This official is so weak

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

jvvSucgquldEhXI

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.BOicMtEdEmahboletYqAkeoFGYmRyb

urQKMEzEYluiGtk

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

OhqSSHYSfCQlRpH

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

lItijhNNTHGULpX

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

gACIXDWuYkxPxAx

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

LbYNJqKoJdeXFcj

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

JWMGSgxBZJEJHuP

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

oDYBhCPTZmDeqfe

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?”TWfWlsNjrNYNPLJiaFAVxBUKIwlsze

dCEcMzBXxtKlILf

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

kEOqCmLDnFoPMfJ

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

mfrKaUfVsCQoyMe

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:dkwDxwHdYgBqucxZAAFHlcBSpUdzoa

aEjufnQSAntKzwp

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

jhlCiCMJOKfFRok

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

irCAnAfOLQTZtkp

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

UkQxlbEhPKOUNRq

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

qZIgdvyLNMnfwhr

“Everyone is here, right?”NthbhHRafkMAjknSeDFuucSwLjzomw

BKWOeOLSYmHGKFc

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

ScFCZkFugVPnqNd

“…”dlbuZsPpQFbTNONbXfnZTnCmrmMQPp

OcNLcJmTtCeuusC

Everyone looked up in confusion: ?EdOAdEzPXrQeeYcaNRdojcsaKFMbLK

oHkypdwDqJnqStG

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

YJAelBaNvoJjwfZ

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

TEiLOCkZQIWmnFX

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

wnKUGshuczGioZF

The others finally caught on.uinaZEKybQHwJCvjzKZtSHWkkUNUzW

ExsCLJatZyivNcX

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

CQqMcCWFCzWKASc

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

BUNtJVSmpomzDJv

“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.XImhiYYJlMYerYSslZLyJPrfHSGUdM

LruTZFJHGSpejOV

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

ZtHlsLbunexTfCW

Outwardly, he seemed to have a brilliant future.SwOrRzAzrFmTTASxITCwHuQZfFwZsm

GryOfcafrzBjRrO

So how had “he” offended Li Wuting?rONAtOxWpGYJMEmcBlXXajDQErdnfu

umugSSBwVorDoAX

…xsPyZaglPYjuSBUjotLnCPsdJJkOyn

AqoVqdxsWjZZgSs

The compliments in the courtyard began to dwindle.MTMadcqXeLNaqADNaOWwWNCgupVXDl

MuGvyfVgJBFToLa

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

dffaSPfzZgdlTEV

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

LDuemYCNpmkcOyv

Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.oMPYygvCUlXZXyEycdHfAQnWHkmNBm

qrTtUlCoOndHdKU

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

fcLXgFfFtvwGCjy

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

nIawLFvXxjWJsxP

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

OyizudMJyBFLYSh

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

ZjyxHoxUdsPmBXf

Ning Rushen sighed. “Stand up.”OksZZWcZmfOvFAPVFObzVUtxeEiaVE

aHyvutkQcgCRzwN

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

dnWIYAoiEMoHQZn

A dozen faces hesitantly lifted.RPplXnWtscgcuJdwavJpvMmGZIbQsJ

cxWvaJUocnAHqtQ

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

XzoOQLnXsitKiDm

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

DQqsVQmvPEQJuZh

Ning Rushen: “…”NUUlIkrfCGDvYoTkiDgxloyQvaKBmi

OtzapdooPEjPKge

·hLXtRnxmfuvcJcvjUUTandywDAZsSl

xoGKWqkRznjSKiV

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

leTQaVdBfTorVia

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

wwGJhMKZnWuLxIz

—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:UkmyCfzjsNuDyviufnxYVQEYveAQui

BZiRVLDJqtsreJy

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

UlxeOeYbNcpISrJ

Ning Rushen felt his head spinning and ears buzzing.mYlxKkxeGcErAMoyEkHBVKLUVRYqgG

keWlWOVICEpSpAJ

What was all this nonsense?RiYADOOxbpgaPVxSOvrYbDNKqOZNau

drnVqsFUeWTeTRA

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.zONbRnyLRUzNErsohLxgJKWfoomRwT

QnGwpmRbGmRQwMa

“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.”MKIVLwJzLgDvavPFPfSdHWeOrDbCeU

fwxrBmZvnGOSKma

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

zUyaWGCAdzHBYpX

…bLiOEtHBJPNKoKTBDhhrPRwlYcAnEn

JVFiOJQxPXbjCsU

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.oVgHeZhoJdJfJDqsyMsukvdGsaQhRB

yhFPLgYBHsXGatl

The room had long been cleared of others.NFWvlmYgpECzfFQYQBpsoeiHRrtiYB

paZhreGBDlSMELP

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

BGDtLVJXUvRxsDV

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

CSupteVGLhschHR

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

tfMgbSYBPlkebil

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

GSmPybOKDbbKgMO

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

jPLLWLqGHjeQJmG

Li Wuting’s expression turned strange.VknughjGuiVBffnaFpLXOoTaDXGgRf

CPjUgASAoMKEyBJ

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?!'”noJbcdHOrTJgvqfjehyWDbpFvsYyTo

IwINhRxSjuwVJRB

Li Wuting nearly choked on his tea.PazxkvUCkCUfvruQeCBSxgFwUbCfxw

tyfsUBlUKmgIepB

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!'”jWaaamWrCMSMczjLSvcoWIYkgzhJsl

dhfeVTSfoXpItAc

Li Wuting: “…”fjhJyUblCjCYtwCHgVSFKwanAwxFZL

qsNgrgeOpuOPiFN

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

MrSMktqxdzLiAOM

Li Wuting interrupted, “Shi Yi.”EdxctsHFcBcrQmkyBMygbXDOCwAySy

grcuIKnakEPHdQN

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

CncCQYkfmgWgshY

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.eOTMEgAbWvqiUqLOoAiKMSDuzAeQDn

gwiEronoXAjrmFT

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

doIhgfbPBUyTszT

Shi Yi kowtowed again.VgdVKlLhDxQTTQnltgaCKTqXplDoTJ

dVhtqhzGGClrHsb

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.”nSrwweiNQsHAIUwoGoBuGgucWcseDF

yGQogezjunLxwDS

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”auFuwqxbAYRKiKLZVTcfXTqFOVFMbw

lLhvLaDurEPNnaU

…kAqKwRyOVzSrhzViaUIuQOSWeECSFr

GETeZcviTmEZHNh

Ning Rushen slept until nearly dusk.cmnuAiGUQmwBfMxkLjqDBURoifyRzR

AndqbTSimovCuQO

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.MeCiNxCMrMsRpPESyddMUYBrmjBkpL

eASgTEvlrPLWkqR

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?”wVperAXRUYiHucXfUeGqUTJzXrHuBu

tAkqKurqBLZNGQM

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

hUJAiHkRvMUCiLF

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

sQBHPiLKsVtqdYs

Yan Min stood respectfully by the bedside.ENdvcxGombFUQmnNzgrNKpkdyvwPUN

GzkRwHBBqvyPIxQ

Ning Rushen snapped awake.jFBDJgSdPfnEijLqmgSboWIwjmqhqz

qphewXTVaWTUUfc

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

VqysQyJxmrWFfcr

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

FvAUxAAcEhbnnGd

“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.”xzMbHAGASTFtoqTlXpjlkEJiaroEpj

OEgJsgvXbuNctHy

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

hKnUhYzGxdTRsFp

Yan Min: …yCYZApumOJMVJnGZPfiwCrPmTPxVgx

PiDMgqzOZBNaszg

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

IoocKiofZovKYKR

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.hSVYartyPmiLKqhyuxgybCTTMyVBPv

iRzBftjehOMAVeB

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

uBJKEpsNEAPCckv

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

gCMzaAdFBlaSruX

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.uWgnepMrLooyjNRWgBjspPTnsCRfuN

UgGoRfPqtPerLvv

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

VcegyklWqphsRRg

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.CDRJGaWsEPnwaxbTrQAYcuAHuUDgRM

IGmhhnwrMGotaKu

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!”vhZfddsDhTRwXsEEEWDfJyGBSgsaHM

nJzvtJPbnCxfcbV

Ning Rushen: Who’s been tattling now?cGXJDqTByTzrpxrJKKDPKFdtJrLVQW

pUQTgYgzhDivYMV

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

xPlOjPuEdnToBsh

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

mdhnGqdXXxuboEq

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?”mRaFjjkgERnIXVPfZQLiMgBxqNQZAG

ooGmzOhuULaxZLQ

He snapped his head up.vpLvSjUhfHUGqbyrowMDGHCHCfwjjA

cOHZWxQMHALjiNY

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

PxdbqVzFuRGjaSW

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?”ZCFuAYvPzDstBhAJoYojOtbKfbfGhg

AXPipsysrTfHPnK

Geng Yan looked bewildered. “Huh?”MVctUrptNeGUPwzfIEJQQzpEWaxBiW

VoKfUlMLqbVLcru

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

NkInVPCSrpzHaMK

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

OkuFtHjozzJQAIm

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

ZCnZyOHrXdMKtcv

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

bjfjvzJZSAaCmQy

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

yFDVgsbxjlUNVAh

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

hADvBvZtjbKBTSM

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.nQYOZSxqmCeHuMTCpKEziyFDMnKGlH

kKzUZnVoBuIGvkJ

“…”ilNtskWXahEEXGyqyONaJueNrtfokb

NtdgZMLHHBoznoE

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

woITaVJqVdNUCWS

The knife-like gaze softened slightly.iqUxNXUtyPqSLCZoHRuQcOgnPTGlBO

rjBhaMLAkNqBUVp

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

PdGWqERtcWZEQtG

The tense sleeves gradually relaxed.UdHebPVaGejKEhejBDtCjiJBqbtdOW

cnRPCoiuWydkGRn

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

DrSHzRFUdLxhCek

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

uUvzJNmBVHJFuAQ

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

kgIoZfoHPhVxcrk

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

SyyExoYBBhgREeb

Ning blinked. “Remember what?”HSWEQfzHEqfAOWuBkTUnQTJkSExWAh

cXZRfXfcbokgOig

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

tmyFpLbJlGBHWDe

…lZFWSBLeyIeydcUCHOgLSNkIqXnATo

paGXGjrcyXFBTNk

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.bEgvXEwqVEEjRJzkEAXQjvqPaTkZkX

GuuFfjBKtKNMfHo

He excused himself from the banquet.XRXRCZKpdOjsNTjTZhmqlheufwslrr

tKARjauMgTxdFaa

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

HYziimfZRJijusV

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.axddtDmVkiNlBtlDUVuwlfMtlYAKWI

rokADMGzBcIDbts

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.”yAfjKuCEVXANoxbDUDcUqiuYccvNts

uAUXKyDcIdxSpRz

There was no response in the quiet night.GxzuWUwptwLCXANACXzTPgUnVLvznu

GWJrLyMjupVkcyo

The emperor? Ning stood up groggily.NWMGENNPzAUoNnxBigqUThTKhkYpMI

nYVQZmGrMfNpfzK

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

McDjjDWTcdHMXWJ

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—LbVVbtizwePBdLhOpztOwphvKzHamw

UtlUXToxXDlUgTW

The once serene atmosphere shattered.StVvjJbLJYFXiciSwdgRFDXDNNZYpw

oxSKnwqxRIZBHLf

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

XMQGUnmwmPUoUoz

Ning Rushen stood frozen, not responding.oENtmXMTXobFGLEaHcuASDYeulOkkB

wtvuvvOsOpKoTrO

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.”hzzgzdlSipMmyFlLLQMYwprvbBXNBN

QKTFSYJBiivoFHD

Li Wuting: “…”oThtJGObSmHVToQhuyzlevZhPgQqLG

PCedFCRvyLrMazA

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

VcPWyPOjgKwnGfH

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

isHMAjtQHXSnIIb

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

jknJrjFbanKsWPx

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!”gxnzsIyokxjoVGYHmsahIceDPJPmIa

wiajMpdVVWYMdOE

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

LBWYNozjrAkZZHR

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

CCcfndOMFGHhJIv

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

MkuhaQeOykdEyBF

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

VivlOOBWniepeTX

“Cooling off.”UTScYBxiroexlwdGYmqzdTgblkQmPR

VZKjrGJXtLfXEXP

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

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

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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.kFPONBXWALpsPdwtbZSXFRnuXsxNEg

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

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

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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.urCmmZeTUdPPDZkzHotPVZtGBWoSnf

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Li Wuting turned his head.ZSHpZUcnNINZDDOXOtQFqItPnezRwn

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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.GjepNOEIRoQKpSodktcuUKmwemzzOV

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“…”qdpcVtlvfTAIRvLoXqPCVjqbNLHXiL

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

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

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

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

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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.”mkItLQsphdXvKPtrGELnRfAunyYHYX

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