This official is so weak

dRQzzfkuTxIvSHwTable of Contents

Chapter 28

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

BorMvnhjkwFxZRx

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

LrVWThqnDGKugcE

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

nivumFgoyEsBYni

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?”VynREZxsnEdpsBSNxXRzynADaYDJwz

tzxOUYjzywqLsjK

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

NyrtFdDIJlsIejI

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

gkwxEpSELqNvDZO

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

AJXxRBagVbaJDzW

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

YGxUlDnRBzlyghI

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

WAdDlGiAuVzazkw

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

XfivmCbluqoLrCO

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

idsXeiTZcbjwbDo

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.ReSoqTkdrdMjfxPdYucvlcxUThjgRi

DkNEZlGwFRqZlbs

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

NNEIgpYOzMnFJDG

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.cnoQFUgJaklSikeuVbWzgZdKVIqtUt

QtzoOnARRDhgnTU

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

GVuddwHlOtKHPpb

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

BuEEvXojchPxQrc

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

jZfmzGXFXvkcjNm

With the decree issued, the dust settled.lBKBKYXYYwILlfKyVgFeFOjbZuQtNR

agHPPiVhgbpVzIb

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.SuvKdKeEOljCYOxgUcazPMYlKIOtjI

somlUxoHVsamqIY

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

xMdcDxDQFGVqpqL

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

RAngWNzLnZlhyhR

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.”oBVGfEOmfPiLSiMZyUpZLXxxZbqckt

hDAetZbjpdSdNcI

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

DNMNkbCGnNQIYzL

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

uUZpsZrWGYnDaGW

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

iEGtLisxcmMCzRF

“I see…”kdqLOzDZAEPKfJhqJJiiHNTUMDeUMI

dBgyvxDobSrQuXp

Ning Rushen thanked the servant and left the palace.CssGtuJdsFaBajGTnTThtkiKuSSjMZ

vjdYtIgDpxLBxFX

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–“IQfWpNIoIlVFoJrCTNTlojVumnPVdG

uiPthDzcWPZZhMz

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

JJYBRPbiKulJWGn

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

WMXWlbrNFCVRrFu

“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!ilzkNhxIVUFMxFwEhFZaOAYCYYZlUq

KGlDzCJTgkJfehu

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

MWqsRhTpRZvWpEa

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

YchqRgbvjEWrDRp

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

IFNrlGrLiGcpfPb

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?”lRwypiSsADFiAVomLDTJglDYpkDLic

XWSqCknzJIhLVzJ

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

iXixeYLjlEnXeId

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

aeQrGPYGqJPtUIN

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…”IrPhXQSbxsZtPlnGsbfNFoWYABlOgL

cKqXzrZtUooytyG

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

VkwdCywrSiTGhVW

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

lYLZplkdOSFvSBi

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

kEnHhWbmpmjCFXX

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

nKnamVAxcTnrFry

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

GZXXGOOKVWGzGTw

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

ANORFWwuwBxCIfi

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

BQihVqZLDCvGGzj

Huo Mian led him upstairs, “Hehehe.”JyKWrXHoLkGrZosdggmDrMXZIXDdOy

kDJZPLsYcpHkHLa

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

XeENqarUMQsXlCl

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

StrJUIvzwWAIens

Ning Rushen: ?BQjoklAXFxQzwbhlrfJIOSQVjMYlPJ

cjZyBcunhJYjxET

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

yMrLwkKBPyohskX

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

pDsQKbGndoAuONF

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!”iDCmoCPYbKgnzGROLupsnKciQKHlkq

LzWANlPnmUsuDNu

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

cteHaGFhYIeNEdz

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

QgkXAsGofGCDjQK

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

lqJpvBgfuSGlJPK

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

bLoNhRZDNIlYkVU

He nodded, “This, this!”BGbFyQlpgKZoFAIOtJoxIJJkzTWaqC

ZGQxEmPWXtBwuLr

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

jQFITbKYVNPISMY

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

ToFuCGWPEelFqhE

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

NPsiGVCSbGfnAGN

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

XtwTWcCFxYWKdpe

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?”sPlgUdwjfpgGXMbHAALLLcrsHgdIlR

MMOyOMqXeOTFNsa

The sweet aroma of the wine filled the air.WlaAKkNDokdhXRUEndKlBAESNtEOLn

VvcyOLmKMJyJiHv

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

RyFHOIWvBGXiwev

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!”wjWSRiYwDdtQGgjCrFXNUpgcLopRHT

nAvbKCncuQAffUZ

“…”ApcCkiFFQMyUoqQsJNADumLKgYbYId

ClIVSBygsRmmxAm

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

emsBTTUwDopkRto

The group cheered, “Hey hey!”oxiJpNTAHcAituVVMjxveqaIheftMa

BnMSyvFLBQfEoto

TpihdsyuAgYjMGqSBBmrjTqUQASpgN

rfvPVQczSLSkMvf

There were many games played in the private room.QOGxlkOhbTaLDneLutEwdOoXEEZSNm

pKECpJrVLKuXclu

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.vHcoXboDpnwqKOlHIyiuoBSCGpLJWH

kDiPLdroWspzfRG

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

BSbPaqEptRDstlV

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.nsBRGhWErvRAasVmxYvHXKryNedDSF

MsdoTLJRThwmRpr

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

DrMQAKtkcYHqVCl

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.pGqZhjCcCPfYImljXesViLYVjJEgol

AgGCdPTHYEqAIfc

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

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

AIkPnZwlOfWVaCN

“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.”MhexwJJpNdWjBFqDkrhTuvsVFUSZUf

yQtNWMWNYoMOzZq

He was acting too obediently.YAOPuDXEiGaTGCAETYpaVmjgqMCsRb

cKXRPMSvNMBbeID

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

FoxYZBQHXjduoDy

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

krMbvTpiTyFSyEo

It was practically taking advantage of the situation!gvFiKPHvxVFwXMALaFXULKfkkNyQrF

DYoHSmsgCREtdNK

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

WkZJhIOjQpGCBYj

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

rMuqouMjENnhFNr

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

VQouVGdHsfmxMqb

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

DUjnbDTPZsnuvmv

Ouch. His hand hurt, “Ouch.”gPXtBxuCWWnsopXftZznvODMAqnLdO

AwggvQGRdYzovVG

Ning Rushen blew on his hand sadly, huffing.awmaGMdGuBbrEkjMLIWPrHZoPWTaXl

IDKgJOsocfhQoFv

Everyone else: …altOEWyATsCQVSlfbUcUHwOYvpPLwS

LEPPSsmCrNfqjdd

·WUQqwaHlCgFnEicgUDQvAiedFyBawp

ncraAfMJkEJYSYg

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

hULrIkyVNpxBxtK

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.LGvXXHJJetGsogASEweeJerljBRwJD

yTjOcDVcfhBRTsv

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

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

LgmbxmwkLEUDZSD

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

lAEdSBmQjoZdMOY

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.”ERFcPReZdtovFfnZGxJeDXAEJxKcAd

mQAgmJgPpiZwuPY

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

TFLLrVujmYapEBo

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.”XsEkNHdDEAODtByoBZyHjJAIUgUuqD

DjbekdsqUGQEleq

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

MasuwffpeagAIdu

There was a moment of silence in the carriage.FrSIxtdVuzyywLNYpkdccVTyBUBhtS

xLfbVueDtFyvYvU

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…sRZlqVTKalCVgdhcEEejcAtdeJJFkt

DPdHsVfOKIzcqdl

It was just like feeding a cat.umrPiKXObjscudOFOTquOzSleTBenB

nfvxLjJjfpKeppy

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

xHHSTJNQpEMCBNF

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.”NfACWovyCkwfTYyyjPPhjYwQdKluAJ

pzGrRbwdSXJMnBM

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

OGtIaxpTBVFdpeh

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

yVgDKhxWJPKnIsz

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

uipHaEVUmGvVDur

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!”PsCgUkySMCmvUXxPDaCxmxfzRXAevc

MyIkgbZWaQaWnFQ

Li Wuting waved his hand and entered the residence.hTFNsOEOsAmthmRYAMXOIPfqqLTRUY

DuFPfBCmdKXwyve

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?”tMOqAexIzDaulrukKtkwqClhFfogQA

okxrJjhKkmXDYte

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

VxhEajsNKGjCTgu

“…”bhHxumwSSZACJDOxJgeOobPzcccWJW

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De Quan’s heart skipped a beat.jAFKdhXJpGkIWltDwypvEbLdPTNNVN

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

fEDNPGCRFJdHXax

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.”wXjiGwgFIBElHCmYsGkxtSvNodCrjJ

eAceyLsWsnnwuew

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

oZYKUlusebtLSVg

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.iUApnocKIqZBteqTSqQDomYyZQLsiS

gVsLnWANVcbcmFO

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

LApUkDypbcCrQxs

They sat like this for a while.vZglKDGTAETiEbBdmKNpZXQpqonFci

fPjQwjNGvHmLyWd

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.”DyfyyvMrrjmVHHQsaODlnAYHDjLgZi

TBUssLZvzJyVpYV

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

newVNTDieJPYrWY

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

bRQoeGeDnsSrmcy

“Mm.”JtMtkwxOZkZKsRsrmzrIZWAzXZxmqh

faneRGseswsmLkz

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

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

DwBzvxMGdgGvWOe

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

VRZTQMgDnaRhXyd

jbzyUTBhRzrDnoPyISGziHXzOYpfTB

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

AzfQcYixtAhNNQe

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:bwOuisYDPWjsmQjtQlhZDqKwwFVNBd

tSrKRSpRcmuiLnU

“Ah—”bbYiOtaIAkZDkknaJbkqXCQgrbnahA

JOcTeJSmSnBWQEl

“Ah ah—”obqUnnGIqgGBsowhNWVdiqjAleNAuE

hQdHMNYTVEHovcV

“…”JBkLKyKKZFaZprXcAQszSKobHxFRQL

fgEGjruIwMxFzIV

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

ZhNPwhATffLvNDZ

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:gVwwBFKLqMslhHMYlKZCoIlatZXgmK

bWJKFedOusPRWOF

“What are you all arguing about!”rHTerMUumWyYPoOBcHeXFbuPggiwKA

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

OoFfUpQCzCvJEwo

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…”JwzSEvOiCxcRKVswWRbvZKJEcMause

VJzoczHglWfabaS

Everyone fell silent.AAFUYDpKVkKqvTMpoGADkBZYWLtRBL

WjaomsfJeVEqAgZ

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—”dcNULeZNHGIMAdtilLAjLnKxEVWJQV

PHcgGrUXypqcUHI

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

beliibdWnTeBwsu

The wine cup fell with a clatter.AULBaRsFujizZcZfdQPGgriarmsyrF

bGlkUccqzstTLqZ

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.SUcXOGFIzLzsUFUtlWnWjNmwQWtBLC

xScSzuiWBTTOcTP

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

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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.RIqUdyFRzJMyYeYcNMbTIolxbzfwmP

eyuwoPhbbReRmez

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

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

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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.lSrpKCnhQVtkCvSinuBYiwcNKiZCEZ

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

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The guards around him tried to persuade him:XJcbrxueiISQVdFoPxaNlNoffrqpRC

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

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

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

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

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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—”OlFodcqMcpLjxUxVdUzguiFxLePILj

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

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

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A familiar warmth and light fragrance enveloped him.IZdpREdFiiSKwUBzZxIeXrwpnQmQkU

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

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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.XrMnwPmMaqlrEUhWGYYNJOFzssAfyV

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

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

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