This official is so weak

Li Wuting stared silently at the small walnut for a long time before speaking suddenly, “Shi Yi.”eFKhDBMLgemKbBwMvmEWvexjaDQoAZ

WrvVSWNmehJrmZo

From the shadows in the corner of the imperial study, a figure silently emerged. Li Wuting glanced toward the door, and the figure disappeared back into the shadows.sKZwVVocCViTfYEFnoMjBAwOSVBhel

XbjHRrceiOnhqER

Half an hour later, Ning Rushen finally returned to his carriage.QjjEvBYIqwscovdYcDdEWMceUsDOcb

riuFbJQYbTEtcys

Yan Min lifted the curtain for him. “Your lordship doesn’t seem to be in a good mood?”hKGyUQOibANmQxNKFpEJgClFfYbCWO

OLdLnpIfkQrTcSP

Ning Rushen sank into the cushion, gazing deeply out of the window. “Losing it is a blessing, gaining it is my fate.”xEUHHwEVSxbQVtclEvRFpiZhJFcPZx

ATIAoJiqqDRLSMy

“…” Yan Min thought: He’s already rambling.gLelylYutEaZHqnBuiOWlVFKpborvg

TXzBkAWpyWkBwKJ

“Shall I call for a doctor to check on you, my lord?”ZwOpczvctnLLSdNAqdcZgIiVFrwhJG

PUoIuLbkIiQpcir

“No need.” Ning Rushen collected his thoughts again. “Once we return, gather everyone in the household. I have something to announce.”xtnxEPKzgAgtteypYMUFtBxehSjUDH

KksHoQDgRadRoVd

Before dropping the curtain, Yan Min took another glance inside the carriage. The fruit plate was already empty. “My lord, have you finished all the walnuts?”YLttaPpZgeNaNjKFpGPvWsnbALaMbb

AIuNrYzPlflPBHX

The mansion wasn’t grand, but it exuded a certain elegance, befitting an official of the fifth rank. There was nothing to criticize.DKxFqRcccWAcyfKhlOkysTKDgKQHst

efoYVjYtlDDKRwq

After returning to the Ning residence, Yan Min gathered all the servants.PdLLleFKEudCUCcEYrhNsfMlJNFhQX

mXwOQYyPAiLnBcg

Ning Rushen pulled out a large armchair and sat in the courtyard, a plate of fruits and snacks by his side. He scanned the dozen or so servants in the yard, thinking:xqDELdqToxBXbGjaCqyLEhHWwqnYLN

iemBZEbWkSLKLCc

Resigning from office isn’t an option, and my memory is fuzzy.swSVffKlQfvKHAKrhTRzNGAYQdprxZ

RajelIToDqPLJyI

I’ll just take it step by step and first figure out what’s related to me.cCWZmLOiAfzrJZHrBecShIpMNQFHtX

cAidYHmlneOArkK

“Everyone is here, my lord,” Yan Min said.sKvEnVjXMOxZJCSLJnukKEqzNYMawR

APpIDbbPfxPusgs

All the servants lowered their heads nervously, waiting for orders.fbrcdHaxyOOlHeztPehMArbFJFBesm

POzruxhypOVdDvq

“Everyone is here, right?”auxKtFfQvtlcBGwoJjryCrxYRmkQEG

rsTnbACmujbqCnh

Ning Rushen set down his teacup, straightened up, cleared his throat, and said, “Alright, compliment me.”gOIEAgtFVQZgCJWJsuBUjzUbEqSiJc

UvDTpRhiLdUYpad

“…”deHDWsJINqTXGLsweGvYYAvMHuoxhQ

kPaagOQimhgbPSy

Everyone looked up in confusion: ?YyOyrFsgfumGmVWAINKfbNZIuATByt

zqjvNsrCzuIQeWh

Thick-skinned, Ning Rushen repeated, “Compliment me.”wQNoGfVsVqXvmozNTOiPBHplHWJKKb

fBFUWaQiJIZnjNl

Everyone exchanged glances, unsure what to do, until the maid Xinglan, being the most perceptive, quickly praised:lEuDdXreouyetCKxOTquMYkokXVDOo

JOwlYDAkXthdIRg

“My lord, your grace rivals the moon, your talent is unmatched. Truly worthy of the top scholar who once dazzled the capital!”nVwWXTJSswNTLWvtziivVIvTkcbTjx

aFdSUmmGASmqTTf

The others finally caught on.FwidjjcJtqblXGrbGWQTUfBEmBBcQs

szxRERWLsBCTVrq

In an instant, the courtyard was flooded with lavish praises, blooming like a garden in spring—MTMFkTdiiMbHZFvKgoQKmPNQmpXoRB

ImpKBldRHtrkPiq

Ning Rushen listened for a while and gradually pieced together the situation:XteMFXUksUyljmhjzYCQnAMzCPUYwX

WpZGKDzuUiqHJxE

“Ning Chen” was not yet of age, the youngest fifth-rank official in the court. Orphaned at a young age, he had risen to the top as a commoner, earning the favor of the late emperor and entering the Hanlin Academy, climbing the ranks effortlessly.uZmIbpsEiZLcbkKAylcUQkWzmAHVRx

pDJPobvZrZEzbVG

Later, he had backed the right side in the imperial succession, helping Li Wuting ascend the throne.tMbMtznVMnaXZplDLebdiOdUIwiMXn

gMnkmvDlZXSTkyU

Outwardly, he seemed to have a brilliant future.aRHnnsMnCXibvTYBllAYQzvAZAwSAg

tplQvyCfVoItNTs

So how had “he” offended Li Wuting?CdpgFAGHHgatokhDGgMKkYBFiYupUf

rLTSgaklTCHNije

…IGFMfquHMRxAUnuyIMlAyoxJtbxkrv

SgYtYneOIhBFWPq

The compliments in the courtyard began to dwindle.oHNUCygdbRjZJyoCZDlGYSjQoTTcLO

gQFAEoJWqywSmvb

The servants were running out of words, even resorting to praising how he once ate an extra bowl of rice.qbnkWcrGSbqykFahdyWeQJoaTZMuSc

yACFkBpyAomBMhM

Ning Rushen raised his hand to stop them. “That’s enough.”mOPEnLiZDSbZnvPkKSapawABPyPQrl

FZdPKAGpPGcjtTj

Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.jbctJAbwVKuMWAQqGkXQcKKKWxKHcA

YTPqINPihZzKRag

Ning Rushen then said, “Now, start insulting me.”uXOkeWSVzArnaGClHlBOwRBSCMAupz

YnzsYHjroxScJXW

“…” The entire courtyard instantly dropped to their knees!NdtDpAeCzfPDLblZJepMnidVXCXtyF

UAYLXtGziePtsKv

Outside the unnoticed courtyard wall, the shadowy figure lurking there also trembled slightly.oQqeWyLIhrrnPsVHViSrPEStiOiTfE

RGnPopepSNpAuyR

“We wouldn’t dare, my lord!”xcZKmcRrfDSoshryeoiXNUnCvRGcPP

TseMhniLVneyAdt

Ning Rushen sighed. “Stand up.”SGeVtLKUQEaiXMKjYajEehiuGXbQSB

BvHRThEYdLlnfJD

He looked at the trembling group, thought for a moment, then said, “One insult, one tael of silver.”gEotiCcVssDWkNilUWXXAPDMWskmom

VQAVjQUgiEQiaIH

A dozen faces hesitantly lifted.HeSJHfAGcRAaslwmAGRWAmfElzPACL

vhjRsROsgwAlhsm

Ning Rushen expertly cracked open another walnut. “The first one to speak gets ten taels.”JRKdeMZsxoISLegfDHBnyOXcJQkbzE

PqTgTjhaRZyaLXP

In the next second, Steward Yan bellowed in a booming voice, “My lord, were you reincarnated from a starved ghost?!”rYsDOFlPnouyMZtaVtizalpWZlSyAc

ulqrqscYjYzraKt

Ning Rushen: “…”yxXyklpYSSHXXNpkiZysVmrVuISkQy

QBvIGERTJddGEdw

·KtFpDehpBsgxCIWdwrbTkhPIYCffQT

SXLuUEpaguPeFtM

Ning Rushen spent the entire afternoon paying to be insulted.XTPWLibyBxkwhRTButXIeUKgLWnLkA

QiToofPbPAudwlV

At first, he listened eagerly, but by the end, his face grew numb.UCzpkmfmlUyKxQsslkLjYNfLfkMmWN

ZfAcidoHMINtooq

—It was mostly trivial, petty matters, backhanded compliments, and the insults gradually strayed further off course. Towards the end, a young maid even blushed and shyly scolded:MVvxCCEFtYjdWpncfNOToVOhNzsPDc

UNVajMoAbzBYUSW

“Your robes are always open… you’re such a… disgrace to men’s virtue.”DBGAtoQVKRhbTJbmXenykxxVDOQAfK

mClNKHLIroGZnVu

Ning Rushen felt his head spinning and ears buzzing.XiQIEabHPScEVUAZmOWmAUqytoPfVQ

vleywvcfjuFqKaq

What was all this nonsense?kCtHZaStaDKRiqojPCPdCfKmoxYmbD

TbUbjudZKBCVMoM

After all that, he hadn’t gleaned anything useful. No clue about his enemies, and still no idea how he had offended the new emperor.mGyiniGgjGrQrimhOmUaJkZkAbZDYQ

fCQQOYTEXnwlgaI

“That’s enough,” he said tiredly, waving his hand. He instructed Yan Min to distribute the reward silver and headed back to the main house. “I’m going to take a nap. Wake me up before the evening banquet.”jgPoiYOgHIYvDvtMDkuOoOYGlahteG

lEzlrNgTQErRUUE

Yan Min, clutching the silver with reverence, bowed deeply. “Yes, my lord.”MhNzSVKKRbyzcOEFRwLbaaZJiEcqxH

RAdqnYevmRSElMo

…fUuCJgqKqhsUNOmMkoeIwvqcpPiiwD

lTLPjFluLjSTxPB

In the imperial study at the palace, a figure knelt silently before Li Wuting—it was Shi Yi, the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard) assigned to spy on Ning Rushen.FOikkcAnrwMQtLgeZKUtvqkvUpruRg

sUTURyzBoupglAj

The room had long been cleared of others.yDqEVadDImhrnnUZrcefVzmbUceSox

UEgdtdOMZDvvgts

Li Wuting looked at the shadowy figure kneeling before him. “Speak.”yylAjSnYFZZoTSOmlGFbxFGgHIhayk

UQGjpdULQSSEfWE

Shi Yi kowtowed and reported every detail of Ning Rushen’s return to his residence, leaving nothing out.wJpNiVCgwAFaRUFRfyFrKEEEoUIkKG

dbcZMnmiPXQUfaH

When Li Wuting heard about Ning asking his servants to praise him, he let out a faint scoff.aMpcBhJpnAtAAMVrkNoaeiGyKDBPDC

hyDlhJJlMJQpZwF

But then Shi Yi continued, “After being praised, Lord Ning said: ‘Insult me.'”hPLbFpFGuCsxJXRlXEYDmAvjtBrJZp

jvLpeWkDUhRkfcf

“‘For every insult, I’ll give you one tael of silver.'”wcioNgEEjIushEqPmMLtdQLGFXWpla

LEQqUCwBthWSBfU

Li Wuting’s expression turned strange.NxOMPfFarDTQlpIBIITnrYshZwPYEW

kjsqTlrLPXdiaez

Shi Yi, in perfect mimicry of Yan Min’s booming voice, said, “The steward then asked, ‘My lord! Were you reincarnated from a starved ghost?!'”QpqiJIyueYFojNeVsYHlZHMwDNjcWu

NToqSaoeOMFuZiC

Li Wuting nearly choked on his tea.fRbFazohcjaZdOpyOvWqSvaOaRepEW

qkJfrlqPVIqHGZv

Shi Yi, utterly oblivious, continued his report. “Another maid scolded shyly, ‘My lord, your robes are always open… you’re such a… disgrace to men’s virtue!'”KxOFEivpWdGydtWKagIdMyefyFzQXX

DvYOmZsCdTXQUuO

Li Wuting: “…”DSrrUHDdCbvAhupLVqOGiIQUlDMrlb

PQNWsbnANQYRmbX

Shi Yi added, “Lord Ning blushed and discreetly pulled his robe shut…”KRapQujtXJmdVTZGSZuRStDNOsCIZg

YyuUBcklRUCNnEQ

Li Wuting interrupted, “Shi Yi.”UrZAQxlDvJUJSteXSHmRMFzsNlrlbk

OlDDQayxzSBpMZp

Shi Yi immediately silenced himself, lowering his body even further.bwNAzUfiGaEEXYEuwNCOdMlppZuCTc

FFzSfkgzpCgHVHF

Li Wuting stared at the Jinyiwei before him, feeling like his mind had been stuffed with a bunch of absurd and trivial matters. Rubbing his temples, he sighed.HagfKBbgSrZKHntSGTXQVjYvyEMSlR

LhNEjIYvGhoHOtP

After a moment, he spoke, “Leave, and continue your surveillance.”qRiSyPzhjTenhttutThtVHFqTzhiAh

WrgFXBqqWmczRiv

Shi Yi kowtowed again.YxtLteaJQMlWCneCSpXjWhMachKXtT

zpfOAvtDFBPPaLU

Just before leaving, he heard the emperor’s voice, now with a dangerous edge, “And next time, if you bring me this nonsense again, don’t bother coming back.”RHSGMADURrcNOSEIjQQbOEeUXbKvvs

PGIaUAtbOruvKXU

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”klTQXnDJvVGHRrvEgotUEUkPPfXmCz

kWGJcdlmLnvcYfx

…kSzDYaxoqTIJuvENrbTEabrDGHEiwO

RAsCRZfoUhszugs

Ning Rushen slept until nearly dusk.TiBTPBQrkmUZmbJaiSnriMKPOgPWmZ

BLtRUnYWABaypPV

When the knocking on his door came, his mind was still foggy. The windows were tightly shut, and the room was dim. In his grogginess, he almost thought he was back in his dormitory.wnIvYhblvBGusypgedwZgqWAaTAzez

BkDJrDlRnDgylUo

Ning Rushen propped himself up, mumbling as he called out to his roommate, “Erkang—it’s so dark in here. Why didn’t you turn on the light?”AIATKJKYYqADCUcgfqXztuZUCwpiuu

wykluUZXaOhbXkx

The door creaked open, and a familiar voice answered, “My lord, it is I, Yan Min.”AaSarPpULEHOEsTqKcuLkRoFdcxScL

yrMFHNWffZJHQCo

The lamps were lit, casting a warm glow across the room.dBFGAAVBGdqhHAvYZbcanHCQObueon

diiCXSeylZXepyW

Yan Min stood respectfully by the bedside.KXiMJIPUCQyTWVzumeSoXMaAqXTzib

XglmFGgVYUviAvf

Ning Rushen snapped awake.zlUipXBpbPwrSwoiOXLnEdBLxjuyha

ULpfpBAAgRMWJnL

He nearly forgot—he had traveled to another era.ejCNHjMrKYerZDFjDIbBcPEGTCPveD

bRogCHNdPTuACFc

Rubbing his throbbing temples, he patted around the bedclothes, mumbling, “Erkang, where’s my robe?”aqRnmXHXMOdlaPRMROicvyOyLaJLvL

QeXguUKThUgJVtJ

“Your lordship’s outer robe is hanging on the rack,” Yan Min said as he handed over Ning’s cloud-patterned red robe. “And I am Yan Min.”jHilecQFwAvXIDuwVlZxRJkXfiPPKF

VhDylKdPniJSjIl

Ning Rushen took the robe, refusing his help to get dressed. “Alright, I can do it myself. You can leave now, Er… Yan Kang.”ojNtWsYHGpWjEKMAXhHBCrUjFNuFdl

rfIEBSBMrSqZUym

Yan Min: …kdndEmWbRsbxhzbyVCOwoDCmXfYdKk

CkcjTvibTpiquzx

By the time Ning Rushen entered the palace, the sky had already darkened.qoWheFadigKrSeoxteQcEexFMbqBWa

kiDHZVFNusnHpBm

The banquet had been fully prepared, with golden pillars and beams gleaming under the bright lights. Under the guidance of the eunuchs, Ning took his seat among his fellow Hanlin Academy colleagues, seated far from the main table at the front.SkBqPcQUhxUyoIgUXRtFdIpHkgngUz

ugGcfNRLoNTWXXN

A short while later, the imperial procession arrived in grand fashion.UmbDQTmBwiVzhWACfgGjbqlJIoPGTU

sXOPZpLdwagiEoO

Li Wuting, dressed in dark robes, took his seat above them all.DdoiEMakSgRKmPEkJpoxkWALpvriRM

KivLTjkbcwanOzW

Ning Rushen glanced at him from a distance, and Li Wuting seemed to notice, his gaze briefly resting on Ning with a subtle, unreadable expression. But with the dazzling lights and dancers in the way, Ning couldn’t be sure.IVsnBfCyBSMvvqqVAvhmjdEzHqSUFs

YjWrFcJaAflcMsq

He rubbed his chin, thinking, Probably just my imagination.dOEMhOGzQjzoYpKxjGSRlXdsAUBssj

jgBzmtNyyJIjFZF

After the rituals and formal greetings, the atmosphere gradually loosened. As the wine flowed, the emperor rose and left the banquet, and the mood became even more relaxed.FOvRzfmvLhMOshIPpfsjDxwIMpHYNI

vWwKlaFjblgfSzW

Ning’s colleagues all raised their cups toward him with enthusiasm. “We hear that Lord Ning will be serving directly before His Majesty starting tomorrow! The emperor’s most favored official!”khzXkYDdwVxkIusdqLXQLGWdiATriq

DkyzKxsSsHVpNcn

Ning Rushen: Who’s been tattling now?DvoShoLNRZzhhHfVVRmnjssmuSxxmu

TPELzJCFYxAJgKa

“Ha! Don’t act like you don’t know! The imperial decree was delivered to the Hanlin Academy this afternoon. We all know!”paiwBqwOyeqFQnEjscSJmProHUOWnR

xFfMIeQeNrwajws

Ning choked on his wine: So it’s from the emperor himself!PEOrUJOraoRIryQElYVanFZDgDinlD

DhhnIDQsJcbQfXL

The toasts came one after another, and Ning Rushen found himself getting hotter with each drink. Just as he was contemplating an escape, a familiar mocking voice rang out nearby, “Hmph, retiring to the countryside?”HVFKjriZWckSGzkwkvtSgkDIbqqbQl

NAlHpufbjfAfOtU

He snapped his head up.OcWzERAJmZdptKWjBBzKdceRPglJgf

TNNfaGjscBMeBzM

There stood Geng Yan, holding a cup, with a look of disdain.nrLtgqRVWYudPpNKCThAMvJfJxFsiF

gSeZuavVccDPYrh

A perfect shield! Ning grabbed onto him as if he were a lifeline, pulling Geng in front of him as a human barricade. “What? You have something important to discuss with me?”rSiDyXtfioJkOXqBcEgRZShQbGhZgq

DlgtTYDNvKTOmpM

Geng Yan looked bewildered. “Huh?”WaTdQXGCmvaHXwtvPcMbCoVeHRUiAK

LgfCjofcZvPvlLM

Ning furrowed his brow. “A personal ailment?”qKMNdCTZZYbRthvzpwzZYuLltazmcO

gQxOyYOrfvicJeS

“…” The colleagues who had been coming to toast them exchanged awkward glances and quietly dispersed.nLVwCoXVNaNUCXcJToNWhlqIjrGRNX

hWztDImLBxBfiLJ

Geng Yan finally realized what was happening and slammed his hand on the table. “You son of a—”LMjjDwWXrZcmGnpWpKdGlcsOeOzaGV

LvmJRstHffMHSIw

Ning hurriedly poured him a cup of wine and handed him a walnut. “Calm down, calm down.”RrkJHqKxObGlJeBWPFdSYJYQqbbvIr

vEWfRJcgZcXLvqv

“Shameless!” Geng cursed before glaring at him. “Hypocrite.”xmhQonxGLKwjWyRftXsHNsBfRdPxGY

hyFjSYpqAFVSMrR

Ning sighed and explained, “I really did request retirement, but the emperor insisted on keeping me in the imperial study.”PnqrcoFCWOxDfpqmwLJCrllBSbNJAS

ryRbkQgpqBEXika

He was being sincere, but even he felt a little guilty as he said it. A quick glance confirmed his suspicion—Geng Yan’s fists were clenched in his sleeves.qQVbeiOHgcyicOUMvVgYbwckKcsbGL

jTRqEkVJTKfbAyT

“…”ttroYuIUaGMuuEFudocZPNHsoiskbF

yqMwqBlsTQvaTpz

Ning sighed again. “Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger.”VyeurIjDeBlGVDFmdPyooZaQHIPKFP

BGAaFDDqknhvGrr

The knife-like gaze softened slightly.LNoEbgyJyeQTIBIeZXMXsDquSAhWEM

pqIWkjVdSPwMoTQ

He swirled the wine in his cup with melancholy. “I wonder how long I can hold on.”QwJNNWpHEcnOKIxKkWMfPlAZOThlAw

GfPMwzZomkaLbvg

The tense sleeves gradually relaxed.esmqWugCYFlLUbbFLOotJZjDqlZeTI

EkKWqlCCAhNWVKI

Geng Yan, after considering Ning’s predicament, nodded. “That’s true.”BRbEyYldSxyfQvzZBUFfqHsdSZtyDi

kwNjAwAutHohDwt

Ning took a sip of his wine, feeling quite pleased. He’s surprisingly easy to fool.XhHwuqbhYtzscmXjXyPUraJjLKKYOZ

QACjJSClcksnkPb

Taking advantage of the moment, he glanced toward the emperor’s empty seat. “Why hasn’t His Majesty returned yet?”QZVWwsLmpvrupzinyBGyxXRDwavlle

zuSxkghtdmWoXhN

Geng Yan gave him a strange look. “You don’t remember?”pZQxjzpfqVPmndsklfEmnQUUxeycLm

aROoEueaEFOJljY

Ning blinked. “Remember what?”zOHGzWCHeptuzTOPwhhXWpAazlXepx

FZvqGwblPXPESHb

Geng leaned in and whispered, “The emperor is probably at Changning Palace. His late mother, Concubine Xian, used to live there.”TjfCwaQgvCdDHFmSwybNaMQRfEcIoV

lxNKbvWUrDNJjTy

…FzckcSVChmXOcoSRGDTCDmrmehwbnj

vlsTAsLbOGztXVT

As the banquet drew to a close, Ning had overheard a fair amount of palace gossip and drank more than enough wine. The heat and alcohol surged within him, making his head spin and his body flush.BIbISuaajuMIZQyTVuEmoNJcBAKvWZ

DvNnSzzijqSwYPP

He excused himself from the banquet.epfVrXazxioqhpyHhVIfJcEpwRSWdB

QrXXhbvbIOzqXEl

Outside the palace hall was a tranquil lake, hidden behind a canopy of trees, cool and peaceful in the night.mkPhyKbwyPrXrbgadqqNikuVymJask

sJQPxlJSYFtpVQA

Ning sat on a stone near the lake to cool off, letting the evening breeze blow over him. He pulled open his robe, his flushed face and neck reflecting the shimmering light of the water.kinGjeUdNofLIvfJBJghvsRzsQkGKu

lWpQiqLAjAiKyNn

After sitting there for a while, he faintly heard De Quan’s voice coming from the path nearby, “Your Majesty, it’s cold tonight. Please put on a cloak.”tBXLsuKwKTdQMuixCIfYeFLrRRPjjj

trWItMbcOLPJBJB

There was no response in the quiet night.WkilgRSBtLrnINAfXQHXFymZcGebom

oyADQkSqKJEFaCK

The emperor? Ning stood up groggily.LGnCqulPbrrfcIxEnTqOOHYlWRyQbn

SPcUBNWkAklpcNM

The grass at his feet rustled, and immediately, De Quan’s sharp voice rang out, “Who’s there?!”VquxODODNMxxjlKDsMQTFbqLbFHmaq

HnkukQZoNylUKYw

A row of bright palace lanterns instantly illuminated the path by the lake. Ning looked toward the light, and his flushed face and bright eyes were suddenly caught in everyone’s sight—QRiTSQwdIAykJJUBGgHKrCYyBIWzoa

ENMVPFLMbjFIldt

The once serene atmosphere shattered.xvEkxGYMxnvMYRutrXHybrVCoWfKvX

VGqBIvZDCLPlGWL

De Quan, startled, exclaimed, “Lord Ning?”KbVOUYjlGLBLSvURrqezlEpoClEdUj

pTdFOviRIKCkxLP

Ning Rushen stood frozen, not responding.pwTLiAYpRCPzXTreRXKcairunndBnd

BpLiaeCmQyJUmeT

He looked at Li Wuting, who stood in the night in his thin robes, and absentmindedly blurted out, “Your Majesty, perhaps you should wear a cloak.”hGpFdvBWxPJbiOmOfyUTibxfJumWWu

sXczvgOJyqhQDxp

Li Wuting: “…”duYGZIjbLXKSPzXjEDpQFctEmIhSbs

MbsnLcToVZhODuH

Ning’s hair had fallen loose, some strands slipping into the open collar of his robe, his whole body radiating the heat of alcohol.cGLLgkqOTlFoneAMzpSnqjQRIZIzyV

WqsBKuJeHnTJpAe

The moment Li Wuting saw him, the Jinyiwei’s report flashed through his mind:LuUodGknMhOFwliAPpZCLqwkttlsDM

vtHtlFZPbLlyzMG

Starved ghost reincarnated, disgrace to men’s virtue.IKjpiZeTwDdyGbRhhxdhAbfOaWdjhh

WrsnipWiyGXJQob

Seeing Ning standing there so casually, De Quan was already panicking, stammering, “Oh no, Lord Ning must be drunk! Hurry and bow to His Majesty!”MQwhJNpLlqOgIlozzcOCVWoTYseslv

xRpAeckCptHsvSz

Though Ning’s mind was hazy, he still understood what was being said. He took a few unsteady steps toward Li Wuting.GdfbWwUBrLsBIrmxAZhbLGbwGyzPPJ

EBDCcCVXkqkdklY

De Quan gripped his duster tightly, terrified that Ning might accidentally offend the emperor.utOPfhrjPesQjKJdYzAXzKFdCMQJOA

UzvsCNxfMgpsBss

Ning stopped in front of Li Wuting, swaying slightly as he bowed. “Your humble servant greets His Majesty.”JljtsmBWYCWgtCSKYeYdJKcxEHyGbT

iVBbvTDiVPYpujH

Li Wuting glanced down at him. “Why are you here?”ibnXzsIjROmzEKZpsBlQIBJeCWyoVx

hxPVWfHUleRTziW

“Cooling off.”gxJOdxQrmZJWInrXrBGIEKEeGxjRAn

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“This is not a place you should be,” Li Wuting said, his expression betraying no emotion. “Go back.”VhsYPoxiSnFuxwZQYtlZigczeuyiwf

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“Oh.” Ning Rushen blinked once, then sluggishly added, “Your servant takes his leave.”YGjgHihjlUqBNXtvUyNPImMlDfjbln

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He turned and began to walk away, his crimson robe fluttering in the breeze, the silver embroidery on his belt accentuating his slender waist.vqqAmFDrPQkUFSqtAoHXQegGyYRVHK

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Li Wuting glanced at him briefly before averting his gaze. His voice remained calm, “Return to the Yangxin Hall.”BKwxgEbETsSjNRYRhMeEDQPzELiwSu

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“Yes, Your Majesty.” The rows of palace lanterns swung as the entourage turned to leave.mAYXmvNLAvndQapSSYmxHPpujGgZpU

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They had barely taken a few steps when suddenly, from not far behind them, there was a loud “splash” from the lake.yIAezdEnKhZGyUUhzLLAcJeGqRqfPk

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Li Wuting turned his head.MQOUanjnObMRqjTUCBEbaCCHzkXFrl

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There, the figure who had just been wobbling away had somehow managed to fall headfirst into the lake, his upper body now submerged, and he was slowly sinking further down the bank, bubbles rising with every second.nRMGYUqzYFkXXNsPZvHtZSvEcEKObS

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“…”GOuDZABsXGyDCfvWXAzigjuYnRnDsW

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De Quan’s face went pale in shock. “Lord Ning!”oEDUsNaETGrzvpzRxMXDFQCDQxwtJT

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The palace servants rushed towards the lake, but Li Wuting’s voice suddenly rang out, “Hold on.”PuZZKzClBLBzLNRVhWbqPuePJKTsTh

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“Your Majesty?” De Quan looked up in confusion.ddNJcDkgGfAeuzqowgEOMkyywrwzrA

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For a brief moment, Li Wuting’s gaze darkened, though it was fleeting.PhAOKQnyJdKgPbYXunxZwCGJzqwKxT

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He glanced again at the bubbles coming up from the water, then, pressing his fingers to his brow in exasperation, said, “…Forget it. Pull him out.”KehefkZPyStXJuCpdaTTSXVxcIDTlX

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