Chapter 29
Ning Rushen stared blankly at the cold, handsome face in front of him.YveuTXQBYdRKMFQjgLWoPzOkNiUAAh
hnqDmdBRbeMXJqQThe room fell silent for a moment, then everyone knelt down in unison, “We pay respects to Your Majesty!”PiusmALDAnqoIXyICAJnsBdCSmZbto
QRjDvtdbQEDIgsoLi 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.nYmJVSGCYdOSnhNAKrdMLBFvajnQlD
AqbDyolJEFyXeAVHe immediately felt a chill, and in a deep voice, he said, “Get dressed.”BvYmYibMInZouFADzDGmqhxaoFSTAC
ZtQvGgnZyXMOwLfNing 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.pIHkyJLdczcMlHROYLXDICoJNtgkDu
NrYZswCIlLwQwToHe tugged a few times but couldn’t remove it; instead, he made his clothes even more disheveled.vkfAYTVFZYHJqiUhyjBXEZNepztryl
OaPQrabbLOmlvFTIn his flustered state, he suddenly heard a voice in front of him, “That’s enough.”oiFxewzwlFwgxnMJYpeUZQYbqYdiXw
JOsDVnCZAmJclqqLi Wuting pressed his temples and said, “Fix yourself in the carriage.”GbOHmCUkWvMcJCvIIPnupDpmGLinhi
ZMYrVFuaSwjVtfDAs he leaned forward, he was suddenly poked back by a whisk. He exclaimed, “Ah…!”OpoCjpuoyHXMlXNgGyIadnHgnpMoFk
vKOadPgcgqsabrvDe Quan, intentionally or unintentionally, stood in front of him, his face unchanged.FacVHwORiSCXYtUVLaqtmZHsgLfSiI
EuNsVGKNjxLyDeeIn 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.PBGreQPDtKHgqWYCzRTkvoQqkSTrtg
SwHTPYofZCesVJYNing Rushen followed Li Wuting onto the carriage, with De Quan and Yuan Liu staying outside.BGnewxZPNmCXDcyuWfMfXQpfJBdfMc
iMYRRgLVkSppZOeHe 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!”rOrqmHhToXgrUkslCCGUMrCIDwQWZg
XzRrxSErTFYeNFaNing 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.”tkASzBBhPMkolDMuOGtnHtyelpjgJK
BbizBFpYpqcimSy“Oh, how was it accidentally pulled down?”kudjKHuTZMBEAzTVcOnjmbRCPxriDm
gZPogMGtRkzIdZk“When I was about to fall, I grabbed onto it as a life-saving straw.”ILscqjhCBwjWAzRbneMWLQjPjSjlVJ
aHnjLnUGojJdgdoThe gaze from across the table lingered on his face for a few moments.sWzaBcRxVcmsQNLCcZRVLzEcsalNZb
QudlVmFJUpqEoIZThen Li Wuting’s expression softened a bit, and he said in a calmer tone, “Remove your life-saving straw.”SFuaAEcJsjWEFeSdQNADHAKdCvvzYy
tltbpLJxfGPvVwa“Yes.” Ning Rushen was also uncomfortable with the entanglement. He lowered his head and began to untangle it.cNOsMawNdkLlvSfjmcKxONEkNQPRzi
CFFLfOnFzjjWARrThe 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.mdWMbWgzWvBaNHehKJkdhYXBUoWYpL
UYkbtGUJiHUTwmLInside the carriage with the curtains down, everything was blurry and indistinct.VwbUdiuRMKLPIpVQnmiIXluPKgQmWj
PFwIaXbALKHFmDwNing Rushen was fighting a losing battle with the gauze when his raised wrist was suddenly grasped by a large hand.knzychXFgjHvnkodsFxHjhvzJiIvvY
UsvxfFpxnACuxuhThe rough and warm fingertips brushed against the delicate skin on his wrist.oXonHUpOEktkzBwseImJisQLqMSASU
HCrdHfSCUMWzWZbThe itch made his fingertips twitch, and he looked up, “Your Majesty?”rkOZKqVzlfczbWxZKNogmguQMifnVE
yjxWdrJjsECoyfBLi Wuting sat upright in front of him, paused, and then pushed his hand away, “Come here.”XZVVPLbWigRWWdoEKHnrhdjvOMXHWw
NNAwMMDPErDaJAYNing Rushen approached, puzzled.wwnMySpdEHpHfCsiYNtdwxPKxATMxr
XhbWQrtPDijwALqThe hand reached out and hooked the thin gauze.LfACfHLhUMJdvWabNJtnwBPwjJlcit
WyWFRteKvBOAbGxLi Wuting kept his eyes down, not looking at the exposed collar of his clothes, and skillfully pulled the gauze open.iyCBTIaxgrkFSmDFvmCHJjUDYyWDLd
yHqvToRcThLYPevThe chiffon rubbed against the fabric, making a rustling sound.felKlLsIgWHglWKHMBgUmYiGmgUnJR
rfvoDqLXfFhWsIoNing Rushen felt like a bamboo shoot being peeled, gradually revealing its tender core.IgFEkHpesFNxbHjdJWJtIkdJMuwywo
uDiDykakrKgQMbZHe suddenly felt hot all over and started trembling slightly.MirgbeRMHSofqaiYVjvcDRvuPPuJUw
RkWlsteHbAoncYFIn a clear and deep voice, Li Wuting asked, “Are you cold?”VxYFbXdqQUURjafcDvzMcctIabYPET
qMcPAGxcNZdqzxzNing Rushen’s eyelashes trembled as he said, “Hot.”uiNbsJFfDjwCzEvrsfLnRtJNubGCkf
LMNYrZusrqsEzZC“…,” Li Wuting remained silent.oNqLIbyIiLrLPGKYzNIWVmEzoCmHrG
QGxMNWUMfCShfubAfter 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.sHvrWvQZoHRJSshjraTEGyMPkdNqVE
ptONaItEDiCZrWIAfter 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?”SzvhDtlizdmdvtdTFpeNcgXspyaQgZ
opxAgREEkPjftZlNing Rushen replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, you are helping your subject…”WpsJKuxKoZlhvWnRKoCPDYEhAYwBgd
cGFXMrTrleImXEDWhat was it again? He thought for a moment, “To unravel cocoons.”IstcfQjJhpEoAxSMdRRKVfNRjVJslL
VckTuCwTyURFjVcLi Wuting “…”UtEQNLDWngxxOFfrtvkTlVleyyPYbu
nrLazZCOsMmJyCG“Alright, no more talking.” Li Wuting turned and instructed outside, “Back to the mansion.”HaQQovoxbrohjXKIdNnEHithmffkbn
unadDZluYvaSPlZThe carriage slowly started moving.vvwEzchDBazmiIJhQjpBWLYthZMNEZ
KCSxnAgeGhFEPTbThe gently swaying carriage became quiet for a while.ECMgfbiWYrvOOMfPsxMzxJcLfANmhw
kcjCtUxGlLAVixCNing Rushen’s restless heat gradually dissipated, and he finally regained his senses, “Why did Your Majesty come?”mbMaEMPuvyBDHpbTSCyjfQBhjhLeUN
dzncpBMjenSVjOeLi Wuting glanced at him lightly, “To deliver rations for Lord Ning, but it seems Lord Ning is dining elsewhere.”jNqeFKxlBihbBExzStBxFwfGOYkOEQ
zGArdtOIiQEGHSRNing Rushen’s Adam’s apple moved, “What rations?”iwiYgJpJesMRjCGzfxbxoYctUFjCuk
LaVfpgAXXyuDnLfHe tapped on the low table in front of him, indicating the meal box.BkfLCmzERpnfgFAnZUgvmbQDYhrdGZ
tAMXOgCajywCuSOHe 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.”ScsLoMoWMdxSanStydWoerWmnWKMmn
pnplcSIMNvZPtZhLi 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?”xgniHIUpwpVozcccsqZgctsmQslzBd
mmGPNtJUdmCinKcNing Rushen’s face showed a simple and straightforward longing.aXLbLngqXusxWpaHFCTGagWiVXDley
QMuUZjkfZTaXycXLi Wuting’s brow twitched. He didn’t want to dwell on this topic with a drunkard. “Forget it, eat your pastries.”rhXOybJnhQYFJmcrMeXnOzUhDIKhwG
AUnXYMxLoomOIOsNing Rushen immediately reached out.WgCAcbpuxwdngezVAzJIezbtXLLCDS
FWaFnilXEcpyFNQHe had just come out of the Huaigu Tower and had handled chess and card tools.XYJarEXLUbHXqlNtvrWQmfFDJuOGMb
pEDxAYBEVqvptAnLi Wuting slapped away the dirty paw and said, “Go clean up—” He paused midway, feeling a sudden itch in his palm.GFDMAEVGEoNugkBPewHCkaVNMvIYvN
wZHsRLyMdEWxcbQHe 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.ePegSSKHoFuAClReCqcTSCrWPBEmRY
MrJMawiYLUZOLlCThen he said, “Come here.”gnmYAfxpcSBRBOldTktpKMOxnPHowN
tLvQSzpiSpCmCRkHis slender, jade-like fingers held the exquisite pastry like a jadeite.pAYramwyDtjpmMSlVmKuBraYPVIQZA
uDqXhLBxBKabkZAEither way, it was pleasing to the eye.pNjLfOBSUUwWypsJrPoZsnwAGqcjCC
tnLKEFdXHhmTmFANing 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.UUOovrVXKsIyabJLHFUpCBFMJkNkxV
IlZNpOEHFDOQOMHLi Wuting lowered his gaze.IwODbCeEcqGdyXaIxTwhbNxCXcOvES
XCgQUjPPaZQOdcCHe saw Ning Rushen’s long eyelashes drooping on his eyelids, his soft and fair cheeks puffing up, enjoying the food.nBbmigbVNcUErpSchsyeuCeWSfcupz
SKlOqCZmBtZyVedHis heart, which had been neglected, was smoothed out a bit.IFpEZFJFZTgLWWqQhIJyfTpjmIaolm
OTmJRObMDWPqdpQJust before the lips touched his fingertips, Li Wuting adhered to the last etiquette between sovereign and subject and withdrew his hand.dAnABZZWSEppyDaCVrukSPHVUkYUoT
TUOHyBAFKVNchpm…tZElUzPMMJgcyZLtLhoDOgCOHYQApA
YFqjTannVyxMKQUAfter a while, the carriage stopped in front of the Ning Mansion.JcYPgDKqHeODpevuonrDfSOJKDrhAE
aRYeUZFjvussGVgThe two got off the carriage.ctpWsWOEfIYjkopioddIUkuwSKmZtQ
LJpisgGkpVSMvNuDe 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.VUmyGzwzORgXHpapWDMJxvhVRNUgzO
lltqTYckmITvZEyBefore he could take a closer look, he heard the Emperor instruct, “Take the food box.”VjlWcoCvurMHYNSAdOxlLpXDJBbXUZ
FZtBDVwhrfLbyJhImmediately, Li Wuting reached out his long arm and dragged the person into the mansion.LhqDCGITZfwamxbLHgiLQDSYOvxDEc
aWcClnkgNUdhiQZNing Rushen was carried back to the main house smoothly, and when he entered, he was thrown onto the bed with a “plop.”QnqaOWexAqNrFXiHZAuheWSToslZKy
vVKsieBuyFwhQnr“Ugh…” He felt dizzy and rubbed his forehead against the bed before pushing himself up.uVtbptFSOEjGASiWjqsriwjrBeaJdM
eQgJoVDPTjPTZBNXinglan, who rushed over upon hearing the noise, was startled by the scene!edHenCgUhXUTiBlnfbpkoMKFtJqGRb
pniUomMGQoHJEKmAfter 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…!”lyEAtOqkGrqhjPPStVpDUfHKamLevo
RZtdESlbUuZjFuANing Rushen, “…”rffRUoonlbYzLbWvGjIjlWvUFlFxAZ
elvJCoYWVAjpKNCWatching Xinglan run off, he glanced around.ZDTNyFxVxbcEVVVKpBuErQQyWVGbmn
wMQRuNvjAFBhmsyLi Wuting stood tall with his hands behind his back, his figure looming against the light, in front of his bed.DlnKCVkGYxbQnDvPtdGKCxwWhOtBmp
XFjUuQEoruKbVhLNing Rushen subconsciously grasped his belt, puzzled, “Your Majesty, aren’t you leaving yet?”ghZPmVQPStoiMPiPkkknZRuGOByimq
DeuJAfkRIspjwqILi Wuting sneered, “Use and discard?”RYmgPRSmKXfnPyBnYWJIrjluGnhlfW
fMqddGQoFcWmAGS“…” Ning Rushen groggily pondered; why did that phrase sound so familiar?CDrigeGeiKdEScoFhOAduCbcfDTIoz
tBnfccqLxcBldyDSoon, Xinglan returned with the hot water.qinWPiPxlreIiVQazrKpHqgUMKSXrc
XGBlnzMuUKYgpWDLi Wuting still stood by, observing with his hands behind his back.CDPIcfoGiHmyDPZjgDrlnUCiQsrVVx
jNaZRmUWdSMlAnBThere 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.fDYYoGzrGHZyCITJZbFEwlouOlNABV
SqmbOLXIvtFekNHXinglan was alarmed, “My lord, use the towel!”SjSckVAFNIjluxLsXgSZvKFHyQTqPT
mWfyFzriolRvhENLi Wuting, “…”BqMKLzfxGGajJTrjXNXZYWKwSNhQQw
ldQvQRiqfrpxbfLAfter a bit of struggle, Ning Rushen finally cleaned his hands and face.iVXLgmTdNnvMURDXyvQdiaDtLwaVtx
qkkXeJEXzASUDvHHis mind, in a whirl, cleared up a bit. He realized he had been terribly disrespectful to the esteemed Emperor.OgjhAOhmugzEQToXRRYdTCjidOPUvz
VzpgsZQVpKHyuPQHe immediately straightened up, “Your Majesty.”tjGQqbspsnJUYyhvXVtwlJdIfCyqhV
PmdpJsdKrRCbbjuLi Wuting coldly chuckled, “Do you understand your offense?”dBLfGOPvYreilWTagtdxwUrNXKScnx
TSaqEikGtdnyFRf“I was wrong, Your Majesty.”pXvpZheCqzkdaqWhkfQPkUgFYxrMsi
gByZgDvoxGcabpy“Is that all?”UDLymGBCpNFYbLpNGUlGPePnaswjEp
buxAmPQBnACUEuk“…” 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.”miCCicifcbtccWcjTatwmTnBIQcqlW
ScttnDzZeYqCBmrLi Wuting, “…”UAcBaBnplLnuzmGJmlMaUzJFIYeUKc
rQiXjenNwPuTSRtAfter a while, he softened his tone, “Forget it, this time it’s noted. If you make another mistake, you’ll be punished together.”femQUuqzxwEQSGwyPZoNdWKbpKfcIW
HTEdaSPeAAlqNZJNing Rushen nodded vigorously.ukmFdlsXiBnefdorKnEzMLtAIvlPEc
kXGdmmIKgCHJeJVYes, yes, yes, we’ll talk about next time, next time.vaGIxtdDtSVqSAJxZNlWYuBMFwfPEl
cjSrfqRvhAIBaSiSeeing his expression, Li Wuting restrained the urge to punish him, turned, and left.aAdMSvNbDyHcUNmdgkLJWMVfzRgiiV
JPgxtXiRBurhOIIOutside the courtyard gate, De Quan was respectfully waiting.kswUfCWoACgShvvlFeGejzgyqUatCZ
xPyVvNMGHoBUIoGSeeing the emperor coming out after only a short while, dressed neatly, he couldn’t help but sneak a glance and was then called up:aXTKQExYpkyMBjxiVXUIwLZvsClMai
ItoYjxtLWwbwaVU“Return to the palace.”POQzfpBEdFlJxFcuLbLdnQcaSpOfAC
cwOnkIaTvzIuooQ“Yes, Your Majesty!”ugqxpnKsbngpGBraiEvoLGqtwEhsqL
jgZdMzFpwZhvrscThe servants of the Ning Residence hurriedly saw off the imperial carriage.KwbUoVrFgkwdEfOJfXAvxkuFmrGXah
vHcKePaJWjocKXSOnce 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.zWZFhQeBesrDaMcXiVekLmPiyFPnED
pldFQJINNKnMJalDe Quan tentatively asked, “Your Majesty, this?”TrXxGQCyGpmbRMKqpgPvOEkXeGGQyQ
QyzmbAbOowmnfnFLi Wuting glanced aside and sat down, “Put it aside.”WtSMllGVFsuPGEXcBujOETGIvGZDRe
xlsuOuMvtraySwzHe didn’t say to throw it away, so De Quan gathered it up.nZVVRelukKExTspkncZcrBfPkJQgjA
GcapGnAzypbQCJgAs 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.ckFMXdCGIyxCyrTKrhdUGBllxqnXXP
LOEsXFmtlFqMmnrFeeling pleased with himself, he thought, “I’m quite clever.”cQrtGZPBTEykudRikmanQoCDOFRlbL
uvDnFCFiLWQiTurAfter Li Wuting returned, Ning Rushen took a bath and went to bed, feeling dizzy. He slept deeply until early the next morning.CATXvqyEaWeHVftzfwxDpMboPRdRld
mBCSTavgktZSaurUpon waking, he felt a splitting headache. “Did I hallucinate? I didn’t see the old lady, but I saw the living Yama…”FQqIZyALfNndelJMufqhocCnPTlzzl
IzikbuuGxCpsiqIIn a daze, Yuan Liu walked in, “My lord!”ZKNxjZgmeBkHkrIAOdcmtKhKPZnXWv
FPzYtITvYVGenpbNing Rushen, trying to sound casual, asked, “How did I come back yesterday?”tiSKNlRwivmoQMGCaCPXXoTIVqtDgn
uiNibIhpxdVEflxYuan Liu replied, “My lord, you were brought back by His Majesty.”VJkeIaDftFzuOGvnTNGmoYKihxiFol
JXoLGADftnOODQOThe word “brought back” was quite vivid.whHOifcoaBaRNGoDQCKgOADpNIXbZF
HDJtFpMpwUPvWjMMemories 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…”QJCcTYfsEZkszxsapcSKbnzDWRkeZW
zsGbpgVOzjayERR“No… my head hurts so much, it feels like my brain is going to burst.”aWONoCJxIUBCRGNhwiUOxBHlIIUHIl
GHUJNnrpxIisbie“My lord?” Yuan Liu approached, “Are you attending court today?”dMeIpXOGZVttyoaWjiwiBBBWsDnZpy
XyNYmheIGUqTbqgNing Rushen took a deep breath, “I am.”pSoWIlJHpEOopiWtJoKfgojLgMEgqc
lYwMNHzPXrDpEdRThe morning court was relatively mild.BagyWlkKXVZngHJWIwYAFZfIUIhHjk
EgCCUbtVVybNIomThe reports were mainly about trivial matters from various regions and preparations for the upcoming Duan Yang Festival.HTGqMFEfknWWipjromePiLIbsxPBYi
zmOfgFXdSebkmSYDuring the court session, Ning Rushen relaxed a bit.QUAyTfPuOuyeAXgcWJHEKyLRMSPvIh
RgLZxhtxymLMLJtAfter court, he rubbed his newly grown brain and headed to the imperial study.gNcZRvbvvFFtEVJtYhwMBwoikCPeey
waWZnHDKqhyhyPyHe 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.IarpccDTlKVtrUfoWQPhUyFSKyQRhs
tjoRRQxRbfXLkIFNing Rushen spoke, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”HKPZytNoaNwEqyXWdgkbRdrtdelqnl
XFcatvXWEtJGZhLLi 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.FsBNuaRYNypzFvNoFEBelntJhyACwS
STmMaGGDNAXIlqTNing Rushen breathed a sigh of relief: “Looks like we’re turning a new leaf.”xmXulBgBmXVAwJOEbpwQMwVJWXHpTA
WlVZWXcSGTbtSDnHe stood aside, grinding ink.CpoOMRqUstjzPfiyPPOJFbTjbXXywd
BFYpVFPBhIIzyJcDuring 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:lQOyQvdxVmQXBRIqzNXwlvgOpvOtXl
svFNhxPibsbAsqq“…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?”zovzQrCfDCwvPOZqdXVCbAosMyvrko
EhmIahLZHdUHxme“For Empress Shu, I will send someone to inquire.”lkPqsDHWYnuNZhxNJAmURrnCMvOFta
HKMXhSWfESanfUgLi Wuting paused, seeming somewhat troubled, “Prince Xuan is already on his way back.”rgDTOynccHfBYVldaoKEcxMKnpHJiN
fTZLthETBdFDCoTGuan Fan bowed, “I understand.”IVsETMgqpEWRXNFpZlVljekFDnxDTM
DlDjNkiCuLWWiKQAfter Guan Fan left, Ning Rushen seemed lost in thought, “Prince Xuan is returning to the capital?”iXnuxyYIOjtkHiGDEgpgyuckexRGWY
BZICBPmMfPVbuBT“Yes.” Li Wuting paused and asked, “Has he contacted you?”mLLhoCsXuhLIExNHJJHVpHHSJoYxIk
UVGLdGoLtAyYLmtNing Rushen thought of the fat pigeon and said regretfully, “Not yet cooked.”QuMOzcdIQDDehrlmRWlibZULbDXIDm
fciISFoDmFFuxPo“…”ZVidDXFJuFfSnNdJDdFzqPJkbDxQQA
PsDworOAOBJBeQKLi Wuting inexplicably drew a conclusion from his nonsensical answer and waved his hand, “Nevermind, there’s nothing else today, you may leave.”KxRErSscLTWRfUiWPwUKxfMqGVzypa
SRymHnQFAlDztCwNing Rushen acknowledged and left the study, but before he could exit the palace gate, he saw Huo Mian waiting at a distance.awtGOGJkDWPDqkGYYPIZHynDHXLmCB
yKtBsTDpxeOabElSeeing him, the tall and straight figure of Huo Mian shook slightly, beckoning to him.cAQnDMuKMqWnCDzNbljKtxUVCmfUdM
DELjqUhMEGgVfqSNing Rushen walked over, “General Huo?”LyTtNkukhzOjVOKTMslDEItDmPBrcc
IQJWxoVnoRFnNCXWhat’s up, another celebration for turning eighty?NwOnyCyIaeOtnWTBUcqXJNjBMXoZOc
PRhlFAvCHawTbRjHuo Mian looked him up and down, trying to confirm if he was unharmed, “You went back yesterday, did you not get punished?”fMyCQBNvrkcAZEFKwMPcZwnxujXmqS
DvixAglZuJhCvkpNing Rushen shook his head, “His Majesty said to record it for now, and punish later with accumulated charges.”PBLRnWnqDiYmdcyzQxbNoBnMURzpum
nIBWJCEkpGJBVEDHuo Mian sighed in relief, “That’s not too bad, just a suspended sentence.”dkDMTlEFvUIYknOVuAqPQEoJaxCdLm
mLgGaYzTcmPSmzO“…”XcZzYhZBPsClSWmMJtVnKfTRzyMohO
HQZhiLBBhGdaWdn“By the way, why did His Majesty come? Is there something urgent?”ZXEcONoCTzfkjLLxezEcIXyqbmaebC
PoNQnTaiFAZxuqBSkipping over his inauspicious relief, Ning Rushen thought carefully, “It seems not. I can’t remember clearly, I just remember eating a lot of snacks.”iTcsmVpzeionlsmHWRSXsWyKAenMyA
smUtTwdgNJmFJYlHuo Mian: …?dTkXKgTcdXhdlVAQkQJDQwyjmYjrNp
JqzVTGAxluSZjPVHuo Mian was silent for a while, “I don’t quite understand.”BVKSlISOOMPvpPXqJYcmOuidxqvzxV
lZUnghlJIMkFkVpNing Rushen nodded, “Neither do I.”zemEWWePwdkXGGEOHBMMFxvVhyaMAR
FEQFjRfGZnHoyzHBeing 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?FhRtSmKPKvgnOZUKBTlkKWjzaaIQvN
phVBLNzEkHKWVMWUnable to understand, he simply attributed it to his new brain not yet fully developing, waved to Huo Mian, and left.ahxmOOMKrFfnJhAslwPzlXHkoefhDl
EXHQIqGixnKZQGq…uZITxYKaZjvnYgaJTSEnEIjaykNfdj
sNxeizrkAWDrtseNing Rushen returned to his residence and stayed quiet for a few days.FMeJKnyIocsOfzdEDbjGSthYzJAAXR
CnrUCMFBDHujCjjFive days later, it was the day for Prince Xuan to return to the capital.idItCdkZQxwVvWESQejfmIIBaFwSLn
PIMLdDOVXPQnwEzThat 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.mEFkCogCfAtXUvXNPqGMkEHsxgQPei
rFvupeQifLoRvDeFrom a distance of about ten steps, Li Wuting looked up.bVLxrrbFkIWKsgciuqIEtSsHuxDxuJ
JXKaSBlOvzINQwYNing Rushen spoke up, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Prince Jing.”AhktmyVyReqJlZXMmUqwnyGyOptdkg
vJeHTLrlvYuKseQLi Jingyu ran over, “Lord Ning, we’re going to pick up Second Brother, come along!”vkpxFjMaZLWSRdKKrBdclJNAMIiveV
xzOSPsiiRHXGCRz“?” Ning Rushen asked, “Isn’t that unnecessary… Will Your Majesty personally go to pick him up?”kOvuYdvcdqUdfGJLVmyzPeGzdksLoE
PJIrYzPnTHzGiEYLi 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.VUaEjxSPeEHRYBOtfihGvySMZkXGja
EblgztjygnOATnqNing Rushen: ???FlrambCaIxXoIpJBQumNaBrMnKmOkH
owIrMYmrhvCGpyQHe 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.”hYTliAgNjVXdcZlcNqPMybHcPeUstD
cRvmYLALkjyJKVqNing Rushen was puzzled, “Why?”IrauqWWtolFalkigjDjgOhrrFLLhwj
DFRAvfLdKeDCVedLi Jingyu said, “To talk about secret matters of the inner palace… Ah!”HCJKLOTPJomJIyYTuFAnFsCFSbHTiF
ddspsNXviMvFZsMA large hand suddenly reached out and grabbed him away.YNokbckNEyiEvIoksgLivFFvxEmfUG
jpFvXKTkulpgBrFLi Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen, “Doesn’t Jingyu’s way of speaking make you shake?”uoSoAbRxXxDQUtxsjiYmEpRexHeoyU
vFCLlMEMOoOCGUANing Rushen asked, “What?”SDRYXmADUNRPlytMjYaPTdCuCtkyuz
ysRSPYriFYHvrOABefore he could react, Li Wuting had already lifted up Li Jingyu, who was struggling, and walked forward, calling him along, “Keep up.”XXbrBrKudbowxtaYjyxknwxKmbiCMR
ZMFbRDhechBtWfnThe green bamboo carriage was already waiting outside the palace gates.TysOAycllVdFzUtWEdFAtKjDsOrldn
KUhsqUZMKKTURCLThe three got into the carriage, with De Quan serving on one side.ODMWJgjYGDCNEqNywriwCqqUFGBJSV
JRDMWoZTenAVhetThe carriage rattled its wheels towards the South City Gate. Ning Rushen looked at the familiar furnishings inside the carriage and felt memories flooding back:zjqzVXcYMPvasoFqsMCBucXQIuGQEL
qbgEmsSwXnSqwEtSuch as how Li Wuting’s hand had pulled the gauze curtain for him.BfvuRknuwIdfQvVZQDzxtHRKZFxiDK
ulzYpgnyzfTRDmSAnd how that hand had elegantly closed his robe.NRLrWDEZirQSTHRMHdZrTtoWJSruXU
PgCBsGsLTYwkoXW…AJpIsVGsClCPMcOPXjhCFuXRsOlles
kYLtZyvADHslimENing 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.JccdbwHtKiWTVSJcLAdIQTengXWTGi
FZpxrNiOwQVGYKpHe turned to play with Li Jingyu, “Little Highness, don’t stuff the pastry into your mouth.”CEWDuyFnwzyHWFzuLDphHMlekBmlFa
QxJlLMobkzmnQua“Ah, can’t Lord Ning do it? Ah——”MOFAEjENFLyTcrGHKSlRGqBROXAqKL
almxxLFYxQAxpSkLi Wuting, “…”mJrDODENyeiilajYwOyGWkPdCKZbhk
KNjLFQNIEMHkqUXAfter a while, as the carriage drove on, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu finished half a box of pastries and prepared to wipe their hands.CHUTZBwnaJRbozyxtYfGhJwamiKpTt
vtsUFPKPUIKyOhNNing Rushen was about to get a handkerchief for someone.NldZLcRiexfChOysVHvNPLeMbCAzgH
JYlAzCQyPSEqXhTLi Jingyu suddenly turned his head, “Huh? There are handkerchiefs here too.”gwWBwQnlytSUFUpFtsnGJkFtdUXEMj
OnhwJjflbXNLNwJNing 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.CJoQFHFCXQYcWEHSpewsOYQAhbGDdD
iWgMSaPnKBxFlTqThe carriage instantly fell silent.ZnFSONvuSXCyUgYkfshYGEBfKKFIAl
CFeegTCjTpODNtpLi Wuting, “…”SmztCTKHxcYGozkiLFbGAczzfOIkyN
pheEIoIYxRgdYGSNing Rushen’s pupils contracted as he looked at the person!ydXlfcNYMqgxPyoEzeyHnuKjUcEatq
edYaEVrXJGUwrfeLi Jingyu also turned his head, “Imperial Brother, what is this?”ozyGvRdKKaWLbWdVCUpoRENKTSyJzA
oJvpvvCucLYueDXIn the corner of the carriage, De Quan buried his head and curled up into a ball.QpvaRcGKQCrkUnUZsejkXVgFddTQLm
tMsQEqjEOtFfSJnLi 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.”vEGuMFyBfZhyHMHMHwlvKTIeVxaxWo
jAULBvBxPscEeHnPZUjNUPGndsKwtJPDJakbKTeoeDnwl
😂 Good save, big brother.