Want to play?”lpEDPqtCmtbdiAYSVvXaXFJxWiMPPG

kpZFUgDYLvkcUlQ

The Promotion Chart? Ning Rushen leaned over to take a closer look, then suddenly realized: Isn’t this the ancient version of Monopoly?pDVuumoAnAdHPMLyRvMJvcCBNYLJeG

bbWPzioiaySrYec

He nodded, “This, this!”yheznSaWvGGyiRIzchQfFXIGTWuHVe

UdgvFMtiNnYEGxm

Sun Wu and the others immediately pulled him to a seat, “Come on! If you lose, you drink.”ygxRXkswbtMOJFImBjSDfieXtrAWEy

fMxNhHnIpdqSIuC

Ning Rushen respectfully declined, “No… I won’t drink.”TEcgBzTKTnBJvjlmRYfIsXtcuSiluK

WOPSelBPSOBqCWK

The flowers, small bridges, and old ladies were already faintly visible.wZFuVmEvVKJnudhnrHDKqpLQkXuMwo

DhYKehTZMmJSYSN

Sun Wu said, “Hey! Coming here and not drinking is like coming here for nothing.”JwrEGXrFvyacFgqVUuewYfsUvQnbbx

wRZGXHHuTyjDuqg

Another person simply pulled out the cork of the wine and waved it under his nose, saying, “This wine is not strong. Last time, didn’t you drink two cups without a problem?”EbyxyjWpRoanSdIcpWyUatjmHAmtod

dDYnVzrVAdMeKjK

The sweet aroma of the wine filled the air.YwEbxWOpRXhcrvkzsdWinjUateKiDt

yiwVZTqdZZsgzXl

Ning Rushen shook his head vigorously, closing his eyes: “Damn it, take it away, take it away…”zctUrnQyLjgqBRkRjIFyiqnnAFUntB

AggbzDIXyNOnVkc

Huo Mian took the opportunity to pat him on the back, saying, “Don’t worry, even if you drink until you pass out, we brothers will carry you back home!”hOtXEwToZOnUckvUPQyuwDHQcRzuSe

TIqXpfqxieBAlPk

“…”CWAVKuZHMweAYLwPItUupKoxwrBpCS

ucuNlRiVyYSlHIK

Ning Rushen opened his eyes after a moment, “Then, just a little bit.”eESetvARCMpziOTLVocDfIddxYRJjC

OsIwaEJKOEOwpOS

The group cheered, “Hey hey!”cCNYlHbcLXUjnTRAHolHXpVEmLHvBi

QDRUyjToiNGPOYR

…nBvxvWnZuhqZZsXfFOrvrcbwFUAngO

WKScSVOtoQAqfEz

There were many games played in the private room.pzxaFXgHdgKGxtemzbNsnlZUTpHqSY

QDlRsOemRMcOnYY

Ning Rushen played a few rounds of colorful selection, then played several rounds of archery and chess. After winning and losing about the same, he had already drunk eight or nine cups of wine.OddhRDsWxbOsGwnmNfSaauLAAYmOCW

HKaHzDNObuYEpyv

The sweet fruit wine was not strong, and he felt slightly tipsy.JnKGtScUILjcusRLgsbcXcBkEBVEUb

scECyYJuVdepALU

Getting excited from the games, Ning Rushen wandered around the private room with his shaking wine glass before sitting back down. His face, originally as white as jade, now had two blushes, and heat radiated from under his neck.uFSKjZRGSJrxRiXVnCotuhaOqEHcTU

FFpONgvpdesgYfk

He loosened his collar and stretched his neck: “Phew, it’s hot…”bMkepoXYcsoVQvEbyXjOcPNTDgMBSn

pOdbwjpaxQcjVLj

His slender neck formed a beautiful curve, and his black hair hung over his shoulders, revealing a small, slightly pinkish, fair and delicate area below the collar.mCgzFsOJZvHbCPFllJXKKWHfKfhDZp

JTfzzIklFYjMARv

Steamy and dazed, he spaced out for a moment.qNhAUabuZTKXGDfQzMoErlQuDXVBZS

PNnvJKoxMxFspak

Huo Mian turned to see, “… Are you hot? Want some tea?”FwjkRWSVpGnqGJsPOOKrbcCFxWcxzX

PWgfbLOtPUBGGMX

“Tea?” Ning Rushen heard his words, reacted after several seconds, and then slowly reached out to get himself a cup of tea to drink, “Oh.”EcXeiSlLzCEtQfUEQxaSBJbptauJZE

JHIfEzycbinsmMt

He was acting too obediently.bFhrLOdlkWlIuxJhbplnDMUBYNMZNE

nlBKmSOjssZxbPi

The people at the table looked at each other in surprise: Oh…wUqYdcCBVzCKgybTlXIhLVvbszFHsd

nZrtpqiyqfPmcDI

Sun Wu looked for a while, then tentatively rubbed his hands, “Let’s switch to a plum blossom card.”ipwpPxkwKUyZqxUVuNkymXihDHyWZH

bsUZCSFctWELSRw

It was practically taking advantage of the situation!ylGxRcnPhgsOrUNHKANpnEPduWuyBy

yJSVSKZAgbxxcOm

Beside him, He Liang slapped him, “That’s too much, how can you bully Lord Ning!”rYRoDwlVbmrksSXPUbEOYLWNNJpWfv

kCLMwTsEBZxskHY

After scolding him, he turned and said, “Give me a fish card.”ieGgrQdsNPCsBEaXNIbLvBuTGwmhqE

tkGuZAbTnNEDIcv

Ning Rushen looked at the two of them blankly. Although his brain hadn’t caught up, his body mimicked them and slapped:xgmzToQLAHorsIcMdZIykdujrShTzs

XdxgVknpWXklcro

“What’s the difference between you two!”RVPNxzOAjnZmQUpNyspuirJeLBfXkS

HroUZRPknwekkJE

Ouch. His hand hurt, “Ouch.”vuDyFsgLybjvDTDRPWUGovfaYfwLGL

ghHGpTxDVwCprlB

Ning Rushen blew on his hand sadly, huffing.ExBhmRwvnOogWvkbcRtxuYhMhCUnQg

kPptGuZmuBuBOKq

Everyone else: …GRwpNxOZlgikrMmlwePzlaGBrDfmNG

MFlkHaKSZfRTehC

·RqdecHnoevoNuMItjPCLwsOSuwiPsk

knRfezYiUpNNood

Outside the Hanlin Academy, the blue bamboo carriage slowly departed.bXynTDZhDCoYTTTiyjXhKfBIVcvYkv

CpPzDixNhRbzWGu

At this time, the sun had already set, and Li Wuting had just finished handling yesterday’s interviews, leaning against the back wall of the carriage with his eyes closed.dmySWIfFCzABFXGkedXeZZxvgSyHAu

mGZUkpNocaAgBuv

Inside the carriage, De Quan served respectfully by his side.yrvEFRbUBtuUOTcNrglnbJcXbhHFvW

UaMByrSWsFLnzSq

After the carriage had driven for a while, Li Wuting opened his eyes, lifted the teacup, and took a few sips.NulkcyTTzHxtfTzcpGbDsoPjxrQYQa

QgEjEhWuyxUiqfM

On the low table, there was a box of pastries.RQGcPqTNdzCArSVgvdRpHmJVMcvHxl

xwZHnwXwQWRGmeW

De Quan asked, “Your Majesty, you’ve worked hard today. Would you like some snacks? It will be a while before we return to the palace for the meal.”btINgIzTqzSJyGuWbDTlHgjtVxoBlU

ZrqBnEbCBjcUwHs

Li Wuting glanced over, “No need, I don’t feel like eating sweets right now.”KPykAqOzJQzYReytAduJtpyPlZSzEq

NigOrwhHyTtwFFc

De Quan nodded and closed the lid of the box, then smiled and said, “Lord Ning seems to love these snacks. He never seems to get tired of them.”DrwbvkpxMUbluTnNolhrVhIMooXqrz

VZVSuzYYaAIrzOQ

As the words fell, the teacup lightly knocked on the table and was set down.umpTzqgRlCDmEwbIUTAqlDaHxUPBAB

stArbeoNvjiiBDG

There was a moment of silence in the carriage.wZHimOFfdbFvzPDUmjOwBfMnYRFfwZ

nDyhNqtfRmYFBWo

Li Wuting tapped his fingers on his knee, recalling the scenes from the previous times when Ning Rushen rode in the carriage: his eyes would light up at the sight of the snacks. He ate with great relish, his cheeks bulging, and he even licked off the residue from the corners of his mouth…COyPDVUwLAlRwGQKTVShjhXIcEPOvx

XdETqOKjuyHSTdF

It was just like feeding a cat.yYncqLbZdcVrlWkDFlaDcajQdoUpCO

XoLyjeNGidLevlO

After a while, he spoke, “He did well in the interview. Have I not rewarded him yet?”jqYbWLmemkVDFTuQBlqpOMvyxgQZay

dMHSiNeCxCfUjuB

De Quan immediately understood and pursed his lips, “Ah, indeed. Speaking of… if we take the next turn, we’ll arrive at the Ning Residence.”JVYpROSVriEkqxHWZpYuySdMKjPnLG

yFfRrIBJVJYrHwb

Li Wuting’s voice was calm, “Then let’s take that turn.”GGUHwRshYVnDESeZujOvLkdsJQkZjS

RacwsnpCcJlmFCI

…WLiVCfDPWBPVYcWDcMpujKaBHkjjLc

AtcKupHyNDSBwYl

The carriage took a detour and stopped at the entrance of the Ning Residence.XNLEsTGsxnXuQQvPsUXNglKGDHaghJ

QTDnDjbvntlnDeX

Li Wuting got off the carriage, and De Quan followed behind with the food box.jKhabyoZirSWlzUlgTMQIPAMuMJYjX

gyfLIgZlMMvUpph

The servants of the Ning Residence were already familiar with the Emperor’s face. Seeing the imperial carriage arrive, they all knelt down in unison, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”UsrhnPeqcPfDTSeVQZMTbNsQFTrDFy

aWrEELCXYbZfAFD

Li Wuting waved his hand and entered the residence.wghzGGXWESHTIePWEOFJIoBSIOsCHT

xSzjGAVARYbiwYp

Yuan Liu nervously came forward to greet him. Li Wuting followed him into the hall and sat down. After looking around and not seeing anyone, he asked, “Where is your master?”qnGbshMMndezPrMGLMbIbFLRVKcWEg

GzYHpUuyZrGZqfh

“To answer Your Majesty, my master has not yet returned to the residence.”mmclEnpexlXpifIUhDCesmsxCKFLkG

gPiTsOFWMIpodEq

“…”MkxXJBTQMbGPMUCRRGaYbWrLGAstif

kRbeUqXgWPCnGUw

De Quan’s heart skipped a beat.vdywbNGXAfkTzakcAJJmFzbyNVHdGe

iqOnKuyUYmJllao

Li Wuting pursed his thin lips, “Oh, where did he go?”FALqUDzdQTMpQHrKCMXGnCmSvNWBCW

tZSmJqamcpsGhHJ

Yuan Liu knelt and reported, “According to the young guard who was sent back, the master is out with the gentlemen of the general’s residence.”utplbwRGpPztNTMheoLOXHgYbuxhcC

reeSiRwvCUflrPD

After he finished speaking, there was no response from Li Wuting.ZOVHKopDxPOpMXiokzFTEEFhdZJVBs

kLOQBZMBAGkAiqd

He sat silently on the seat without saying anything more, but he also didn’t let De Quan put down the food box and leave.APRfZSqmYFpBPokDXoxBDPbdNoONDf

IJnYEuaZJUfLwqz

De Quan was anxious, and Yuan Liu was sweating profusely.wdVLIOuXqhogZkVJZRDhFjNVqiBtyB

nyGVQsmFUrjfCni

They sat like this for a while.nlnsBuZIFmgSiAwtqtniSFPOVhAPWF

nfunmdvxGmKMwnN

Yuan Liu couldn’t bear it any longer and tremblingly said, “Your Majesty, this servant will go and find the master to return to the residence.”mIbtNMhxiZmWJYHUpUileyJzmIzMgj

FtmcGEMWRbGUgVf

Li Wuting asked, “Do you know where he is?”imHLUARkOahjnGvNgXPrGZzYPrTSEf

FLWkWODbMoMjcEk

“Yes, after the young guard was sent back, he said the master is at the Hua Gui Tower, not far from the residence.”IbsHXBJqjNfrhZrYIRyqigQmhGGKRq

bPWZurlDFYssXRQ

“Mm.”VpYuxInUtQlvTsbNemHKJasGDiqRzz

SIWnZiCdEJToqXD

After receiving a response, Yuan Liu got up to go find his master.vnjxUcBQiHpabQXWPoHroQGYSMszCm

QbROClshTQmcpaM

As soon as he got up, he saw the Emperor in front of him also standing up.FJdtYNZyuSMLCSTnNLnPYxBtCdeCbM

fgdhTUtejtDUsrz

Li Wuting glanced at him, “I’ll go and see too, what’s so interesting that he’s playing?”QTTKfyhKZLMOviOiGiImKZeibmJsnB

rMkSGbCSHoKulaj

…sEoLgAsHwyRDdcfNVVjXNCxnArjXNj

lFwPjAvSUAJhETV

Drawing Gui Lou, inside the second-floor private room.pXPYYrnaUBOVcphYoflGKVimGhAXNE

AJSDEzCHVGAgDwM

A group of men from the Northern Frontier Army, after drinking, became even more boisterous than when they arrived. Some of them who were playing shooting games got into a heated argument, banging the table and causing a commotion. When the argument reached a stalemate, they started shouting to compare who could shout the loudest:YmusqsSMCTQpmmYqztlfiVhaqYUqiw

FQtoGFveUbUVhBk

“Ah—”sMzkAtSekfRsZAdaVgpDwaPVcPzQXk

zJJjoZzjdkNEnBm

“Ah ah—”DOXHaXmSicuQxgjQfCaTayyaEALgBS

hkSjvECPhuGUeIP

“…”jmTHqGHhlysNDrIflhXITefBbKSyZK

JqrtUSzTMXsyHWv

Ning Rushen, flushed and ears burning, was squeezed in the middle, frowning as he covered his ears: it was so noisy!bkvyRLCwJcJTuriRVvMPOqFkufjgzt

qjpzEqFiypTJfVw

He was already dizzy from the alcohol and now his head was buzzing from the noise. Unable to bear it any longer, he slammed the table and stood up:rWFBHMdsWOCDlkHQFgyPJwZgtcKMtl

gPJwxhiLiYUXVSi

“What are you all arguing about!”svUXWxlTiNHNTdDcEWDROQjrFVqLpJ

rYLlMynZLZpJKON

The noisy room suddenly quieted down, and a group of comrades turned to look at him.ELIZlcbxBbhFnfPCTIXwOmiUNRvyol

SerccEhLxQGGiJl

With a red face, Ning Rushen picked up his wine cup and continued, “…Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the eightieth birthday of our good friend Huo Mian…”hcffSYndZyfFwYHHushYQgheBVGcEu

yFmXNoTOuMXEzJG

Everyone fell silent.JFgOyDvZdityUjtZPHDirrFeveGZHn

svucRQbdKrAfdub

Huo Mian, seeing the embarrassment on Ning Rushen’s face, couldn’t help but pull him down, “Today is not my birthday, and I’m not eighty yet—”rOEiiFXdVdOoFUVtSPXRrZWVfjtejw

sGHPNTAgLLBvtLR

He pulled too hard, causing Ning Rushen to stagger.ySmdWebCdGDQkisEZPAOSZPzdRLXQO

DfBQMAVaUUfLqAU

The wine cup fell with a clatter.AQdcktdbigJLNYMIqmQOwzSOWjLEGx

GBkqFRwSLrlaidj

Ning Rushen, swaying, grabbed the crimson canopy hanging on the screen behind him. Snap… he directly pulled down a piece of canopy, which floated down onto his shoulder and arm.HaLhoWtdynQWeICtrlTugpuJJaGHIt

XPzBSxWyYJTIOio

With this cushion, he supported himself on the table.sTooEpXgndKpYpkSiKlTLmDPNuIMrs

lJVYNGpLVSchjxj

The delicate canopy draped over his dignified official robe, making it look even more elegant and noble, a bright splash of color among the tough and manly soldiers of the Dingyuan Army.BuTALvilsXcLdJEAKdmiViMFhTqvxt

gIWDFtYCFhcKLtr

There were a few light coughs around, and gazes shifted away.GoMfxgSHawgvDRacjjrLtJJSghYFqm

vacnwMIIgStKMiI

But Ning Rushen, whose head was soaked in alcohol, didn’t notice.YsQNAAXBAaziVNGOeJNUncAKOGLJVM

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Entangled in the long canopy, he tried to pull it off, but failed. So, he simply stuffed the trailing end into his waistband, then stood up, ready to leave.AbAQNtdcMLXINYRaRcEZCkKSqTIrir

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“I’m so tired, I want to go back…”jHddeqNouahfeJUHzdGMeCwNsGqyDa

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The guards around him tried to persuade him:bVdZSMOcxoqdKegGmLkooQdJkxeDnE

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“Hey, won’t you stay and play a little longer?”pkjbDwwecoZIHWMFtHEyHEIiREWhgw

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“The roast duck platter hasn’t arrived yet!”xXcfMPrwQCAKpUptembgaSNIgBSTvg

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Ning Rushen waved his hand, backing towards the door, “Can’t drink anymore.”YUIoAbGLvgUjmBOcGVhHkbvguceaKL

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The guards said, “No, it’s the roast duck…”jHACwTUeRsyuJwIZNqWaehIvkhfvku

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Just as they were speaking, the door curtain behind them moved. Huo Mian saw it, “Oh, is it the roast duck—”uMHgyVjYOSFWFhvBCTSxRQBjJISCtR

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His words abruptly stopped, and the room fell silent.NKECZAiRkkGozLNQTAfNiaalNTRXGT

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Huh? Ning Rushen raised his eyelashes, and his feet instinctively stepped back. The next moment, he bumped into a chest.jQtRAzpdUxVNOYJAUwpbNIUMtOYBrd

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A familiar warmth and light fragrance enveloped him.dkuFrvCBARWruSnWUKxYiqBnMrCyMy

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His body, swaying, was supported by a large palm.UwSIBcrPygIVrmxHdGJZketTkkfhcY

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The hand landed on his side, and the long, slender fingers with calluses wrapped around the thin, crimson canopy at his waist.RPgVADJQezexzfTGTvDILvVDwUsJxj

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Ning Rushen’s lower back trembled, and he turned his head to look.wesXbTIwYSWDRovuWBewTOFZjfxVyg

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He saw Li Wuting approaching with lowered eyes, whispering, “Had a good time?”QxRtebUGCBOlmYYupawokyViBWRiEU

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