This official is so weak

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

bAAeBPSUilFXdkG

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

QMrZmMmbRUISKjR

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.teyakwFCQDPvBsVTZfswNgZDyzpXYM

RINvPkklMVnavxi

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

XyAYrBtWcypWjaG

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.EhZFYsVtqMGMqLwyUHCPhUJnYBNUfo

YyXTkZoSqJCZOAT

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

uzkFjLNnmBKjEWh

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

meoVOyVQssNmgte

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

aKXnUOtlsiAOchd

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

RwNScZkZPOiDpKc

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

bnkYQdieemvzFHX

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.eOlstuKjfWpLuoryWRYNRawnXRATAY

HmAuodiOtHavcBt

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

UnVuAftOiXUYPCZ

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!”yAYfHbHmfrPVupMBYwxvJkjopRHpyx

ljELrawMHeivNGB

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.”nDLAAetXxGWHmukfQhTGBiJpHzTwdy

BlsGSmLzwnNeeyh

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

VunTyJuAQcmfNMb

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

JnodRYaHpQVATfZ

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

dttbKgLjsnfYSWl

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

CTFxwxteebAwHrt

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

kmZtaJjJiwbYpEW

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.ApDqKveuHUPBAblkHqwQYipgIpYwqu

VKwzUUYCQRRwfGk

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

JlSlNkbaluDroSE

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

nMvCqKMDrYgTlQV

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

TMzMNoAsduyubpc

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

nDGRyTKScNaCqSy

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

ViJEJwwxvdpvILe

Ning Rushen approached, puzzled.tvVyFwnmuwxKwvFHneXPwybEAQgrUq

GiwXzhPouagSVTB

The hand reached out and hooked the thin gauze.FkovpTISDklommJCLzKhTCrVfmCYCw

qlrazOIBqlwndhX

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

AYWeccqlzmJUgJH

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

OCTpBneAgcUlWuB

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

rjtYHbKBgyMVUjm

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

xmYltpxCIPmSUyD

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

OOkiNuYGXHyDwth

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

LJsHowrqmEJJKhS

“…,” Li Wuting remained silent.QNwbFIewmVzuGrXfyCNmoWpqBRAlgo

yguuJLPFgUKudtT

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.FqMxuKoahqqsvhLTdcYYKGPyvKMTfU

lTBAgWbRSeBEVxb

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?”pmOVQvEQoifGOKKdddXDcUCwSNPfbU

JOGOpYLlAnGjokN

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

ENLuWsoLeDClckR

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

tVHgyWqBrenzcta

Li Wuting “…”GCgnVUkEbSSvnNRKyZvafZKLZUBzCx

WTJhMOxXzLcQOvh

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

vyzUyxmCUUDcxlF

The carriage slowly started moving.RcCEFHEiFanSdcbuoQCmdThdtNDhij

UEaunJjXVRRWhHa

The gently swaying carriage became quiet for a while.HMhmGHdocrmIsYpEhHvuNxsZSnxYLj

SamTLzpCIZwozjk

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

tzXrfkctryFVGbm

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

nlXUNLDuplwAFXg

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

ARhtbeOZNmAlTlV

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

zOktZZJnzourFFu

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.”wTeOYpyhBewYNpSAXlDoJxkkbQGmyn

DFqGsLrnPMyYWDo

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?”LIHDKprHiaEMcGucOYFofAukiukrmz

fgwxYkyRMYNrlsG

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

abkuGLafPpvRiUf

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

XKDZNVwfXZXyvTi

Ning Rushen immediately reached out.fFhBrAepXTXcjfaQOREbsHRePzCBkw

aJbZTGsbNdusFvl

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

zfLcIlBupZwuUCM

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

vsVsTZWfckKXOOH

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.EBRKyGoWDNYcdIiCwuMUHFxOmusdQn

XfzoEMxKZEbGOup

Then he said, “Come here.”UgPQreWkeZeyDkHcCPPENvHtJWoELX

euPwiIONmaVIIoq

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

RvfZlpxcVpKNNzv

Either way, it was pleasing to the eye.UICgkuYbzHvWmiTJurDWpFfMOdqrWP

hWxXNeQsUDobOll

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.XcejmCQvwmwuAQbMXpnaSFzEVAqHLa

VMzSiaBTHqyJHNI

Li Wuting lowered his gaze.GMXxogvWKQCTIqydkSPtkYJVnHGvmX

hNlMtxMflKesSRG

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

spYtLGMUCzEvWZM

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

cyfHGkPgSTnTZDg

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

dfapGVkGBZOEvMo

…KSKFKewQyzFcvaLpnZMkxxvbUMWjMY

wQeYNDRnGhYoFSQ

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

RaHOQTWXznOpktW

The two got off the carriage.vwmRkkkuiMqJLHiAlcXTrxxRkNnRvn

ShXjQsgLpMZsllG

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.DMiRuHqVyLiGWpQZzbgpjekkVWbOtv

qWeiVfQueGESadS

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

mzupUSZArycjiYj

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

yHqBjoeJkSEVYOd

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

CymZJoFSkdlxXGF

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

QFpSTxbNHZOlRSi

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

nHgbTkXNfYcFHkr

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…!”vzHmghbUpHwlwIErRkWHtiUphXlWXB

kaEjavMRfsToGKs

Ning Rushen, “…”ZdGHSrBbxDOlThgoDQKCDvbddNUTfi

zhGWYOskJploIqt

Watching Xinglan run off, he glanced around.LevaGdaCvQfPWulrkkSzuEMBWmecTb

xhrkDQhNABTDwVv

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

HrqReYKRwsKwdTN

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

rIMRBALRhXHjPVk

Li Wuting sneered, “Use and discard?”SgZlvvcPYfMTvKsGpUcWifKZFaKGox

abgaHzbiNIENGJL

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

jpVgxPUhGekoOWl

Soon, Xinglan returned with the hot water.yovCUyqPiFwkIJxNgAADUdyciZyRSq

QEiwJufLQYfvVip

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

iNRxVckOnwJnkep

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.xtewBZiIDMLcdfNTWRCcRzzVjSQokg

ETdcJstGGMjHadu

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

BWPKYfTgqiZfuVl

Li Wuting, “…”hrFApfxZfMXrErxMNSlBHXmBecbToF

yFdVdmhTMGoTrHT

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

NRFakGEZRvaCRzR

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

gaCvNLezxXmNDWe

He immediately straightened up, “Your Majesty.”YrAcpTGbPrlXBqSfDOXGPGHvLJtuIS

gyVrsipStRBJfuZ

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

EPiHpMOBfJEaZMp

“I was wrong, Your Majesty.”HvKwXwoEnRCCiHHGuCymGgHhanLOFO

SljBmRsiazsCoNx

“Is that all?”GwGxNDIFrJkIBVsLUzTUqHEvGflsuJ

cXlVKcFzUzZKYKW

“…” 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.”dgHPBNAQBPgGRDYBNksatMQlubmwja

inpZsUaJadYDpPx

Li Wuting, “…”UOrBpEIAAYjkqYoYZcoxxqlATFiSlN

smEMXbKePcjgYXQ

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

GMGWiTpeXDKjdgH

Ning Rushen nodded vigorously.ryoUMGUQofFOozQIkbFbNcKOpMtwfr

ZKmRWJLdQjgDDpm

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

mYhyhPUDSArAJQJ

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

bAeqiDuIOqvzWLR

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

BlkaiAYWhbPBrTW

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:vMvkFqWfJtUjJUQiOtcSVnHexsZHne

CBsFfewJmlshaKf

“Return to the palace.”QNdhXLshNLIzhQmEqHvMMAquftPpgn

TozPKhLSRKKtUGO

“Yes, Your Majesty!”EcQFbZhOYIpXurNEVszyHVpWASjECC

bgCVZgMeDmisQmP

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

YiRxuETbmUnpEyb

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.TTbXmDMVNekBVlZXvHozsPNbRRWbph

CDNprWmedDAtFzn

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

FowrSSfROUKONvd

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

iNJUKNoEYTCZAjT

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

qwvajrwzRkQDwvP

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.SFtnVnSDdicXYEpBnpyFiNXVGThOkA

MbSqiofPgGkCSIv

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

YxuKrrNcdjxzWYA

---

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

wmMJaELVdoBdQom

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

KdLAXCqySMnuauh

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

dgImvLseXVhGQqy

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

CSVrDvkVzyesdHQ

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

COqpdJdnvjbaWpG

The word “brought back” was quite vivid.dJkaJJaAFpkMjiCRKezNpdvVWaDjeG

rsCWejWCadfyweD

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…”aLLTaHhCVJNvRxjzujPEOjBgjmpONF

aKTVYHntqyokTDv

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

qXnngoPwuZtSpTa

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

wOHtwBcUzImpbTc

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

RnDxfjMVIXpJUOx

---

The morning court was relatively mild.FwlkCQGkaiKTggYLOnoqbAuUpFOdeu

rlNhBWqXZjdcAFQ

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

vJvezCBasQBcNKd

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

cpYedFvtOSfdhxf

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

jxwuPXHeILrdzXL

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.KdEtkJGkVtsHYuneFkSDBJXegwpFzv

KRychvMuOubmqdk

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

CAmuZGDHusUeusu

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.EiUjRaYQvjkIUzfWaMIQDBdTfhWdYa

iqcUEpqaZtBlOft

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

jhZaalFTOdRJOoy

He stood aside, grinding ink.jNaxnhUepGcmcUzDkQKIDOtLCRtPBU

ObTPIweZfCLDnGn

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:cKxSNzzgJOGovZYarnUtoFjZyxwXlT

flbhcLXadEznaHh

“…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?”QwZKHTCQHveRAXVcoRiPfAKPIhNfqA

ssQlDAscRNjFrID

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

SrxQxyVBUWDtOnI

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

XPrqnIZzXwqhnXh

Guan Fan bowed, “I understand.”BZrDORLkuFmwmzvsYSNZnDYzBTvjod

PRRKDECOtOTDocT

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

nFAYnmEhXPQQvZT

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

BUIkEAbgWIfjDfF

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

cmBxsvYbbpQUhZT

“…”ySbMgsrJCiVvOFGHljRPSIliDDXRUt

YeWiJBAqDBnEsWn

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

ceDAiSiUdHLpKUk

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

ReDyrvyKKhDbgnx

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

VDgXnKtybTHYXwc

Ning Rushen walked over, “General Huo?”rcGlJWVVEAslCumLdaLDOiNFCOhViv

TvUnsruHXsgcJMY

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

eULYFHnHnOCaLca

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

phXtiHvPeHvlRhA

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

LKHzMIELbDBoZJo

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

HVlsfoBBzgmiOEG

“…”viLBUCzVBLjwrspXXwvBhJtltiyuLh

QcgxjdeUtDdGoYA

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

bEKsWtlNxMrozbB

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.”mLmYBGzjIphPIhCfWxoasbOajxBZOm

WUqnKrwUzIjZGmx

Huo Mian: …?MakligzEqWpCAZzYcMXEiZBrgPYuMq

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

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Ning Rushen nodded, “Neither do I.”aXJcsfwiNkDIESYgrUwZFhEAZfBrxq

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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?SoGKdHUmYoxmaJPnvwKKZMUdjhMlpe

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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.dKXvZDpCBjtwYPLPjHnjXFctLwpEOZ

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…XWJPHFxircOBJgGgHSQzWzutJubTrF

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

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

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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.FCvgaeeCUVHWiLBzerxYAHuzQtOQkA

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

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

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

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

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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.tyDCFQMtVtVOAyDhiHQhAzVUnxnoQG

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Ning Rushen: ???CirhzYiGajBjEJJrDNaFNtRDOhwKcH

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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.”ffXcNxWEqJQMyUYiKOTVTaEwkGdgzL

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Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Why?”hQZWFboNVzZPeTpcKcicSplVreJPFj

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen asked, “What?”MYBdRVxdOhinSpsWoIhLuYsdRTxqPD

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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.”MzYLPDssmrxXJEboqtyBttQbbpflNO

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

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

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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:FDOxvWDtnirqyTTpnlaSXntIakDGAV

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

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And how that hand had elegantly closed his robe.nWZAnFUyUqxyzjyaTHmIpJriBNNJgB

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…LpYZIKIDvtQyxNvsBItbVeWZXKkmEb

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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.WvbvMsySgCACAmXWRBRpWcRvNIwLwJ

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

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

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Li Wuting, “…”deDJztyGBQfjFpwdAKAFCaWAjtEGzZ

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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.nsZZfdhEqhpDpPJngiXYGsEuaurBwO

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

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

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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.rlCRIzuqhheMGpdRWmFBbupNGTENsz

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The carriage instantly fell silent.QkOGPHLJiAYzssQUPXsuhHAmIRGfiX

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Li Wuting, “…”iRJwnVnXTEzvsMNixDodAikTdypBDJ

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

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

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

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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.”BPjXrQKKmANAQMJkghwBEpGeUHjlDA

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