This official is so weak

Ning Rushen keenly sensed a hint of danger, but his curiosity got the better of him.qZBcVHeuHQNIQYDbxnMjrtkUUXgewH

SqFJbzSqfYUOGcD

Li Yingtang then rustled out the stack of papers.HbuByiEsiunstFXItmdGIiYByVBgbz

ysbclnXSWCSLyou

Holding the stack of papers in front of him, Ning Rushen hesitated, feeling as if he was about to open Pandora’s box.jHHoHSehrgKbqwPzgLoEkIlyzZFTmI

aLhSFkwioALIsTG

At that moment, Li Yingtang’s eyes lifted, and a hint of urgency appeared on his face, even using a bit of scarcity marketing:mTwlwlFNNdIghOAEWxTOTrRfkoTtuU

QWBfcJuSQZtVrCa

He saw that the freshly inked pages had been stuffed into an outer robe by His Majesty Xuan.nulwBbeIhOdHnzdEuoiocJIdpuwwAx

mrjmYsByRPUZumC

『… Silken threads and curtains entangled, that hand caused a blur of ink and the crumpled carriage swayed, his tears flowed down as he pleaded: Spare me…』MlvlzqObtEeYDpmAkewEapMxECdHEB

CEUNBWoCzwuIOGd

His hand trembled, and his ears turned red with a roar—MMLIQYUGcTRhojdHSBbTEETsoHlkWb

GrxOClUDWHWbhyA

It was actually smut! His Majesty Xuan was quite something!NsAiQmTOoRbnEleBYiiRhTvtiCPZeu

GavHWDQRTiKTpKn

Ning Rushen was greatly shaken, continuing to read further.EQUiLMkwuCikjqbOxqywgpHFhYJtLZ

fORinIRYNTuJPag

Just as he saw a character for “monarch,” he suddenly heard a commotion behind him. The next moment, a gust of wind passed by his ear—mingled with the startled greetings of palace attendants, “Your Majesty!”koNMyiJVwSDkuBSDXAYPkPlKPHaFmM

ajEpTqdvWwDvsfi

A large hand suddenly covered his eyes from behind.WnHSQfrmEvfFzzCLdRjSsWgOhaqhvh

vaVDaocRYIygeVr

“Mm!” His vision plunged into darkness.MPMwzRbXAXePItThvDSQooiDJWrJDS

CwKhVQRWaqTegYU

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, his back pressed against a familiar chest, and he heard a low, cold voice full of anger from above, “Li Yingtang!”UltzkSbJRwCfXqCVmhRtAkLNsMymZo

oLDroVbEIztbZOn

“…”jsoqxlppoBislldVowBDkOChzjIrJA

DtMgYqEtOHydqPi

The paper in his hand was snatched away by someone, and Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, “Your, Your Majesty.”wWawLPvNTxUzzjmjVHEjYAGnfDHriQ

ogweKDPThiRJQwc

What was happening? It seemed like he was caught red-handed.EAuEWjJawYVHqSxeMbznPJogJiEQlU

oUFMfNsXgPHnNzv

After he spoke, the chest behind him seemed to calm down a bit.RgekEGtNkueeYINVsEfFjCpUTCFWoE

OKSbPWdGjJxKguk

Li Wuting looked down.NhHhYuPzBgkqfOfzsLZhtNXOhAEQjp

yXlYKMGtHYDpMEp

In the deep night, a bit of warm light from a palace lantern slanted into the pavilion, and the ear beneath his gaze was as red as vermilion, with a red mole looking even more striking.ijkVYBjoituFUvOnsmIsuNFcAbMRoR

JYFDLjqlNPTKvOV

Li Wuting released his hand.XgFFvhdviXBTEssuHxqWVmoDvpuZug

psndrTPXlkbjPPF

He then coldly glared at Li Yingtang, “You have some nerve.”uKiFyvTAJcRIOywQpyCuUrUNpaIxTy

EuvxtmgxgEYqTgY

Ning Rushen regained his sight and saw Li Yingtang trying to remain calm, one hand still secretly hiding the paper.XvgcqeZmrqSSvNhnscEXbhGcBolXeB

sWzGrCIYCFNoxMk

“Have I committed a crime?”uHQLFOqqmwcHcEinzTZNDkKrIqAaIh

GHHmVaWrUxiFxET

Li Wuting paused, “Disturbing the peace before the throne.”BEMtMIoGxCvdHcKJXrWcaiyXxIpkwY

XjwpLBWqSIATJBZ

Ning Rushen, “…”GbHcqAPJbhgnTfXqSKRUUvvBDcFUDy

ewIvPbfyFMfvzKh

The atmosphere in the pavilion grew even tenser. Seeing the situation deteriorate, Li Yingtang took off before Li Wuting could speak, “Ah, I just remembered I need to accompany my mother consort, I must take my leave!”AWmQaeMPJRAzANlDHTqCKpnssEiosU

AlkITODZTVvBgpX

He then quickly disappeared into the night.jiUjNWJYgbbucPJZqviXWdoiYffEgg

TBILwXOIITfUEFq

With Li Yingtang gone, only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting were left in the pavilion.bmHSpulSZQqJBxeAOwnzPpPROfelDX

xiITZEJPfSgonzX

Ning Rushen felt a bit awkward, having been caught red-handed with smut by his superior. But glancing at Li Wuting’s expression, he seemed even more uneasy.zZHuQoDxtqJaARpwzLaywmHYMEjjpB

NJdHeSAEqNsPwTt

Suddenly, Ning Rushen recalled: Oh, Li Wuting had also read it…zJFhVEvphGMVHflUBaGqRsLCNTjCXD

sjJBxQrJkVShFCl

So now they were smut book friends.tolTweHrYpGlATkxRinmGxuzXbTlnC

FEjkBYkOcbTvZLl

The air felt a bit still.MRtwxVIIXeOWirOxfHLBHDgLNorzWk

GOSEcPFQHepHgat

Ning Rushen softly spoke, trying to ease the tension, “Your Majesty, it’s really not a big deal…”eTUODxCHOxHRycqMRRQrmHeuToyBQD

wJsamWOXbskctfW

As soon as he started, Li Wuting looked over, his eyes deep, “You think it’s no big deal?”ioZMXdQirJsNvRNiHrTeeBWJYjwJyb

oXYJQglokQgESjg

Ning Rushen nodded, “Yes, quite normal.”mdkgCJQNoAzEwUAPApSBJDqUOMSMrL

gXmUbkNXbYMFOZU

Li Wuting, “Quite normal?”nCuXRcvGMRYXbRwdDHBxxcWNfiKpIx

SHsiCwpnpETJyYF

“…” What was wrong?aIbpvVVIFbLmctJqlAmUGzsZXyRXrw

XWabPnkUWKYuqlR

They had discussed much worse in the Twelve Forbidden Topics; this was nothing.cnRbiKANwPetZYaSyhGsNpKeqiaDPn

kpnwfGkLEgOIolz

The two stared at each other for a moment.GvUZlSfkuzQUHNGIgPZbuIjomTKUAM

NJBoVKgYdEubZDY

Li Wuting lowered his eyes, seemingly in thought, then suddenly asked, “What exactly did you see?”DyygmXTXJiCfmqcVxocEjrekoDtMEt

jFaHmVqNHoqXnTm

Ning Rushen was startled for a moment: Could he even say this?StvBLnyoBwnyltUrLMwrenyRAFKQqx

NKXOmkFzkTnKPfW

He mumbled, “Just… this and that.”HzmwblmebTUyvmicskPWunYCqIjpYk

ZRkEivlVDhNShRi

Li Wuting was silent for a moment, then asked bluntly, “Did you see the protagonist’s name?”mFoKJRFUleBjixfEeKRLmKHPRPeTmn

rVRQWPcFuXdmRTW

“…There was something with ‘monarch.'”QkALZMGvbVLjvtDvbScaQhNVvJdtCQ

sJTLcuVkKGPnovD

“Just that?”srjqRJvkUSUzCjlqOlUdpVkoGtiwwo

LaWzfgVZpUFiATU

Ning Rushen leaned in, seeking clarification, “What else?”XPHFwzEDhkSHsflCnTficyCDrheFrz

zTnzmcxiqgvvwIk

Li Wuting scrutinized him for a moment, seeming relieved, then pushed Ning Rushen’s head back, “Nothing else. I told you to speak less with His Majesty Xuan to avoid filling your head with nonsense.”ZDGuYgFIXfdTskkNarAexuNUQoioGU

HoluJDrLKkhdRAP

Ning Rushen reassured, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, my mind is still completely empty.”gkzQqXnljxbzCfOVyXDqKITSyIDgdZ

tsmtenLIFkCnYzQ

“…”vFtetrwudCtwpjGmPkQrIKilOKHteh

QdrLHRTLGXQhjse

After a moment of speechlessness, Li Wuting’s lips twitched slightly, “Forget it. It’s fine to be empty. Tomorrow, come with me to restock.”qDBlnhnEctiaaqHWHGkdUXAGCpRRbP

KgcMEiSPifEyshx

“?!” Ning Rushen: What???wBGztaPBAPeGINMzSAMBzhjKuEWrIt

yFggqapDDwGUurj

·JzXByWyEPZoVzQQxPfyCNQWJQwtCdz

vakvHNtIjvWyrIf

The next evening.FRFGyAwtDNMTMCQRbdoQIZEfcfWaAh

XVJqeRbqlqSmpxo

Ning Rushen, following orders, accompanied Li Wuting to a bustling night market in the city.CIBZUslGwDsTcBPqOBbFhuhtCaRAxl

QwogCjajaxgRQqT

It was the busiest time of the evening.ileBBaBbLUzLSzZxWxWNRyLqfiQITi

UOXYHEwrNSOIsuc

The market was festively decorated, with lion dances and dragon parades. Vendors were loudly hawking their wares, and people in new clothes with herbs pinned to them were laughing and chatting.LqPHfvvTABFDxMgPNVBvnshYSTpVwi

fcHvLtDaaIlAXGk

Accompanying them were De Quan and a few plain-clothed Jin Yiwei.ZrWPlkRisqcaLwHmWTMlKKGwqMVReM

eDVzVbhMkQIyiTY

Li Wuting was dressed in a sky-blue robe with silver embroidery, standing out in the crowd with his clear and distinguished appearance.FXaOqrIikuiMkKyQQaHPwpZaPHJGDB

gBhFBjzjzfbROCi

Ning Rushen walked to one side, his eyes dazzled by the bright lights and Li Wuting’s luxurious attire. In a moment of distraction, he bumped shoulders with a passerby and stumbled into Li Wuting’s side.EhRqMwXlfEQDgDTSovfUznhwkCKRdH

CByedGhVZkfnMvN

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”vpXCPyVyKZrrrQQKOZDxWEapiHSzUg

cAiJVIBZKzpIGJt

Ning Rushen apologized, “I lost control.”YTstVSLUzzAyVHPqjsqYqhsKgzdnYI

OplotcpjKiccsek

Li Wuting took a deep breath, restraining himself from commenting on Ning Rushen’s choice of words, and scanned the surroundings, “Your eyes are wandering. Didn’t sleep well?”QJkpiFtRtOPjfuAsednAjrxSySZdfV

rYhBXNKxkXcviYg

Ning Rushen, dazed, “Mm.”yuLzMTSxGofYVhwcFELkzDsVYDDDCR

XDqVxpPyCoyhcTh

Not mentioning it was better, because once mentioned, he remembered again.ALGZoiIYIUEeKSvZXEWRSKCiUYEQGr

zqvxyrLgNRIFmYS

He hadn’t slept well last night, his dreams filled with silken threads and curtains, a swaying carriage. He vaguely saw a familiar crimson curtain, entangled in some way, only remembering that the curtain was tightly pulled, one end firmly tied to the carriage frame…yHtLzQZnqnwTcGxNVuJRYocuaXZhSL

jcwUhKdOgKpavFx

When he woke up, he was covered in a cold sweat.IKaVNanfkiOJLJbCVurgOlntCWwfFR

msnLlvJwWjboXur

He still hadn’t fully recovered.OKVkOpLtmPcuDHshEHQGJFVKLTwCKc

aGvXigJsndahlSg

His Majesty Xuan’s collection really packed a punch.DWBeFRDwAiomFhflpaqXvMhgQQmIxe

MnAgXFdcStjwLdc

Ning Rushen was lost in thought when he suddenly heard Li Wuting call, “De Quan.”jalsketFmUaCUUhejMNOzslbDmMObi

xtYbXtFQLevdQqz

Nearby, there was a stall selling candied hawthorns, their red, glossy surfaces glistening. De Quan, perceptively, responded, turned, and bought a skewer, handing it over, “Lord Ning.”lPueZGCQYuxzgYfwAVvdsaQoZctWPn

NzYtXkAfkJtCbNO

Ning Rushen: ?dQQUrDmETuJWbQSKyRhpxwuXKvGbNu

njpMLiQueCYXULh

Li Wuting, “Clear your head, so you don’t bump me into a stall.”JvgtwPQUMeRLIkedJLLBXgWYMaBjMh

AFyPcRNmcgKQxbJ

“…Thank you, Your Majesty.”nIRUopZtdRMtmrELXnHPvMOhXlgPpU

RvwesxVXmGxElxG

The sweet and sour taste of the hawthorn stimulated his taste buds.oCAMcSUlAPaeNCscBybYIYpwjQEgVj

BIbLMDAJPGMHmKy

Ning Rushen instantly felt much more awake.wRgPPDMCOjkBEYyllDwEwQSfeGAFLE

FLUfgafSkaHGmzX

Holding the large, bright red candied hawthorn, he looked at Li Wuting, his eyes visibly brighter, “I’m clear-headed now.”EzhsdgQyNppbTPwDxoBoCzyTqOotoY

hcDRegZjXkRFpNX

Li Wuting glanced at him and chuckled.xayXjiQZYJahrhhrsVQMdGeUyyUlnY

CcCkKOiJANoIfUi

Having opened the door with candied hawthorns, Ning Rushen continued to snack his way through the market. Perhaps because it was a rare festival, Li Wuting didn’t stop him.SwhZiqyMChwfryVnAxhzGELYOghbKp

snFWuuBjeCpnFuq

By the time Ning Rushen was satisfied, they had toured most of the market.umZRGhKHtgfMhBfCnhqiJSTskSmobF

TbJMIpyaABApVzo

They stopped by a street near Huaiming River, watching the boats race on the riverbank, surrounded by cheering onlookers.iPUOtYQKcTwnHmNhaVmsEFCcuJwHSl

mDdrgOAGpdGyDeZ

The emperors he had read about were all different.BbPGwSoJEvlqZYWdQuCOqhZEGWvntd

ifzecEnXRNGypRx

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting beside him, “Your Majesty, do you usually feel stifled? Do you wish to share in the joy of the people?”xveGeXLtbYDiORKlKVbHdGBrysgvRn

REmmboERwKwfBov

“… Stifled.”wxXZUbCktcrirlKenEeArDvcyQiorG

cZgYfKaeRixApak

Li Wuting ignored the first part of his sentence and gazed at the bustling, cheerful street market in front of him, “The joy of the people is my joy. If I stay in the high positions of the palace every day, how can I share in the people’s joy and suffer their hardships?”HXEOgPRXZXUcCxZYTllFrWrLBGPceh

ASJxanLDHALiPVN

Ning Rushen looked at him, his heart stirred.ehswXnPpfeooIVwtXtoamfdQLNhFJK

iPUGRBDafepwdCV

Li Wuting turned to him, “What, did I say something wrong?”nRJHEFIGUHMSljRTaTprEmEuqbpaIq

grIrHPXDozzfUNK

“No… what Your Majesty said is very true.”blcCipQqziYLvOojtQOQEiRHasuhhC

ctNxbWGyjnbgERT

Their gazes met, and in Ning Rushen’s eyes reflected the surrounding warm yellow lights, his gaze seemed to hold countless unspoken words.LEjGEFijeVIyJzTakTETslMYtPvYmP

mCjcjoLaKPpEZks

Li Wuting lowered his eyelashes and softened his voice, “What does Ning Qing want to say? Just speak freely.”WJOBnEBUlPdISRhWAAChBwrWMlHeSy

xVQvesEMaZAHKgm

Just speak freely.uaZDtIwbwkCAvuFYCWqraAkWDjQHlq

cFQsyPLFrGCxHWB

Ning Rushen then turned his head and looked around, releasing those countless unspoken words, “Your Majesty is wholeheartedly for the people, but how can such expenses be borne by the small national treasury alone? In my opinion, we should seek sponsorship from the major families—”HBnvdcTPCWyguUSKlDDNXGJXbJlYae

DyHgAVyMIMaRswj

As he spoke, he pointed around, “Like those dragon boats, the lanterns on the riverbank, and the lanterns along the ten-mile street, all should be funded by the families. In return, we… Your Majesty can grant them naming rights, and in the corners, note: Sponsored by such-and-such family…”cZQvqPGspFAcIokKuwZnveEvBNWgUU

GwknwJLzCHbfwxE

Perhaps he didn’t expect the countless unspoken words in Ning Rushen’s eyes to actually turn into real words.vEYwLHfkEfffzgnxPInnsSnsRgNFPR

KHVQxOdmCrtKnQp

Li Wuting was completely taken aback.xPPfURxbkCiQhiBRvwGWfglaFXgycb

MCqdfTZhNlBePDK

He couldn’t get a word in edgewise throughout.zvzsUfqTGqCfHTZzCAGaKSYJtHLMVJ

boeVdMkPxQpYCOn

Ning Rushen passionately elaborated on his grand vision, even asking for a bowl of icy dessert halfway to soothe his throat. When he finished painting this vivid picture, he saw that Li Wuting and the group of Jin Yiwei beside him were all silent.SlVHbDrxqMuhBlOGbJjgpWNkJmIvRv

DSoTvvvvgskVunO

Li Wuting’s expression was unreadable.AzdrvJkErSXZJWmwPYuWcKfsAVMOuN

jeHZMExInkDowRY

The Jin Yiwei looked at Ning Rushen with a mix of respect, as if thinking: He really knows how to exploit.EdysJmlCHObSFNddQvCDxSGxQYadkt

XzBtSybBBYGxbJo

Ning Rushen, “…”rfKGhuedvBmQBjSEJaJXAGXSkdVEsU

plQncLXfurmDOWf

He lowered his eyelashes and gently tried to make amends, “This is an opportunity for their reputations to spread far and wide. Your Majesty… is truly a benevolent person.”QZlxyyBSsOqGDswVTTaYXdhLyFNhnI

UjdPaKMVsJKfYwA

Li Wuting, “…”IWslFosvxmgsxEyKaemMVkreydxAiD

uaGewQcNYWvhfoM

After a moment of silence, he lowered his head and examined Ning Rushen’s head.wGYrEeJUBSXvdCWeCEbFCRzfSIsdlU

hdVPwAnlMeNaKwQ

Ning Rushen instinctively touched the top of his head, “What’s wrong, Your Majesty? Am I bald?”qzfUrjrhmYIuqqWpeVLkXXcmpDCmJm

FHCdwHlopcinorK

“Not at all,” Li Wuting said pointedly, “It’s pitch black.”QWmzmGfgtBxtHRNSVoLseQhjQiJEwg

uTYZWrkrtjWFZWH

Ning Rushen: …gBwLHwyOAzZYLvFAoJjMwwnkNgPZya

EjqKynlQCRGCSEF

·cIWLguXLUHveBinUPyWpKaqIQGaEQk

lIJPodVzXMPHAQZ

They had almost finished touring the night market and were preparing to leave.auDVHwLkbxfNNSeaoBvQXDBjPFjjRd

CENHrDbDofKpbtf

The group walked along the Huaiming River bank towards the exit of the night market. After a while, Li Wuting said, “What Ning Qing said is very good, cutting expenses to benefit the people. You will be in charge of this matter.”diQJnGeAYANABJrHyGfmFKWaEqqkjX

jktHDrtSKVBXxdP

Ning Rushen: ?PcvuyAAIKeXNjbLNUZerceIFMVEwJl

ugKsRHJcNANaFkT

He glanced at Li Wuting, his mouth slightly open, “Your Majesty, shouldn’t this be the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites or the Ministry of Revenue?”bwErFKffbZYShMzMKfhmRUWwZECqju

vFbKPogelnLrRVO

“They are not as capable in this area as Ning Qing.”LjYMvbqKDkGRFoHdVNmQXADdqnqjlz

dptQOhyTitLJSWC

Li Wuting said it casually, then glanced at him, “Ning Qing seems to have a talent for fighting fire with fire.”yHVkfRtrtHbvcDYgIdLFYhIorBHcQG

PVqjIrtFGtVvPyO

Ning Rushen squinted slightly: Was it an illusion?QbcVqDumEzjEZBDdLAZtArJlueKGRG

tWtvFCvelSmdvgo

Just now, his lip movements seemed to say, “Fighting evil with evil”…lzhbPFurlwnmXQdBZloORSVQeNamsd

mumCeJLRcJXHXPI

While talking, they had already exited the night market, and the crowd gradually thinned out. Li Wuting seemed to be in a good mood, with a faint smile on his lips.iToCySihcmfOYEgFFeMvNHJwmkkhUV

ACVxtryBdDnduaf

“We’ll discuss this matter after the festival. Let’s go, let’s return to the mansion.”AolUtHPyuhcdrqPTlgtEwbuRgsfLMr

FygMuQKyqMnMXVD

Ning Rushen’s attention was quickly diverted: Let’s go?CWGwysqyErgWgtiZBMOaoaevTfYOvs

MjzPpZdnlyBUCmH

By the sound of it, Li Wuting intended to escort him back?kacLclqttmPhSApzCbIDmPGoEuibld

svFMlgyHmpNCZGq

He felt flattered, waving his hands, “How could I trouble Your Majesty! I can walk back by myself.”nuBwjOIQEoUTxcHOsPFdkRulkiSFiv

PddHpeGecUQNfsP

Li Wuting didn’t stop walking, “I’m afraid Ning Qing will be bumped into on the street again like last time.”kSqOPlwOXHCxkTrdbxawcjGJcOruuU

rcXvjQymGPKOWri

Ning Rushen’s cheeks reddened slightly, his eyes softening.edUBUoZhEGrkPbLjAoAFvuJbZRTdXG

LPzKoeXWYSgMcXI

Li Wuting, “And then someone will accuse you.”GggxuujgOUnsNnvmZCbxTfcHPwaPrV

YQtqCXHKqXLwzVV

Ning Rushen, “…”tsPzrIpwLmnkNYXtxKVGQdPovadAlc

OBoiCReGkdiCgfS

He really shared the people’s hardships.TPMNxyjaFvpLFjGIhbuCvDYuLhOptv

WfywQzJmCpdgDhi

The Ning mansion wasn’t far from here, so they walked.KnxTCEaRieShkGFbZIVLZFZnetzujE

VUNuEEzGudGmYzZ

From this direction, they could pass through a small alley that circled behind the main courtyard of the Ning mansion, which was quiet and less crowded.BGJHsDwVqWLaiPPvHFKODNBxiPvePr

ueBfTKHkrRPGhxg

Ning Rushen and Li Wuting walked into the alley and, just after turning a corner, saw two figures climbing the wall of the main courtyard in the dim night.ogNbjnwlGwzNchwqbHfVdlGZChvMKN

GBODCvIdWjPBhew

Both stopped simultaneously.ydVNIIYRtTvEvaKfisdTuTRhqmHFBu

rGFxDckbKZrTaSx

Up ahead, Li Yingtang was climbing on Geng Yan’s shoulders. A casual conversation drifted from below the wall:FAAQURYKeEzVfjFTebzYQeZrNrOGbg

zmkCkMZBnWPxNrj

“You said you often meet His Majesty here, is it true?”NpXoIwvwcOlGKlcKglupkKoCsHdjhU

gNyfRtygUFMBpsS

“Nine times out of ten. My lord, have you climbed up?”kJvjSDFMEwXSWuyxhwNlsoXNEcimIg

HrSiagrIKZdyyXC

“Almost there. It’s so dark in the courtyard.”jbYkrxJVohSHyYkVmbqiYQRNmLJdVI

PEkLNCZRDKxOucb

Ning Rushen, “…”YfTplBVzzFcZkMbnjhOVhDyyiCuHFk

KKgltjDqHQsLqJb

Li Wuting, “…”iwavqHAQGnmRctLtygyiygJuDDADSG

NBYexDZOPOtAPzj

After a long pause, Ning Rushen whispered, “Your Majesty, am I seeing a pervert?”LTMyMkYqSngsyWehOCKGIQqXVuBTwV

kgubeJGyesdgqyE

 qxZjEeUoyzdjuskojPctuPaZuEGIcg

vFqAKayLrEskpIk