This official is so weak

Li Jingyu seemed to be pondering the relationship between the “Pixiu” and his second imperial brother. After equating the two in his mind, he raised the gauze curtain in his hand.jCBfAPJTKCowWHPSisDNEwndFDvxCJ

nqWnKBHLBDPkWsY

Ning Rushen couldn’t take it any longer. “Let’s put this away,” he said, quickly stuffing the curtain under the seat cushion. He couldn’t help but glance at Li Wuting.SDIuvsliTAsJVVWjXNQhTpWdruCaRM

MtfCdyfqblLIpWf

Li Wuting felt a sharp pain in his head. He wanted to say something but, constrained by Li Jingyu’s presence, could only stabilize the situation first. In a deep voice, he said, “Jingyu, don’t let your second imperial brother know about this.”fksnhzRVxFDTOAjqwTcrLFwNPycvlr

QNmWoogDKpJGhwI

Li Wuting pursed his lips. “I fear it will upset him.”JJOiYYmMWBHcDzXrspTqJdcSWAIhik

WuoToAtAijVQljc

In the corner, Yi Wusheng was almost embedding himself into the side wall.WIzdcoDoJnZaCsXahKHFWaTJjVjWXT

GDtZVCTUPrhVxep

The carriage stopped, and Li Jingyu eagerly jumped out.TukIYpZtaNyaCbqeJKYPxqyLXLYANI

dpSXOKVCloQDLCq

Once he was gone, Ning Rushen finally looked at Li Wuting with a complicated expression, having recovered from his initial shock and embarrassment. “Your Majesty, you…”DiuOdyklaYoCqQpZTHYaGzVJMoItIH

LzRAHsfdCPiVLZW

Yi Wusheng immediately took the blame, clapping his hands. “It’s my fault! I just put it there without thinking! Oh, look at these hands of mine!”FOtKmzyAiFFAydVZfvUKfySTFFDrJQ

HThoOQlUsbZPYgK

Ning Rushen watched his seal-like clapping with a mixture of pity and understanding. As a great eunuch, he was constantly taking the blame for the emperor.wEVxFmJMcjAjSyqnNUXlbatQTMINUN

WpUxSHMXZvWrkpe

His gaze was too direct.WNjCNBhCuRqaNXJMSUCntRTNWtRMKA

QlAkKvmSkNdlzUI

A vein throbbed on Li Wuting’s forehead. “Ning Chen!”GCYRIqpebWjvgBgMxidZovbBjkHUaj

MQnXRUilFnyJEkU

Ning Rushen quickly agreed. “Yes, yes, Yi Wusheng put it there.”vTormRercamqVvenvKWSGUnjEmfoBT

qgCfwtnWhkEFYja

“…”whEZpFQqywqsKcqOdhSYcKJIVbyPte

kZYmFWrggpvDYyk

In the tense silence, Li Jingyu’s voice came from outside. “Huh? Why aren’t my imperial brother and Lord Ning down yet?”TonCvPWGLGYZakrAhSjZdhQBxeIfUh

iPidTvLOEJLzMdl

Then his mouth was covered. “Shh… don’t rush them…”qsTMvzmAcQAIbOAKVqpMNADPVSNbdW

ZHDAiFYYzOdwiOR

Li Wuting, unable to tolerate it any longer, stood up. “Get out of the carriage!”DYAWLLkomCXYNknMxlcApWsXbAUcoa

dSvqNDdjWWLhhTC

Yi Wusheng hurriedly crawled to lift the curtain.FNOsEiHFyNojvbaoVoBYltNLqfJKox

qySRHCynGOClXbk

As the curtain was lifted, the bright sunlight mixed with the fresh air of the suburbs flooded in.qRERjOdcRxmazZHzgwVkZiZABONeqp

ZxpiFFHopNGTcyv

Li Wuting stood up, his tall frame blocking most of the light. Ning Rushen looked at his straight, upright back and thought of the gauze curtain under the seat cushion, feeling inexplicably like his heart was on fire.TlkyMCxTAagBzCcnJSdZfOMOMBUFbS

fJgOqPadsHKZYwK

It made his ears burn, and he was truly restless.rkDvdvwduHlqCWmONXlRAqloDSRwNJ

FomgxFPgmFHAONI

At the moment when Li Wuting bent over to get out of the carriage, Ning Rushen couldn’t resist leaning in and whispering, “Your Majesty, even if you like that… please don’t use something I’ve used…”izCfMhPYFWRKSZNivOdhYlAblcCGMq

LhsoZIQQINSxTVL

A large hand slammed against the side of the carriage door.nKARNOZzSEPHHRohuuSmlpNgHrWmes

kJgxDFDbxFsbhun

Li Wuting turned his head, his gaze deep. “I don’t like it.”vwlwXjMUuvPatGZhddQVxQhaftlVsp

SSRntiqldUAUNNH

Ning Rushen pursed his lips. “Oh.”rORYZOVxEgbPuzKUdkFGRLRsZdwEuX

zuCSReAdesWvtpV

The two of them were stuck at the carriage door, one tall and one short, while Xu Wang, a few steps away, watched with glowing eyes: Lord Ning’s ears seemed a bit red, and he looked very embarrassed…LPIRSnMsjiVKFdmBegmnJTecFpEuXN

SHezbZxLsZGDlgc

Heh heh, heh heh heh…yjSOCEugVwBjAKaDeOvENIUOaRwSAT

NmVGnWWKcjwNpWJ

In the few breaths he spent secretly watching, Li Wuting had already stepped out of the carriage. His cold, sharp gaze cut off the prying:KDKVzJOgWFhsJjKaDuKQYZWdrPIzFD

TyvxuohBfsKwVtj

“You’re back.”MpTBzgWldhbrOurqLMNOkAddNBvSvg

YIUhzOHtBAAuRSP

Li Yingtang appropriately ceased his actions. “Your subject greets Your Majesty.”jiVKFiErQbuqvMuznBElhTVJedmpDu

jBULABwQxJFuHgd

Li Wuting sized him up and down. “The Dragon Boat Festival was worth your return to the capital. Did you just dip into your fief and come back? Is Jiangnan too hot for your feet?”foONeYngPyODKYqntvmJImBYVsgNVw

wEoSRakMTQQoUXY

Li Yingtang took a deep breath of the capital’s air. “Your subject loves this land.”VIFBlTwdqfZAUhdfMIzZbjWwppVzik

lGbYworEfLvvMtN

Li Wuting saw through it and let out two chuckles.zWtJOJUOqFdzIZUKjWpnDcXXyVhAwh

MHOMPdQZVdrPxAC

After Li Wuting finished his sarcastic remarks, Ning Rushen finally found a chance to pay his respects. “Greetings, Your Highness Prince Xuan.”nJTcBNDerRuIkWSnzRRDopVXdgwGAh

KuBoFQvSOyqEqxs

“Oh, Lord Ning,” Li Yingtang turned his head, “there’s no need for such formalities between us.”poDcybDxgSCWhEqRQwYdIZyfhPpLfX

lKIiZQABmfAMrSO

Ning Rushen: ?QRPBIoCQdoETuLTQZmkdulpTuLLhYO

ATOjFKzPuwYSfje

He felt awkward: What, does he really see me as a confidant?tjCnIJtlYODxhRCUKXrpftBBROjNNa

sdutWvXdsgdjyKj

Li Wuting couldn’t stand it anymore. “Alright, get in the carriage.”whxAjhzFhyFZNLSItCwCeTkQRAVABw

LtusLXyapWeKYep

·lTItFvxIbLjYbZkcYiOGOewKeMPBlZ

ggpXXqQXsmRbeeF

They all got into the Qingling carriage.JcIpIDyizVvrvohkVMmilGBcjrWIEZ

tjXYSqPBkrtIpbs

Li Jingyu sat to Li Wuting’s right. Li Yingtang was placed in the “Pixiu” seat, with an empty seat between him and Li Wuting.aZcaGnNwdbWcEKwILjVoXOAzoBtvgY

yxXsqqcUmjJeIfU

Ning Rushen glanced around and sensibly filled the empty seat.deYkXwjcIwESQsQEJRApewivFsHqwU

PIcHtWVHAnVzNWi

The carriage started moving, heading back into the city.fbwrevAbJZcDeahTMJYJrOFGpddvNO

UsmahIcQoorVxCp

Li Yingtang began chatting, “We haven’t seen each other in over a month, Lord Ning. How have you been? How’s your waist?”zISLQQkaxEoSisYmrXEgISAsTlkvcW

dDsbdEsCJJfdacl

Ning Rushen touched his side, “Quite well.”DkvOMSMJcflcaFNLIcLnVPdftdeFgm

XJQmoYcCDqLkztC

He thought for a moment and added, using Li Wuting’s previous phrasing, “I can sing and dance, lively and energetic.”QQomWnmNItYnvNlGbYssBqQHHiVyae

dkVzjeGYCXzLAhx

Li Wuting shot him a glance.BiPiwtvsEWFWMcDeLSPmDQSAnLWyMn

YFekgvGbYMhaBGd

Li Yingtang looked both regretful and relieved. “Oh, that’s good, very good…”qwpubNihteyLZBnRbsQQOyKdOJtpWT

yWNzPXjHwvkxJYv

Ning Rushen, “?”MmzIVyBNqqeYgqJOqOqFtzzkPVWCnq

EKmkOEarIsIwtby

What kind of mixed expression is that?JUkoYaoUZdAXgDOmblMUipyHXEADRG

kUEBWejZXsRIbud

After a few more random conversations, Prince Xuan suddenly stopped talking and leaned in close to whisper in Ning Rushen’s ear:JNJTWXozHgrZXAFlBonMyqpmTrTnOr

gjtDVpOPCrTiYSx

“By the way, last time…”tCUDaZCmmROeTTBoKDhpeWEuLBuJco

IuBhFQzDhaEVOAr

Ning Rushen felt a sudden alert and instinctively shielded his ear, leaning back!DBMspDlvLZeWAVepnQIbixLCGFWqfO

xvcvMPYZvyAZPXK

His back pressed against a firm arm.ODtMAjVaagkIYjnidypphWMQWWpehk

pfMuxjzCpyKruCW

The smooth fabric of his official robe rubbed against the emperor’s dark sleeve. He moved slightly and looked at Li Yingtang, who was blinking in confusion.TlLuTSesaalcCuGurMTUQuwacqoUCS

LNMjHFXfyGlOUDj

Li Yingtang was puzzled, “What’s wrong?”SaRaGyVdcziMfXKFRHNkYeQaKhqJMD

muqIdaUzKtflQft

A gaze seemed to fall from above.mOdYNtPcIjZvGrPvUPeVuXVFCGdbqc

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Ning Rushen moved away a bit more, awkwardly holding his ear: How was he supposed to explain that his ears were sensitive?IpyUsuTknIiSyCAoetCvUaGWoquNGO

OkzzEDuQQViPUCR

He paused and cleared his throat. “Your subject’s…”fwMZevdMrxwYXBdyXppeEdNumjKwMk

ClgJHWhiKsnPUln

Just as he began to speak, Li Wuting’s voice fell, “He has ear shock, don’t get so close.”UmTsZccsRVcJwhigGmorfLDTSmxshy

oZINZtHtNdehPvY

Li Yingtang immediately backed away with an “Oh, oh.”lyQXsMhuycJpFvajweQbBjweWLTwYR

TyQawQmQcQFTLwK

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting: Huh?PUsTxQwluANDUzoNlFZLJQCzHCWVmI

zuEdGewtjBREtqq

Li Wuting lowered his gaze to meet his eyes, his lips slightly twitching as if to say:KhbnaFUUcCSgDpuAbtcniCUvSDncIs

LTTtjEtudHfKWjZ

Trying to fool me with that excuse again?GkyQsYCcLYeTktmLnCOYYezOpdutPX

PdGoaPgjyhgrUmF

Ning Rushen, “…”wXetgctkHYmoifaAAUFzFRslmZKGLU

ppEsqylViaegcgy

He reluctantly turned back.sdDIJsMTVcUGKBBNWFFWXmwiexJGQo

XudAhMCbzdsSSQr

Li Wuting said nothing more, only glanced at the ear that had narrowly escaped, then turned his gaze away, looking down at Li Jingyu, who was peeking in front of him.NLwuOsjftlBMgLeklLysJUfjPMUTiw

mTtiYIuwfalBSOQ

He recalled Li Jingyu whispering into someone’s ear before they set off.ixsexuPfsNfUSxvApJVUJouKUsPUIY

gyyzkhYqBZtnesL

His fingers slightly curled on his knee:HBuVrzhwonANnFAKkviCBEXFDglgvN

PRGBQQjXAJlEfee

So it’s okay for a child, but not for a man.VBepgglvsJDLIkgEOxEBqcOpmClZzY

qJJJRkESnnqVSrj

…GTWJKhTiESUHZakpMnHMlnGJxLpXVV

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Not long after, the carriage returned to the palace.CdjiCrfAhPFweOjYZMSFRjwKdtFTTO

YLbCsHQerLCGdPr

Li Yingtang got out and took his leave, “I will first go pay my respects to my mother consort.” He then casually grabbed the peeking Li Jingyu.WChxQKDfjdJqBJEsecwYwbMymrXRga

DuaqbXPtnTUlYDc

The two figures walked away down the long path.jAxLtefERbUaEvClMKpFnXQzWMLzOM

pEKzVylmzBOAEGi

Ning Rushen grabbed the carriage frame, ready to get out. Just then, Li Wuting glanced at him and then pursed his lips:hCWQNzoiGszvwrtUIyxKNzvOaOrUhZ

VsKcTmABculFTov

“Yi Wusheng.”oYWfsuRtXACVWyXFPzXIyMJFJhgjSb

TUcmlhraBmZUZWe

Yi Wusheng rolled over, “Here, Your Majesty!”FJKKAbrrxaijeQXvfiGFoAkSTKgdOL

dLgJTczbjWUKZgm

“Dispose of that later.”oSLkWIClWtxoMBRHmaAkVtuyjKerMC

fCFTZDCOlPGRCji

“Yes, Your Majesty!”xdQDhoPxWlrDGxYFrHjpjCGBuCbPqO

WZlalxQrPFUmRwE

After speaking, Li Wuting turned to Ning Rushen, “Is that alright?”GRUxNWwQLWIXlcnlsTjaPrpWstJOlB

FXUUjoDSwPgBaNv

Ning Rushen was stunned.rpsfjZphaEzhGCtEtTCASZVBpTlPcJ

vLEgTmRDvEhLtsN

His newly growing mind wasn’t good at remembering things. Prince Xuan had interrupted him, and he had almost forgotten, but Li Wuting had specially addressed it for him.pVBoEyRqtkLOzyBuwhPxDwpebGgiNi

GPIHshILurMikIO

His back inexplicably felt warm, “Yes, it’s alright…”ouYtqKvbLmgNUhVEVcqwsjolpCvlIl

KIAZoKXMJwdKqvO

Li Wuting said, “Then let’s go.”BAgoYLMULLETvnExwpnJqqsVGoWuuP

CyIIygDptZhOHyN

Ning Rushen left the palace and returned to his own carriage.oPDGsnHRFXvBDRnncKqbYmYCIJSEQl

HpLBYEBstXujatX

It was only later that he started to reconsider: He hadn’t completely gotten used to the hierarchy, and he hadn’t thought much of it at the time. Thinking back now, was he being a bit too forward with Li Wuting?nqQzhjXoYZtHBjPpiiPmalpevmmfOo

uBPxdmNTcyFILgI

But Li Wuting hadn’t blamed him and even considerately asked, “Is that alright?” It seemed he was trying to clear his name.grqfyafqhndwYVxdeTVKKqwTJcUyFV

uyvBNFlPAmhoZeM

Ning Rushen thought about it and decided that Li Wuting probably didn’t know about it.ZazylAcGkzTmIcCtUqkwUfiIaHmLwF

aCJKsnMLnTlnBPb

It made sense—someone as upright and proper as Li Wuting was hard to imagine being involved in such things.egAZdspzGWKeLWlcrUEIOtMlbNBLDC

aVjRzxLFxPRBkxp

·MUcypblwPYaaubxaukVZHtXQDAZann

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Two days after Prince Xuan returned to the capital was the Dragon Boat Festival.XKntIzUpJOVGLMNFMgoOVigbRduxYy

DmnNrRwhQSXfuaN

In addition to the various activities prepared by the common people, the palace was also hosting a banquet for officials of the fifth rank and above.tzDesDZakpdCEstavwNjRmbjpiyMmA

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On the day, Ning Rushen tidied up and entered the palace.GcFflFnSOstNOJLDdfWAxgYbIGwHMR

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As evening fell, the palace was already brightly lit.xgOWDFEEgveWXwgwhkSpuDCUZUQDGD

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The red pillars and golden tiles shone brightly, reflecting the light all around. Outside the banquet hall, the clear pool mirrored the surroundings, casting gentle shadows on the brick walls.JMBbrslRCvmyDgIjwNMlUocXJwXXBt

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The main table at the front was reserved for the imperial family.sDwQeJFmDwBKXGqKIfnihFqfNBsgPd

NuLiZDAvfoeFuGg

Ning Rushen took his seat among the officials. Not long after, Geng Yan sneaked over and sat next to him.ZpbDPVLnOcJakxTFvPKxdMYuUALyyz

tImwbaFdMFWWPVP

Ning Rushen turned his head, “Here to assassinate me again?”ezpDUJHvOcMqUdhmJJTENxlMvIszEp

YfDBGBQoulOZzHJ

Geng Yan gave him a sideways glance, “It’s easier to chat when we sit together.”rkhclyEyPOvfYZgfLLyCnikOyRFLJR

rIeAuACCqsoYgdG

Ning Rushen replied, “Chat…”IzONTlgyTNCHbSIgwRoUPVlcXYYxwi

TcIlzbEHFlOesph

Geng Yan instantly became fierce, “If you dare say those two words, I’ll smash your head with a tile!”xuWVxkIuotzClZXRlaIcgIgXFMYTTz

jINknTHLfuQaQeN

Ning Rushen sighed lightly, “You’re so sensitive.”MFycHIsBQREznfgxktFqHoAxamZuLv

KCIUqtyCgFdoFhU

He hadn’t even said anything yet.lVwHTkVKLMbwUYkELyKSrXVwIBUCuF

gukeEDjDAAavcPE

As they spoke, the emperor arrived at the front.rIxjvrfxsiIsPkPPaWfASdesHDlAXt

TpBfjczffLeIabE

Li Wuting, dressed in his dignified and majestic imperial robes, walked in surrounded by palace attendants. Alongside him were Prince Xuan, Prince Jing, and Prince Xuan’s mother, the Graceful Consort.hSXYskbNmrbJhVRlJOpKzxKsNzRxbX

FZpBtMBnmKApevR

The group took their seats at the main table.VzAYTmsIGzUOnuRWxwgLmXfjnNFIHk

iJIUikRuXEZGcnf

Ning Rushen glanced from afar.MaRiSuIWcFyrRVNkfzWUWTjoNDxPRr

mkJwgcmUBNEkOEc

It was his first time seeing the Graceful Consort, and he found her dignified, graceful, and serene.CTstnvchYSGTUcaPBUWKVZvWxGOeeR

YHYqaKqyGFzHpBa

Li Wuting also showed her much respect.XzzLuXdaWRgwJHwlZffvxRSlEfWCXa

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Geng Yan leaned over and whispered, “What are you looking at?”brjyOAwzehaNHTYOuUyWMbLhLQGVrC

olevETVzDPPayzy

Ning Rushen replied, “A loving family.”wutDKQeGODAkygFqoDwWDtJDptqMbM

XcPPpmndftgizRt

“…”DcHkQApRJolWkeEXeMNwHJFyQSutJU

KlBLexNWvaAmjgw

Geng Yan choked a bit, then said, “Of course. The Deceased Consort was very close to the Graceful Consort. After the Deceased Consort passed away, His Majesty and Prince Jing were raised by the Graceful Consort. She is like a second mother to His Majesty.”saiASmFVTrjAwtrcsnNElihcHHHUqU

wpvbPoizwjVafda

Ning Rushen pondered:jPCnhndgRHIYTjukpmQwbLFbRfvYvP

mMDiYXoQQcUVRXO

Does she know her son’s face was scratched by her good friend?uPivfcSgKTlSQihvYgdZfXbOniQCmH

rQRxtIhRDirBKlB

Geng Yan asked, “What are you thinking about?”XodAgIbTKnqFTPhgFFphtWHSREemQZ

IzVmZWbnxqTFohd

Ning Rushen replied, “Nothing, just some royal secrets.”eAXWGPuYZSQFBNLWutYadfmKsUkYWD

BNEupJyaClmyECN

Geng Yan, “???”BTycEwuGSCKwnEmJAwfJxDZdHtEocA

EwmfbwLfzyhTxYD

He wanted to ask more, but just then, a young attendant walked over, carrying a wine jug, and stopped in front of Ning Rushen. “Minister Ning.”ZmGLxAygWLEXCfpeyrKHUvVMujgUAj

YNlHxgExhBGyqgd

Geng Yan was instantly horrified: Spouting royal secrets got you in trouble!wPPIFbYGyqdOyqoEGYYmbkNbVGfxbS

lPuOxpwewwMYHbM

Ning Rushen’s chopsticks paused, “Eunuch?”dEkIdRzBkURDNxREibkkZsJiPRbUvW

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Poisoned wine so timely?OeZLPAqIxKBzbzVxrehWjgclAUuEQv

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The young attendant respectfully said, “This is unfermented fruit juice. Please enjoy, Minister Ning.” With that, he bowed and left.jFaEigFGzfBmLJEgETAQXkkDNDzmOq

MBSFKapvRmwdxYA

“…”hzwanYCIVfegSGRghiHYmwLEeIWWRi

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After the attendant left, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan exchanged glances.BBcfmkdmgOtcLgYYeyapzUbQDPBick

MpdtFmotkXZTKZk

Only Li Wuting could have sent fruit juice through an attendant.frRjIUuDdJlXZbdgBucaRxHQzFaOuU

yCebwrlPMtncXNj

Ning Rushen moistened his lips: What’s this about, afraid I’ll get drunk and dance with the dancers again?abZzzSGIiledIAurabfDHyfYnsgbLs

BNrxvAleWnGoIbH

Geng Yan was dumbfounded, “What does this mean?”gnCMzEnjGnkbhrmHWrJNqCBsvDhGJl

MUCZfclAkFdACSZ

Ning Rushen explained, “Earlier, I drank at the royal court and…” He hesitated, “danced wildly.”EhCRbaKavwVPeHRVIBiWRzOGwPrMFk

eRUJddScQcCnPRW

Geng Yan couldn’t understand how he danced wildly alone, feeling both reverent and regretful, “Too bad, I was hoping to manipulate you while you were drunk.”sPDXaCZAaNgVUgrBAWohwYZYGFmoVN

kpmXcWBMkCeWGVz

“…?”RssRxRCcexeCbiUkehGjdNeoUFHRih

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Ning Rushen expertly stepped on his foot to stop him.VPSAVYrYekzCzGfmFmokibNBtfzJRC

dvdZFXJSbfapdSk

Geng Yan, “Ow!”ipXZvEYSaLdqbhWMtMrdnHjNusxTdY

UciMHExNYlFZFfY

After a few rounds of drinks, the Graceful Consort left the table.phIreZPOVhMNDFHFpkyMxbRoCFwKMc

NUhUwRTKfpEJscK

Probably to speak privately, Li Wuting also got up and left with her.JErUBANIWMQhgnOUFeoywSSBWyHPaW

IRIKRwLhnUyTZtW

With them gone, only Li Yingtang and Li Jingyu remained.LirCyKAXSfhcJmnlwGacjEURnGohIv

PYkusAzozjlYXyJ

Ning Rushen saw Li Yingtang pull Li Jingyu aside and mutter something, his eyes growing brighter.HLJJtYtrLWwKCHLAdZZmHFcgikxanj

DYTFdBgQWfGayIR

The brightness made Ning Rushen inexplicably uneasy.ezdwOVexyHLClnpeEjsGyzrmgqkcdu

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He quickly drank some fruit juice to calm down:yZRhhseYGATUVGeRUwsLQPerZnjgWM

aMErUvmXKSqbKNW

…Definitely possessed by something.xtYRmgNNDFVeFFtJJhziwpJVtevZcx

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The banquet was filled with an abundance of delicacies and the clinking of glasses.BluatzXeNNNjrWlLuWMXqzHvlBIEKq

qAlXwicUQySkLGt

Ning Rushen focused on eating. When he looked up again, the main table was empty.eZGakDgsFNrBrSCnjtkfyGRMhapEJw

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With the imperial family gone, the atmosphere relaxed significantly.kxqnpPVfRLeSoJORlfeEhRszAImEBT

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Ning Rushen, full and satisfied, got up and strolled outside.nhHVHlMRFKbXPMPMelKhbINkIzJsvJ

KbPEaPBcUJEXADN

By the banquet hall was the pond where he had once drunkenly fallen. The surroundings were cool and serene. Sober this time, he walked over with peace of mind.AeRDHgabKXRXtCoayBDGdhGTZEKNah

GqzqmlyUvEZuGao

As he walked, he saw a group of palace attendants in the distance.TPycfwIAVlmAfIDqHZElPfmTHIwezX

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Ning Rushen looked over and saw Prince Xuan in a pavilion by the lake—writing fervently, having sent the attendants outside.GPAwsvpazIpNdDwuxIqVzPidNxDJwV

UUnTWRTohZleBzG

He blinked and walked closer.ILTeldNwjmlOAVPggSAjsWbAtaBhXf

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In the pavilion, Li Yingtang was passionately writing.NVZGyciVFxgJYEGabNhhXErmzYIGML

CyyCyDwIbGumnrS

During the meal, he had coaxed Li Jingyu into revealing a few phrases like “red gauze curtains,” “half moon,” and now, full of food and wine, inspiration struck, his pen flying across the page!hpPiRrecaeICTmaArzKnXfMaQxffUb

tHKPmdJtEJsAuao

As he wrote, a voice came from outside the pavilion:uYmTNRSNOLBbxDhyqmmcnIiSVIXoEf

MlAKoLPWjdJuDNC

“Your Highness?”mPMBaMgDbeEjvctiyYMHQtmMOlDxRr

ZRyaHgzOaXLLdHg

Li Yingtang paused, turned, and saw Ning Rushen, “…”pLNhuuNJgfGniSNedxBYTZiupRiDzy

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Ah, crap, it’s Ning Rushen.vLTaiLbqnpvvBMyTDKcxDILubvaVfS

esGovQocuejTMus

Ning Rushen’s gaze fell on the stack of papers, “What are you doing, Your Highness?”SvqrXcQeHYoYgpxViiNtbJsIHLWgyQ

ODAVwSzfIOCymWn

Li Yingtang, “Just some literary work.”hNwYaYOjveHwfXjnhbVzdEMfAPdgLj

AXoRcqStbuCRWch

Could this be the legendary stack of papers?PQMbeCMdhXRaURfDaAOOEAicdgiCuB

MZUFkOzzEGQCcLD

Ning Rushen leaned in with interest, “Let me take a look.”LrDlAfAsFaRuWMbuvkzuNtsBkUOswa

pOFTjIBcXshEaEs

Li Yingtang took five seconds to understand “take a look.”bAOWwhdPpfrwNGqZqGddNKkGRWwybh

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While he processed the new term, Ning Rushen had already leaned over. In the next moment, Li Yingtang snapped out of it, grabbed the papers, and stuffed them under his outer robe!LfNoSeCBLuUWmYYUxzbKADSHGNOfmn

MEneZrXpVVqtarW

Ning Rushen raised an eyebrow: ?rPVmDizcfzFRgwOPiJzwjtPTTjKEAG

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Li Yingtang, “Better not, you…”KuXZfNDutTvUGFRQpHAqpJgKszthoY

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He paused, then, noticing Ning Rushen’s expression, pondered for a moment and said, “Has His Majesty shown you these?”SohPsBZsIWqZHxJlChOXigbKTYHfyS

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Ning Rushen shook his head.IQewRFqIScweDVKfAVEmjUsmwRXpUR

CljQPypbsPbIOMJ

“Oh? Keeping them from you…”tVFBhVZBpfOZKTVWYgRbRYxykdqyCz

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In the dark night, Li Yingtang thought for a moment, then, like revealing a secret treasure, lifted his outer robe slightly, revealing a corner of the paper, and asked mysteriously:kZyLZMhcVcmCWzvIZxDjMxLLDgHgoh

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“Do you really want to see?”NvxPhnuOFfYAISYDfnYQEhDmziaBbG

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