This official is so weak

Ning Rushen stared blankly at the cold, handsome face in front of him.XnUBZqawkVqXhvwtqTRAEZoAGbkEnF

NGALPZeIfsDTiJA

The room fell silent for a moment, then everyone knelt down in unison, “We pay respects to Your Majesty!”XpWETTDlKXBSEEgKzhqKkdttOzcnzP

tfYMIQCMmYPySbB

Li Wuting’s gaze swept across the room full of blushing, bare-chested men from the Northern Frontier, “Hmm,” he grunted. His eyes then returned to the person in front of him. As Ning Rushen turned his head, he finally saw the faint vermilion collarbone revealed under the loosened collar of the other person’s clothes.uhtDsUOQCIVCDYQgxfDWnERwiIjsMM

mVNhAoPNtWEBkeb

He immediately felt a chill, and in a deep voice, he said, “Get dressed.”fSLiIwntKjRWyxJUFKzVTKsxljUqkd

GYCSIzwZGyrtBSG

Ning Rushen felt the fingers at his side hooking, and with a shiver, he straightened up, dizzy, and lowered his head to pull the gauze draped around him.QDmnwUUMtzAagsMPyxwMDGwdyGuUAt

cFODlqLmhQSWYAQ

He tugged a few times but couldn’t remove it; instead, he made his clothes even more disheveled.RXDzAJjeGpborPnvnefQUbRYSccTmf

YkLrBThsWsaviPf

In his flustered state, he suddenly heard a voice in front of him, “That’s enough.”RbEQYIYcQMAGNYMfWAdUolMkcLBESd

FCzZHCobQulPjTY

Li Wuting pressed his temples and said, “Fix yourself in the carriage.”hLHrOrmDqEYQNHAWVdOVaPFcAoraDk

XIbGPjnTMozmVsa

As he leaned forward, he was suddenly poked back by a whisk. He exclaimed, “Ah…!”mUHFMiMLtpjJZSsUBjRRMirjNSDtLn

NzHwIeMEGuKJJte

De Quan, intentionally or unintentionally, stood in front of him, his face unchanged.YkemWEZnYJxiuyjIPHpdusgZIGEwnM

CICfJItUpspXmjz

In the brief pause, Ning Rushen had already followed Li Wuting out of the door, clinging to his back. As the door curtain fell, those in the room, including Huo Mian, could only vaguely see someone stumbling, then being steadied by a large hand.TUnjmbYVDNIkDKklnsxuYeuyCBBnjE

ZNggwdpriSaIzmc

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting onto the carriage, with De Quan and Yuan Liu staying outside.VSUvVaEygoaILrIyYVbGrHkCshqJIX

iJmaGwQMJHSTxyy

He clumsily climbed onto the seat, tangled in the gauze, and then finally heard the emperor-like figure in front of him unable to contain his annoyance, “What kind of messy things are you playing with? As courtiers, how can you dress so improperly!”opyhsKNcpfXRPePAxCMkJqscIQajQh

SLcgezPdtUkfkFz

Ning Rushen sat in front of Li Wuting, looking at his cold face, and explained in detail, “This was accidentally pulled down and hasn’t been fixed yet.”aYvhcBgApMUsLdDrCiPdjMJtXHGJih

OUCbXSAWukCiKdD

“Oh, how was it accidentally pulled down?”sRFwehaEFdTrJWOBnvYaKDAkYpWWLY

VzDamDYiUxgdnzA

“When I was about to fall, I grabbed onto it as a life-saving straw.”NxEPnPYcFhAQbzRdGuJTUKNDTSNaEt

vkNGRaHIONvzZol

The gaze from across the table lingered on his face for a few moments.qibnTvZHBKCtssBeCZzEgdhkSKCwjd

TlqAhXGguTnsmSr

Then Li Wuting’s expression softened a bit, and he said in a calmer tone, “Remove your life-saving straw.”IbEWbrslkVrZIfQeNDWqKNtKmrMWDv

pttOBIWjAKmBxsh

“Yes.” Ning Rushen was also uncomfortable with the entanglement. He lowered his head and began to untangle it.ytiqNeDqLEwdxCuJPakJsysXaQupaT

WeoXNLakOeyheQW

The crimson gauze wound around his fair neck, over his shoulders and arms, and then tucked into the silver hairband. As he struggled, his loose clothes revealed his fair skin and white inner clothes.wRgIKtmCEidkCOgTdbryoEmMdLTxIk

paurzgaQlQhdDTZ

Inside the carriage with the curtains down, everything was blurry and indistinct.SvUnwgoXuXwhWrMGqQlaFwfllQZyPe

PsVfdpErWSZZjdW

Ning Rushen was fighting a losing battle with the gauze when his raised wrist was suddenly grasped by a large hand.zkBgDnuhiZaqfJHNXjUOOfVnYUCzlC

ClwulZIuNgcAnzP

The rough and warm fingertips brushed against the delicate skin on his wrist.nKOySTUJOkhQnsrrLQAwlqlyFKrpVb

cSClMIrqQXNBTHU

The itch made his fingertips twitch, and he looked up, “Your Majesty?”JCfMHADkNTliNCOuSMziyrvYTuGcct

DPCsCntDGlAvrgb

Li Wuting sat upright in front of him, paused, and then pushed his hand away, “Come here.”sSioEnOsgTcQTARZTPdbWXToVYKrez

vyMqdNCjVRTWIgd

Ning Rushen approached, puzzled.wawbGaIJTgTidDejbDeQuzpLlueFEw

HCeHfzttJyBvDHN

The hand reached out and hooked the thin gauze.RKYrKGLtCJsyLVWbOvbvkaPJSxJNoV

HfkmKjmPovwcRUe

Li Wuting kept his eyes down, not looking at the exposed collar of his clothes, and skillfully pulled the gauze open.NCAcIexuKHnPUgLTjZZtdwYcPVawBC

PKlJyhhcsZUDotm

The chiffon rubbed against the fabric, making a rustling sound.PVhUMAIrVFQMYMDKZpwenKuSGLrcet

kXpSuyJMDlqRqWy

Ning Rushen felt like a bamboo shoot being peeled, gradually revealing its tender core.xAyVQEcFkQrpquftvfCKPxyTgJBaER

skttetmciSFSpcB

He suddenly felt hot all over and started trembling slightly.XWaDoqyEQMSlRUdDiyOrCwfpeFngYX

GJjUMiFAfPyewPn

In a clear and deep voice, Li Wuting asked, “Are you cold?”vLVpMcRLIAEKBdfJnCrZLAFNwqkRox

xqaSFZYuHKAoNPu

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes trembled as he said, “Hot.”ELUmsvYxYbmBfuJJxCAXbiMuStfJFg

hmPaZqJOHmiavUw

“…,” Li Wuting remained silent.XCUkPgBTnVJlvlHNulPiehlhRLeAmj

TURbmHNkPaMqTWF

After a short while, Li Wuting finally pulled away all the gauze curtains and casually threw them aside. He then kindly straightened out the open collar, tucking it neatly into the belt.VbeaZkoyZTxPSjNEUWFzLfKtACmWRU

zGLBszvtlWSMwug

After finishing, he saw Ning Rushen still sitting there, letting others manipulate him, and couldn’t help but feel a headache. “Do you know what you’re doing right now?”RACjKqDdEOCfsXYjEJsytMNQceSiVJ

rVveJjfHQslyXxt

Ning Rushen replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, you are helping your subject…”BoXHvJkLkivSOAdJVdTPjUMsDwRBbO

FEjpSxSTcdAbPXS

What was it again? He thought for a moment, “To unravel cocoons.”wwottXFMNrYzaJvKfpOxwFuWiwzlUP

lHArkXhKKZcmoLY

Li Wuting “…”fRhSXloyUclIxGsbETSBMrdNoTPbqc

eFdRLBeQkOpOllx

“Alright, no more talking.” Li Wuting turned and instructed outside, “Back to the mansion.”GudUBcYIgPTpWVjokrxLFkDGhApgMq

jNQYvORioeLjrmo

The carriage slowly started moving.gNWCpnSVGtTucLaSGZuHBhIOBaWXwU

QyArjBVJDorzgOC

The gently swaying carriage became quiet for a while.RKrkadZQRlHDddSURfanQsSPSiZJaB

aDSeIPZrMUYBdGq

Ning Rushen’s restless heat gradually dissipated, and he finally regained his senses, “Why did Your Majesty come?”uBpokVIaDWwdazobzYElsuhekmMflT

ZcZCtlWbuCobVHu

Li Wuting glanced at him lightly, “To deliver rations for Lord Ning, but it seems Lord Ning is dining elsewhere.”dCNXSTIMklXCRgsSavptNaTjXKQiFJ

WQJMxInGodSZnBs

Ning Rushen’s Adam’s apple moved, “What rations?”CTEvaLGEuFrxgGCEQYWEWUagoQDFGZ

EujyZVnicvVIhzl

He tapped on the low table in front of him, indicating the meal box.CQUDpaATtCulmTboshUFWAVtEPOKed

azdzEbGhUXZCdbx

He reached out to open it, revealing a delicate and sweet box of pastries, all to his liking. Ning Rushen’s mouth watered, “I… I haven’t eaten any rations either, I’ve just been drinking.”bFMaiYgiLtJzDAZcDBhRXHrwKDKBzF

jGPMGbDlACZiOxs

Li Wuting immediately looked cold, “With your current state, do you not understand moderation? Do you want to ruin yourself and lie in bed for another ten days?”WBBhFyDsOZjRAYkRgKLELkyIDunhrH

qbrsFtGNXbbKral

Ning Rushen’s face showed a simple and straightforward longing.aDLsfSghTdpYbvFVScmilWDyJPTYqD

auPqUNNDzdlBrct

Li Wuting’s brow twitched. He didn’t want to dwell on this topic with a drunkard. “Forget it, eat your pastries.”lGBaOpoACKASrPvjTXWDNJfdBVRCXW

kmHJHwIFuTGbmqL

Ning Rushen immediately reached out.lANqdBKzSETysOBBVReNHAMoIErIbf

nZXQfcngytNqGYH

He had just come out of the Huaigu Tower and had handled chess and card tools.ViBhEtUHrDvhWIcibyPqEEEpWvXKrT

ujOhvBzhJZHHCVx

Li Wuting slapped away the dirty paw and said, “Go clean up—” He paused midway, feeling a sudden itch in his palm.vUqAcWsVdnOOPysNLmvpwYvSgjSNPH

KBQxwXdxEFKuvBj

He glanced at Ning Rushen, then at the pastries in the meal box, and then, not forgetting his initial intention, picked up a piece. Li Wuting deliberated between his over twenty years of gentlemanly conduct and feeding the cat for a few breaths.EiCRVSJbOpWNNtXCFtDLatHGCZwQie

eOTrfsQndUvcLyn

Then he said, “Come here.”cjXNCLuueXSMIsNCURzssBVyIGzxZU

NligLypEzVjeMZk

His slender, jade-like fingers held the exquisite pastry like a jadeite.TbZagVMZbDLiXfJbZfkLCwKMgeSwcp

dNajPVzpboQGqws

Either way, it was pleasing to the eye.rkqRIbFcfrBaqJHKmmbRQTiWqHZHzA

klBzGJWMHcYHywy

Ning Rushen’s mind was blank at the moment, so he leaned over as he pleased and began to eat small bites from Li Wuting’s hand.gGjFZENEIoZpioGArqPxCwpoeVSllH

DVRJSviXUXQjGEJ

Li Wuting lowered his gaze.BgtWQOhCHpXdatKdrLEKUNCptEtVNk

dDljYZOKaUqVCRR

He saw Ning Rushen’s long eyelashes drooping on his eyelids, his soft and fair cheeks puffing up, enjoying the food.rflQzVsZHIkKXdakHQaeHrqXFWHyJM

FbpfvQmovOCNBHL

His heart, which had been neglected, was smoothed out a bit.xdQKiJaohXEfLEICsPSSZImTICjSqm

GUTjpPgAUvexAcE

Just before the lips touched his fingertips, Li Wuting adhered to the last etiquette between sovereign and subject and withdrew his hand.tnOhycyjYRCveTUltnXqqbYXcDxNnv

RiYOpnuvdblKJzw

…izczuGagixRdthKuEcgplRJQIVKDim

vfYHAajDTHLAwBO

After a while, the carriage stopped in front of the Ning Mansion.pohwyLOEReWmKLIPhwqklVttmBoUSZ

tPxbHBHgusrnfoU

The two got off the carriage.myacgsXEAOhrvpqEtGkhTVhxsxnkzK

osNDFCSVbzxbaDI

De Quan lifted the curtain and saw Ning Rushen with flushed cheeks, moist eyes, and a satisfied look on his face. The Emperor beside him had a normal expression, only his fingertips seemed to have some pastry residue.qdZvIPsiLUBDwsEvqRSNmMKvKrVyWj

sezOUcJvLlYjhkZ

Before he could take a closer look, he heard the Emperor instruct, “Take the food box.”EqhHyqHZRDgVjGHbnqNwxGNTfxhIEJ

xsVMyklOZkogfOt

Immediately, Li Wuting reached out his long arm and dragged the person into the mansion.ttwQBlEDECkgArOyZaewWNGMNUpCjq

QdNGGEUOGjBYJEo

Ning Rushen was carried back to the main house smoothly, and when he entered, he was thrown onto the bed with a “plop.”pCGuIOqRkyWceWbasbzyAjptrSEOzR

KnAaafWAwTiGWhZ

“Ugh…” He felt dizzy and rubbed his forehead against the bed before pushing himself up.uMUMgnKIcpSeYdnmEVQWCccQDVNlrH

DorbMgtpvAIxXnb

Xinglan, who rushed over upon hearing the noise, was startled by the scene!AeqzcdzzrYQgBNosGhPXIrwCghWfRs

XwPxYsuQspKWUMh

After hastily greeting Li Wuting, she turned to fetch hot water, muttering repeatedly in disbelief, “How did the master end up in such a state, in such a state…!”MwwjOkSmytkVarFMBDBxZhClDRkIxt

pZDDOyJYpfwbRln

Ning Rushen, “…”FAJEMGummPUJXlkfaGsskVjMGWeoeH

LbzZkrvHwMjQofF

Watching Xinglan run off, he glanced around.ksDeGkkJLxRrWFEZwGmaxesnpwXNGL

BWkaqehCZvnINVP

Li Wuting stood tall with his hands behind his back, his figure looming against the light, in front of his bed.WAexlbeZcYzZSQJjYriZyJrmffTkuk

YhJuraosRXoJoDA

Ning Rushen subconsciously grasped his belt, puzzled, “Your Majesty, aren’t you leaving yet?”SQLvzHysnvKQRjvfrnyWQKIQIEAMcd

HvEoAcsbnxXTQVt

Li Wuting sneered, “Use and discard?”NTTnsOJwItxOhatgIvGawYLkeJblNX

lDgnDhMjjnDFcBR

“…” Ning Rushen groggily pondered; why did that phrase sound so familiar?yExbRwtkxExDuqQSyqumAlvAlhKQwA

rMpvRsQKFWSWnnp

Soon, Xinglan returned with the hot water.VOJrIHjRkapksVvUjmmqsVrOuEihSD

GtfRUhbffGuLJNn

Li Wuting still stood by, observing with his hands behind his back.eRhyYsYSKRgZUmqAzSQWgwYHTsjIKz

aQdRuuGUVaMGLoB

There was a face towel floating in the basin of hot water. Ning Rushen reached in to wash his face, then rubbed his wet hands on his face.BvNhxFjjpiWDFdCPXkirpCbbNGeWyn

rUvZmKlzPnUcyTD

Xinglan was alarmed, “My lord, use the towel!”hbQhPUQnZhZfAqAQPvxjxzgZYQqquw

YYwUgWGqmOJoSDH

Li Wuting, “…”BCDuuyqOEYXKFqlSYAHofCDyBEaamx

OsnHMrKKXmIiCzv

After a bit of struggle, Ning Rushen finally cleaned his hands and face.fNlKLPdfEMKItCGwepvXgAyWDrQfME

PGWIDofUUnJnkYw

His mind, in a whirl, cleared up a bit. He realized he had been terribly disrespectful to the esteemed Emperor.yUcoZOBuVFoHRxGnQgKUCoLAnhjTZw

mhSgujLhJDWncYd

He immediately straightened up, “Your Majesty.”TYwkuPfAmtcWKevCYmnUlVZeIjDRtX

hOAGMVlDlvzXudR

Li Wuting coldly chuckled, “Do you understand your offense?”drPzlmZnYWRFVDMwFbJRkuIRgvPTsr

uLeHKUhBGeZoSYV

“I was wrong, Your Majesty.”nrBuJIiYrwnqjRIpkHNcQerrmKsKGk

TfXCDNkexHwpFRR

“Is that all?”NmtYqalcWzbjmLsNGKmOOwarsLVxfL

gmsVSwBuWFaeAXr

“…” Ning Rushen thought for a moment, then, in a manner reminiscent of his past apologies, he grabbed the sleeve in front of him, “I was wrong, Your Majesty.”RbmGyQtmdSJwqqAYTJNwRGNCpduvhb

cSwtWjBIPCiLnVp

Li Wuting, “…”FsLfEUNUTWnOUIGperdKJtCykPEgBR

cPZUjlZrRkdABCG

After a while, he softened his tone, “Forget it, this time it’s noted. If you make another mistake, you’ll be punished together.”ZvFqicIQUYCZlWLxBPTrTAhDaILczf

vVLSJvLawFvuMBV

Ning Rushen nodded vigorously.qlQPFIVQAJQoXvBwFKhMykSWGXBgcd

BsOyQHwcibctsOs

Yes, yes, yes, we’ll talk about next time, next time.OdfaUgyriDrIWlJvkDupdvifvWpCWa

rJvrKakJFvGTNtA

Seeing his expression, Li Wuting restrained the urge to punish him, turned, and left.qfhMYBIWyhbfQrBfGvbOtiYTmlJVrv

lSfuXHNesHySzNX

Outside the courtyard gate, De Quan was respectfully waiting.XBHlOInnMcPGBNWBVPMyXeEYlUCWTf

qKzFSKnZExyHZNH

Seeing the emperor coming out after only a short while, dressed neatly, he couldn’t help but sneak a glance and was then called up:irBlZZgcdMGSXBXzAZeKKvOOYbnVnG

FqlpWKrVqcKJLuz

“Return to the palace.”lFBbAaWSeLPXvgmuVzHiljbhxOtwrq

fknKcpmKLSDPRFS

“Yes, Your Majesty!”oKPBtWZWTNQbmoqxiSNgikaBIEixRm

etBfbXoZdWqxNaN

The servants of the Ning Residence hurriedly saw off the imperial carriage.sAcnAPILhpCznzspBnffaVEoNbKYNy

SpJormipDZCdRgM

Once back in the carriage, Li Wuting lifted the curtain and saw the bundle of crimson gauze still draped over the seat, strikingly eye-catching. It carried a hint of the sweet wine fragrance from a spilled wine cup, intoxicating.XaBdzAKqBMVIAkUthiPijOrrczgETO

YzzHalmRVyHJQkt

De Quan tentatively asked, “Your Majesty, this?”fuxRonqcbjUuyqxfCUqlTbTOnDVvvP

FmtDDqBdJTBlHXs

Li Wuting glanced aside and sat down, “Put it aside.”ibYRqoWEeIXTmuIAgaBMUkEmIUZLGN

KhSLVeIVmEYidmR

He didn’t say to throw it away, so De Quan gathered it up.AQElSavbjsVJIjprrxhPLFfiAweknp

UJUzdvXvajWVJrj

As the carriage swayed back to the palace, De Quan neatly folded the red gauze and tucked it behind the cushion before getting off the carriage.jLmTpyMfVXtooioJOcaRpTqMyJXIvw

wQCLaOZKChWfnun

Feeling pleased with himself, he thought, “I’m quite clever.”TWqIDlLzHxKPTITZRgeAbatMfqRpDr

UvnsYJFLGoxXTtT

---

After Li Wuting returned, Ning Rushen took a bath and went to bed, feeling dizzy. He slept deeply until early the next morning.aYQuHuYIrckGYYvtzPfKkNtOkFzYAY

CjxnvewCxnqDtIy

Upon waking, he felt a splitting headache. “Did I hallucinate? I didn’t see the old lady, but I saw the living Yama…”bubadYcUqWeIBxsgDAtepryfABfUYx

GRXDzQaNtpDnlNF

In a daze, Yuan Liu walked in, “My lord!”xztdBUqKwzLUmJFWGeWaaRSOvJtBSn

lpOzJosLAcSjbbu

Ning Rushen, trying to sound casual, asked, “How did I come back yesterday?”JYAVddcVczJjnilCRUZsxNwclGYkxD

iFtvqVRRJyytkoC

Yuan Liu replied, “My lord, you were brought back by His Majesty.”lVJLGsnsnqLKocqBYdYVoNylXNnCCY

yqgMhJgyiiePhrU

The word “brought back” was quite vivid.cMdpRGsZGVXOXyfSebnDKvwGyWZPIA

RuzvgIxgBgUqSYo

Memories of his death surged in his mind. Ning Rushen finally remembered some scenes—the hand that took away the gauze, the bed obscured by darkness, and the words, “Next time, we’ll be punished together…”jPsIPMJsrbQkQwERCyeaBsFrBaeYCq

NuhUoLeVnOkCykE

“No… my head hurts so much, it feels like my brain is going to burst.”LCNHDYBEWXrNspPCrHBRYPoNVTrfJy

IhiwLqcYCNuDmsB

“My lord?” Yuan Liu approached, “Are you attending court today?”wlIcfASYMmyCquEPRixrKwCeLarama

AgiLaqokvfpAUnn

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, “I am.”vkHjFkLOkrAzggcmQnmSueJmVNgxnv

iMaohoUGjyfkxct

---

The morning court was relatively mild.CzkkOGncpAekOdhzxsiViBocxJULoH

yZIrvWcayXnVrER

The reports were mainly about trivial matters from various regions and preparations for the upcoming Duan Yang Festival.seRXOdfZayFHpdFbrxYanibDyguLtk

rrErOGGRXsyoyFU

During the court session, Ning Rushen relaxed a bit.hiNSEQnipFpFpVozLxyDpzTyqYWFeR

WMGywPVSOMuopIm

After court, he rubbed his newly grown brain and headed to the imperial study.yUCsyvFerSYXXbVrMiTdRPuJEBSxGx

BycIkoVTReqkcsH

He felt a bit nervous as he entered, unsure if Li Wuting would pursue yesterday’s matter. However, when he cautiously approached, he saw Li Wuting sitting upright behind the imperial desk, looking composed and unaffected.dDJnCELPFtDWGArjZRBacKWFygLKSB

VtCJdNJpRofTSTa

Ning Rushen spoke, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”VkNIgaxYEFBxcQbsNqyakNhFOsjMlz

LJGIbUPGgrySZdr

Li Wuting glanced up from his work, “Hmm, come over and grind some ink.” After saying this, he calmly returned to his documents, as if nothing had happened.OYczpgVZdqYFZYQTTQuAihumndNpDm

mVDOdlkXKnyyKba

Ning Rushen breathed a sigh of relief: “Looks like we’re turning a new leaf.”kFdMsLROeLxEZHbVXDLCoJPQPQLRFy

zJbyPvlbTEuRFeP

He stood aside, grinding ink.utivvOgiZytubliYybtyqOdrKspzXE

WatgSRGqMveKOgZ

During this time, the Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, came over and reported in detail with Li Wuting about the preparations for the Duan Yang Festival banquet and the folk activities:GMxwHzVXEFfivwUzAltMeGDCIShhUl

NJOwdCGofuPVChg

“…Everything is being procured according to the specifications of previous years. Additionally, regarding the palace banquet, I wonder if Empress Shu and Prince Xuan will participate?”gipgaaslIkxmupGeypDUlOGoKeviEK

ipgHquyIHRWOYGS

“For Empress Shu, I will send someone to inquire.”xgofPyaXbxlhYGhVryOzDhphUGgWUR

QJkIdYAgWVEYpsg

Li Wuting paused, seeming somewhat troubled, “Prince Xuan is already on his way back.”sUFHsZrJwOlpvgCrxBWScRmlzksWOW

kynZDkWUVBOzufC

Guan Fan bowed, “I understand.”IqsSDLQsMMKCQSefrpTzKFmKyRadTv

gkbYEuejKgBkMOY

After Guan Fan left, Ning Rushen seemed lost in thought, “Prince Xuan is returning to the capital?”iApztQDDVilKNRbazyfrTIDPgGUeGw

GABVEsxWmJzUQpM

“Yes.” Li Wuting paused and asked, “Has he contacted you?”rspAlOAcHewkOWOWTEdnFBCVucuGwP

zdJHrFcyyCYFIOT

Ning Rushen thought of the fat pigeon and said regretfully, “Not yet cooked.”DXHFyerNXutmhzEOLxewQDqHOvgakw

vYmHojfYYKOTjZh

“…”QvGGfSWauiUNTpotWhcepIMaLBufCo

oxclMLFSFhlupUx

Li Wuting inexplicably drew a conclusion from his nonsensical answer and waved his hand, “Nevermind, there’s nothing else today, you may leave.”teiQsCyqnbDcZGldZKgLqKduQTYUil

QBzLqXsyffVLVpk

Ning Rushen acknowledged and left the study, but before he could exit the palace gate, he saw Huo Mian waiting at a distance.dSXEFqplURApvBwCtglDfRaMlDfIAh

qwAkbaUxekfaYqm

Seeing him, the tall and straight figure of Huo Mian shook slightly, beckoning to him.FzscoQggpbhptfOrCeeZSkQLDAXspR

WIIqGwSoJqoyAus

Ning Rushen walked over, “General Huo?”JybVGNHMwgMWBmuAVKNsrFEHRBtaQH

QPqHOjZSIjwRVoZ

What’s up, another celebration for turning eighty?KWJBfpCXXJWsBRGAglEjcRDabihzDx

ivoJTIKoakyLTnL

Huo Mian looked him up and down, trying to confirm if he was unharmed, “You went back yesterday, did you not get punished?”OAbfDhEKTntkNtFEkRkbgxkXgQbfMg

tcjYbznaOzXgPmZ

Ning Rushen shook his head, “His Majesty said to record it for now, and punish later with accumulated charges.”MsPyiZKMOIXCnluzicYDCndhpMCsCc

UBtjwZDhapYcJay

Huo Mian sighed in relief, “That’s not too bad, just a suspended sentence.”SprisWjdfRDwuwNNWOpFsTKCNLxwUv

YjWXOMrsxgliTrR

“…”SVfMruuEBwEUzJmiakyFgHRrAdotTW

jCpiyrIOsmndDuh

“By the way, why did His Majesty come? Is there something urgent?”WSSBloYcYwsjWaNuEfTlFbvTfJlJYk

VRqOfiZILDaRAPG

Skipping over his inauspicious relief, Ning Rushen thought carefully, “It seems not. I can’t remember clearly, I just remember eating a lot of snacks.”vGkfCvHaaBOkMnluPcihJjWcpiVkqL

qiOceWVNihXDNcx

Huo Mian: …?vePDFdPAGXFLkyGSKpBRxfHJDjwwkd

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Huo Mian was silent for a while, “I don’t quite understand.”LdpiZltzeqvCMqTwpZOQUPxlAROeAF

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Ning Rushen nodded, “Neither do I.”ZAUABFaDIJDbzEBheBYSTLnsTwTMKg

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Being unceremoniously taken back by Li Wuting, eating some snacks, and then being sent back to his residence, was it just to catch him and have snacks?yBUCJMBYwyDfVOkoDBFrxfgXRHrOGG

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Unable to understand, he simply attributed it to his new brain not yet fully developing, waved to Huo Mian, and left.nfxpTCLmkMtTlVLvpAJuILnKVCBDGH

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…LsyLwpIzVtjuBesblCzhuqYwcablMd

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Ning Rushen returned to his residence and stayed quiet for a few days.phDemXeYlgxivjLbwknrBUaxaxEHRC

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Five days later, it was the day for Prince Xuan to return to the capital.QSRXGuRHbCNGPNkPZrVljbhfVfAXAR

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That day, he figured he had nothing to do, so after the morning court, he was planning to ask the eunuchs if they still needed him for duty. However, halfway there, he ran into Li Wuting and Li Jingyu.FcztirjcfJTaHKYWhrkqUzBgNBDlry

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From a distance of about ten steps, Li Wuting looked up.dUNMiSrTiEKJuFeDXLAqAriJueVXRg

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Ning Rushen spoke up, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Prince Jing.”UzYfSYlLIvUrZfkBcURRqgdSPdXKme

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Li Jingyu ran over, “Lord Ning, we’re going to pick up Second Brother, come along!”oYuiEizYtlTMhDDkBjcoVQWQgFbCxZ

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“?” Ning Rushen asked, “Isn’t that unnecessary… Will Your Majesty personally go to pick him up?”pJTxHKrRrMMVOdYqtrTBauCMIjtgDR

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Li Wuting sneered, “I’m going to see if he’s brought anything he shouldn’t have.” If he has, he’ll be sent back immediately.EOKkpzHKEEJMMlOaCghdUuuYmgGHZJ

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Ning Rushen: ???VUJxRNnIeDCdncjLOCwKSSNrgxakja

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He hadn’t even asked what shouldn’t be brought when his hem was pulled down. He lowered his head, and Li Jingyu climbed up to him and whispered, “It was Second Brother who asked me to call you together.”gpbxzXeqYTWIJAaufAPsgSNTEznPqP

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Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Why?”TKSBPPMjaMWiNTHvWsOShvuEAwQZLV

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Li Jingyu said, “To talk about secret matters of the inner palace… Ah!”QROmgbYhAbALbgYrZadHowkVxKJyoi

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A large hand suddenly reached out and grabbed him away.ItZcKnMWOcGJhXOWhhEbmIUkcSuTsW

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Li Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen, “Doesn’t Jingyu’s way of speaking make you shake?”otliPkpgTjVMaSojwDKGnCtSduBvXK

VDmzqzBOpiNbqIq

Ning Rushen asked, “What?”jdDSGkZBBRVCQDuEkmeolgHSAdxBFm

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Before he could react, Li Wuting had already lifted up Li Jingyu, who was struggling, and walked forward, calling him along, “Keep up.”YZMhqkDEFdJGqSqNdoMmnbXQjneEoG

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The green bamboo carriage was already waiting outside the palace gates.pHPXuNrODfEFdJwWIgiRzPwQkOVSIU

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The three got into the carriage, with De Quan serving on one side.AcNzyuhsozwGVxJkGidvnUNWiLEyeu

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The carriage rattled its wheels towards the South City Gate. Ning Rushen looked at the familiar furnishings inside the carriage and felt memories flooding back:qbLfqRGjpozGdeTdNkuoFmgbsUTBiA

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Such as how Li Wuting’s hand had pulled the gauze curtain for him.MdqNjomwUhqZzHKBAicHUduempAJeT

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And how that hand had elegantly closed his robe.DneZNfxRbRPbRyRGvwKkpDhlHWuDfz

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…XBKvGeGVmpsUzNvzzTiDPqjcsDZHOh

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Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, only to see him with a cold and calm profile. Thinking of his gentlemanly demeanor and his love for the people, he felt reassured.CTqnKMpENSshbOFMtVEdqgSKMjPQbO

HfdWnvrrOYlTBtl

He turned to play with Li Jingyu, “Little Highness, don’t stuff the pastry into your mouth.”RZgKGwsZBOiAFzjtbAMggcjJgOaSKs

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“Ah, can’t Lord Ning do it? Ah——”jFDqocHJulhndeEthirerVPUWGUrnb

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Li Wuting, “…”URlTmbyxfloFvzYmBLzdxQAlmFIDKl

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After a while, as the carriage drove on, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu finished half a box of pastries and prepared to wipe their hands.sGICYhJywnrWqunccGkKayQepTAqsG

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Ning Rushen was about to get a handkerchief for someone.cEaHVIwQnxpBolxBhMnjBxQAINUHvO

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Li Jingyu suddenly turned his head, “Huh? There are handkerchiefs here too.”qOsofJtVGxXZaJEvmJoIbQSHnFSuBI

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Ning Rushen looked over and saw Li Jingyu vigorously pulling something out! He then pulled out a long scarlet gauze from the seat cushion seam—a familiar and glaring color of gauze.tRWNATWixhwLmNvaAsFyCqstAtBBEl

ViNoBZFJqXfbUKY

The carriage instantly fell silent.cwxPggdLHxxoHszDwVfNjdfcpMwvLt

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Li Wuting, “…”eElMiCCXrLfYOZjKQYykwAcrjsDTLr

mavnCnDngtlUoFE

Ning Rushen’s pupils contracted as he looked at the person!DroJHNexrgapMndDdeTzRZWEuEjUen

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Li Jingyu also turned his head, “Imperial Brother, what is this?”JJwOFkxTEaSzgAAENETkBSipHDdxub

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In the corner of the carriage, De Quan buried his head and curled up into a ball.CZmKKSDSGIRzZrgImWtgKwDMQpCPbU

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Li Wuting remained silent for a long time before gently saying to Li Jingyu, “Your Second Brother has returned, and this is used to ward off evil spirits.”TkjAHWGZkpxxAulnTarXwIwgWcPwEa

CFlMJuZmzUFGoFf