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
LrVWThqnDGKugcEDuring a two-second silence, Shiyizhong suddenly spoke up earnestly, “Your Majesty! Do you need this humble… subject to go fetch him back?”BrrItyQPuNyoIADsRBsECNjpEnxYBa
nivumFgoyEsBYniYuan 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
tzxOUYjzywqLsjKNing 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
gkwxEpSELqNvDZOHe relaxed his brows and said to Ning Rushen, “Next time a pigeon flies by, you stew it.”QoxMVgnoJsvMCrxKlnzYCENHHfHrJy
AJXxRBagVbaJDzWLi 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
WAdDlGiAuVzazkwNing Rushen’s enthusiasm dampened. “…Yes.”mAICLXxScKmxERuzrgktHZaAgLTEgi
XfivmCbluqoLrCOThe horse racing case that had been lingering for several days immediately reached a conclusion:kwhPpJtSAtXLSexWBKhvychAwgCdNR
idsXeiTZcbjwbDoYu 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
DkNEZlGwFRqZlbsThose in the Wu City Garrison who had committed offenses were also dealt with.cuSFQrGZwnmdfdgmMTsTwhrKQuzMsz
NNEIgpYOzMnFJDGFor 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
QtzoOnARRDhgnTUThe series of actions came unexpectedly but were orderly, obviously well-prepared in advance.UcjIQvrricQCOdRQNyvCbeItYWqNgT
GVuddwHlOtKHPpbAs for why they had to wait until after the interviews–WcsVGbRsWpjUSeCiKftgbmFHkrNbLl
BuEEvXojchPxQrcNing Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, who was sitting high on the dragon throne: Oh, just for fun.zFqEiZHyZOvYctJKVxJgFdrzKKFBUm
jZfmzGXFXvkcjNmWith the decree issued, the dust settled.lBKBKYXYYwILlfKyVgFeFOjbZuQtNR
agHPPiVhgbpVzIbEven 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
somlUxoHVsamqIYAfter the early court session, Ning Rushen continued to the Imperial Study as usual.YrzOPveDaITTivkgXmAHIyMmAGSuKH
xMdcDxDQFGVqpqLHe wanted to exchange views with Li Wuting on the turnover of the “hundred families.”tapBgeUYYBaxAbQLphdbJOgskrmFQa
RAngWNzLnZlhyhRHalfway 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
hDAetZbjpdSdNcINing Rushen paused. “What’s the reason?”adnowmjTknXfiiiwgQQgpWtWpyotLj
DNMNkbCGnNQIYzLUsing 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
dBgyvxDobSrQuXpNing Rushen thanked the servant and left the palace.CssGtuJdsFaBajGTnTThtkiKuSSjMZ
vjdYtIgDpxLBxFXWith 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
uiPthDzcWPZZhMzHe turned around to see Huo Mian rushing towards him.SKtDoNphvsiTmOgHZuAMYNeuInOIuc
JJYBRPbiKulJWGnHe 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
KGlDzCJTgkJfehuInstead, he patted twice, “You’re not on duty today?”QmeuvRexAjsBkJRBUGMUwDpZpBqIAm
MWqsRhTpRZvWpEaNing Rushen glanced at his hand, “…Hmm.”ykQbyoxIYaIaHgxOcffqnefqnYYITl
YchqRgbvjEWrDRpForget about being on duty; he almost couldn’t even function as a person.PTCzpbdQyWkCVNNEVuqPTfDlQXSnHn
IFNrlGrLiGcpfPbHuo 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
XWSqCknzJIhLVzJNing Rushen politely declined, “I’ll pass on your brotherhood gathering.”dMGuQWDKazUhuAoRYxTTNHJBkyXBjK
iXixeYLjlEnXeId“Aren’t you also one of my sworn brothers!”akpHsztyKInqLmRbQRUWPLxiUtgjMD
aeQrGPYGqJPtUINHuo 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
lYLZplkdOSFvSBiNing Rushen was persuaded by his rapid-fire sales pitch and ended up following him with a dizzy head, “Oh, okay…”QWekWsnjCqNlgJhdUbPNnuBTbEjnuP
kEnHhWbmpmjCFXXHuo Mian took him to a place called “Hua Gui Lou.”xjSjfOwCCMYcHiEjBtlHgkDLDoQIZL
nKnamVAxcTnrFryIt’s in the east of the city, not far from the Ning Mansion.jeOnHhSuTvzftqLszJFvPfsaPgxvgv
GZXXGOOKVWGzGTwThe furnishings inside were exquisite and luxurious, similar to modern entertainment venues for parties, with separate compartments.rtqFenFZDFBPOcJDVobaMSTiMzlkAa
ANORFWwuwBxCIfiNing Rushen became interested, “There are places like this too.”QWufrNqmfBaZYLWwlRuGBObzsFUgjF
BQihVqZLDCvGGzjHuo Mian led him upstairs, “Hehehe.”JyKWrXHoLkGrZosdggmDrMXZIXDdOy
kDJZPLsYcpHkHLaUpon entering the compartment, a group of trusted brothers was already inside, playing games with great excitement.kdrrNrndYZyrKKrfxdudsoMHfGReGK
XeENqarUMQsXlClHuo Mian kicked the door, “Here’s the esteemed Mr. Ning, delivered to you guys!”jQOdBkUyLcxHDzxlIRaLUNyhyMXPJf
StrJUIvzwWAIensNing Rushen: ?BQjoklAXFxQzwbhlrfJIOSQVjMYlPJ
cjZyBcunhJYjxETEveryone 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
pDsQKbGndoAuONFHuo 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
LzWANlPnmUsuDNuRemembering the generous sharing of fruits last time, Ning Rushen generously let go of his grudge.wPdxUlDbIzpaWWdXSXDvXYLFdFGoEh
cteHaGFhYIeNEdzHe looked around, “What’s this?”ErqfFDqCIMrDBjnjPLwlXWBhgvkHyv
QgkXAsGofGCDjQKSun Wu, the right guard next to him, looked over, “Oh, Cai Xuan Ge, the Promotion Chart. Want to play?”efzjXpceClDvvSitJCQVtZUlvniWiX
lqJpvBgfuSGlJPKThe Promotion Chart? Ning Rushen leaned over to take a closer look, then suddenly realized: Isn’t this the ancient version of Monopoly?vjNTvOBwWeNCXvIYOibzgtAVccZvgq
bLoNhRZDNIlYkVUHe nodded, “This, this!”BGbFyQlpgKZoFAIOtJoxIJJkzTWaqC
ZGQxEmPWXtBwuLrSun Wu and the others immediately pulled him to a seat, “Come on! If you lose, you drink.”FroRjkidbSwmjgnwExljbAVxNdVXoU
jQFITbKYVNPISMYNing Rushen respectfully declined, “No… I won’t drink.”PYuommBQzflGnjGLBUdTYnrkGzhRLz
ToFuCGWPEelFqhEThe flowers, small bridges, and old ladies were already faintly visible.eHSjoPaNPXppRifVWutlAqqlzSxWuH
NPsiGVCSbGfnAGNSun Wu said, “Hey! Coming here and not drinking is like coming here for nothing.”HdcnHdqeAHoMffqKqfcZFAskpKgNNb
XtwTWcCFxYWKdpeAnother 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
MMOyOMqXeOTFNsaThe sweet aroma of the wine filled the air.WlaAKkNDokdhXRUEndKlBAESNtEOLn
VvcyOLmKMJyJiHvNing Rushen shook his head vigorously, closing his eyes: “Damn it, take it away, take it away…”yWtDYCzSSpRZMqxncXkpiYwjzOYMoJ
RyFHOIWvBGXiwevHuo 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
ClIVSBygsRmmxAmNing Rushen opened his eyes after a moment, “Then, just a little bit.”HBBvqgMZWSgnJpQOQTuWGGyYIUrQvb
emsBTTUwDopkRtoThe group cheered, “Hey hey!”oxiJpNTAHcAituVVMjxveqaIheftMa
BnMSyvFLBQfEoto…TpihdsyuAgYjMGqSBBmrjTqUQASpgN
rfvPVQczSLSkMvfThere were many games played in the private room.QOGxlkOhbTaLDneLutEwdOoXEEZSNm
pKECpJrVLKuXcluNing 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
kDiPLdroWspzfRGThe sweet fruit wine was not strong, and he felt slightly tipsy.MFRMLeHfqYoXzyyhhvyCeOUouwVJdv
BSbPaqEptRDstlVGetting 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
MsdoTLJRThwmRprHe loosened his collar and stretched his neck: “Phew, it’s hot…”uKmhvyAtzQJZUEfEEOYTgoNMcjJXCF
DrMQAKtkcYHqVClHis 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
AgGCdPTHYEqAIfcSteamy and dazed, he spaced out for a moment.VzHMDRjoEHkPBFOyAuMOIVwVyFcwdw
ySYhlLdIinmHtDPHuo 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
yQtNWMWNYoMOzZqHe was acting too obediently.YAOPuDXEiGaTGCAETYpaVmjgqMCsRb
cKXRPMSvNMBbeIDThe people at the table looked at each other in surprise: Oh…kduaTzbBDLgJaKwHtRwFNmUBstuzWY
FoxYZBQHXjduoDySun Wu looked for a while, then tentatively rubbed his hands, “Let’s switch to a plum blossom card.”WGZvIToiTngHlnQHcHAEIjaOsIaZkK
krMbvTpiTyFSyEoIt was practically taking advantage of the situation!gvFiKPHvxVFwXMALaFXULKfkkNyQrF
DYoHSmsgCREtdNKBeside him, He Liang slapped him, “That’s too much, how can you bully Lord Ning!”zamazntuJtFnmhDHBkFvDjiwHxEFUm
WkZJhIOjQpGCBYjAfter scolding him, he turned and said, “Give me a fish card.”lyVdvkLPqegSnONvTveSvGkHqIaoho
rMuqouMjENnhFNrNing 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
DUjnbDTPZsnuvmvOuch. His hand hurt, “Ouch.”gPXtBxuCWWnsopXftZznvODMAqnLdO
AwggvQGRdYzovVGNing Rushen blew on his hand sadly, huffing.awmaGMdGuBbrEkjMLIWPrHZoPWTaXl
IDKgJOsocfhQoFvEveryone else: …altOEWyATsCQVSlfbUcUHwOYvpPLwS
LEPPSsmCrNfqjdd·WUQqwaHlCgFnEicgUDQvAiedFyBawp
ncraAfMJkEJYSYgOutside the Hanlin Academy, the blue bamboo carriage slowly departed.tdQFafqyQmVQMLWSRKGSmwpZlezftE
hULrIkyVNpxBxtKAt 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
yTjOcDVcfhBRTsvInside the carriage, De Quan served respectfully by his side.qLHYQhneuxkRvKoNOoZGyKZAjhGNIo
OFSyOcjKOCyRdJdAfter the carriage had driven for a while, Li Wuting opened his eyes, lifted the teacup, and took a few sips.KVuLKrWqszqtasBXawealmDEbMObwB
LgmbxmwkLEUDZSDOn the low table, there was a box of pastries.LdhngpBtzHXNaEXFMzsDphJepvckPi
lAEdSBmQjoZdMOYDe 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
mQAgmJgPpiZwuPYLi Wuting glanced over, “No need, I don’t feel like eating sweets right now.”hxsRftxRrlMjHuNRvCNudQoURjmNuX
TFLLrVujmYapEBoDe 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
DjbekdsqUGQEleqAs the words fell, the teacup lightly knocked on the table and was set down.OIaZAQcUhzLTdfpUMwSmpziSqFqoFw
MasuwffpeagAIduThere was a moment of silence in the carriage.FrSIxtdVuzyywLNYpkdccVTyBUBhtS
xLfbVueDtFyvYvULi 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
DPdHsVfOKIzcqdlIt was just like feeding a cat.umrPiKXObjscudOFOTquOzSleTBenB
nfvxLjJjfpKeppyAfter a while, he spoke, “He did well in the interview. Have I not rewarded him yet?”hclwvhplUQYqTYKyZTzLOlsiyTqExD
xHHSTJNQpEMCBNFDe 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
pzGrRbwdSXJMnBMLi Wuting’s voice was calm, “Then let’s take that turn.”VmIJgoDCiLGCOoGMygusjMKfrSrcPj
OGtIaxpTBVFdpeh…XsUKLYYOFlUXNyEyeHHyGatirEVZUy
LnoZyimxWZfYOPRThe carriage took a detour and stopped at the entrance of the Ning Residence.tZzZQlMZgMGlSLnWutLNrTwhCjCdEo
yVgDKhxWJPKnIszLi Wuting got off the carriage, and De Quan followed behind with the food box.SnRVhbNcrnVNzLdJlXEtaWdIbJZeFB
uipHaEVUmGvVDurThe 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
MyIkgbZWaQaWnFQLi Wuting waved his hand and entered the residence.hTFNsOEOsAmthmRYAMXOIPfqqLTRUY
DuFPfBCmdKXwyveYuan 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
ZLgrsVNmHUILSzUDe Quan’s heart skipped a beat.jAFKdhXJpGkIWltDwypvEbLdPTNNVN
RjxbcJFeVQchSyOLi Wuting pursed his thin lips, “Oh, where did he go?”kuvePdiytPcNUBkuXcnjDtoziriPeq
fEDNPGCRFJdHXaxYuan 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
eAceyLsWsnnwuewAfter he finished speaking, there was no response from Li Wuting.GkJgRhqPAzNReXSzItWSCgAoQHAfiw
oZYKUlusebtLSVgHe 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
gVsLnWANVcbcmFODe Quan was anxious, and Yuan Liu was sweating profusely.SDYeMPqIwFdlWDodXVsnbUcHohceSX
LApUkDypbcCrQxsThey sat like this for a while.vZglKDGTAETiEbBdmKNpZXQpqonFci
fPjQwjNGvHmLyWdYuan 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
TBUssLZvzJyVpYVLi 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
faneRGseswsmLkzAfter receiving a response, Yuan Liu got up to go find his master.izOECqlbVAZlcBWXtmewcnGOjktQJX
vQaTFnrzAiUBAjWAs soon as he got up, he saw the Emperor in front of him also standing up.HYVWnQTMWqFahCmbSiYvwCIgEoaEYN
DwBzvxMGdgGvWOeLi Wuting glanced at him, “I’ll go and see too, what’s so interesting that he’s playing?”QpyCsrJeFuSOEoomfEJwjKabaqPIht
VRZTQMgDnaRhXyd…jbzyUTBhRzrDnoPyISGziHXzOYpfTB
PENSpwhkukjnNLsDrawing Gui Lou, inside the second-floor private room.ivbpFCUyslBIsSCnevCxGESqkDYqSo
AzfQcYixtAhNNQeA 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
fgEGjruIwMxFzIVNing Rushen, flushed and ears burning, was squeezed in the middle, frowning as he covered his ears: it was so noisy!ozvxllGQwENlouuGnlmWXTRQSFITpd
ZhNPwhATffLvNDZHe 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
ZBLwZXLZsHxQQMZThe noisy room suddenly quieted down, and a group of comrades turned to look at him.QTOjdFvNYfapLCeMdrsRMwUreJCfRp
OoFfUpQCzCvJEwoWith 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
VJzoczHglWfabaSEveryone fell silent.AAFUYDpKVkKqvTMpoGADkBZYWLtRBL
WjaomsfJeVEqAgZHuo 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
PHcgGrUXypqcUHIHe pulled too hard, causing Ning Rushen to stagger.pCQnRRDUviAowvIYJhdsvjXPjbkSjB
beliibdWnTeBwsuThe wine cup fell with a clatter.AULBaRsFujizZcZfdQPGgriarmsyrF
bGlkUccqzstTLqZNing 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
xScSzuiWBTTOcTPWith this cushion, he supported himself on the table.QlbuCIIgPwzFAlbiCErLjSZBMflAOg
TZWbJCiwTenuEvSThe 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
eyuwoPhbbReRmezThere were a few light coughs around, and gazes shifted away.ZuxutxCfbWOKzByMPXseAnErVVZSIi
akiFcDBZBLWqbSrBut Ning Rushen, whose head was soaked in alcohol, didn’t notice.BQEwuSiJdLrYpMyXYYJEFcJsrGbAMP
drCNGmlgoKIgpOLEntangled 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
CxKgciJaFJBYapo“I’m so tired, I want to go back…”thuJTBnKoPBQReUEjbIaXtxFvIuzpn
bKycdSgNyWguDMcThe guards around him tried to persuade him:XJcbrxueiISQVdFoPxaNlNoffrqpRC
MTNIrwNsiLNKCvZ“Hey, won’t you stay and play a little longer?”upQsdYkeDZpybLWfbuIqpfZMJBGDFt
bQirddpTNniNAyK“The roast duck platter hasn’t arrived yet!”aUgmlWuwnWIwwCUvWbUpgjfspwKFkM
wuSOKWgUqIXfvrKNing Rushen waved his hand, backing towards the door, “Can’t drink anymore.”nbDFDMQwKhKePPEtuVjUWRARKKEZfF
nIewzjUZmMVSkkGThe guards said, “No, it’s the roast duck…”JFwIiKMajuXtXjxDqrEPXtuDTjEuEy
SYUbhvoHwVHNSXdJust as they were speaking, the door curtain behind them moved. Huo Mian saw it, “Oh, is it the roast duck—”OlFodcqMcpLjxUxVdUzguiFxLePILj
ktsPtPZDVZCyrtvHis words abruptly stopped, and the room fell silent.PXnxfasDQJYTdgKGUNmwlTQwvXzJae
sIEaCOzEpURFltMHuh? Ning Rushen raised his eyelashes, and his feet instinctively stepped back. The next moment, he bumped into a chest.OVvFtMzchRxYtPZUqknIYzkbynByNM
hUvQQLrlfohSRQBA familiar warmth and light fragrance enveloped him.IZdpREdFiiSKwUBzZxIeXrwpnQmQkU
BawamPCllqfHdjaHis body, swaying, was supported by a large palm.UiDHVSGlnwEREMCAYDDNMBKQbcxtSH
EbWYzKjRxeBzTHoThe hand landed on his side, and the long, slender fingers with calluses wrapped around the thin, crimson canopy at his waist.XrMnwPmMaqlrEUhWGYYNJOFzssAfyV
KAwEsKliXlucMWONing Rushen’s lower back trembled, and he turned his head to look.AcPmDlXcucoeXGhciwbDnqikhfkzeu
QYDdUznKNAFZXnSHe saw Li Wuting approaching with lowered eyes, whispering, “Had a good time?”uuKNOjvZVXSTVsUXZFZuEbJMrjCjvV
drRfYgyskdwupLZsnPSCNekqRpydiMvmfUglmzclpvrQP
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