Chapter 31
Ning Rushen keenly sensed a hint of danger, but his curiosity got the better of him.JTeImHLmRmdkFjjniNhkfwAauRKyKl
crNClgLpZeOdEozLi Yingtang then rustled out the stack of papers.JPafAKPyZEfUiIzyPiMqPnaChnzcDF
KQYojmSmIKSkQGQHolding the stack of papers in front of him, Ning Rushen hesitated, feeling as if he was about to open Pandora’s box.dGgxKXmkPeaUcZEYRznugUDqNixlwE
uTeGfOtRpkXAtNbAt that moment, Li Yingtang’s eyes lifted, and a hint of urgency appeared on his face, even using a bit of scarcity marketing:VyzzCJmeGBfurbEKuccNyUFPNpmHFk
BUHNcFONGpmGyNfHe saw that the freshly inked pages had been stuffed into an outer robe by His Majesty Xuan.eRExYGNgwQfqIfDDAeEyQvCiMInACG
uwcHsQEjINCeiht『… 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…』shKmBNFDowcjINXEtGFnHCjKInfnfD
YyeMHiutQOjqZpwHis hand trembled, and his ears turned red with a roar—ejuZzfIGZFApGUkTEsesPCQCWXbtZr
KRhdLMNGgXgrLtQIt was actually smut! His Majesty Xuan was quite something!GglpgwxdxLlGJtUNYHsuXECAUtlPxc
BRCdhlFaXVdviysNing Rushen was greatly shaken, continuing to read further.GqZQGxfwEcSQpaFSvJGKjZsDAgQxaa
KbjuIwcQCKzRCoKJust 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!”qbTMqhdKQBQYoGWdasvIpJcOCyygSJ
HeghFrujmMRLChxA large hand suddenly covered his eyes from behind.kcGLRIdTPMVDfcObRbrcKEicpLBIGb
YfcGDTPEmGKxdWo“Mm!” His vision plunged into darkness.XVAUfFSQEMgxvVNQgUFnEgyHXhsVod
GbOIinbnTEAJArtNing 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!”WjOCKawhOvAaKpGuNpTJdbUlWxbQOf
SlQeNYmOJHpolDt“…”kxCkSwYEXHCYDEGcdQXKlLcDmALvIp
sSGZFCaMeGxtNXjThe paper in his hand was snatched away by someone, and Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, “Your, Your Majesty.”FBICcjoUnbnUILSzsxIHJpOWfuJApa
PmuIVzonAmFoVBqWhat was happening? It seemed like he was caught red-handed.VnGzqbSDvRfLwKtuayMpMYwuQvBSNC
LMGGgEpTRptBcKxAfter he spoke, the chest behind him seemed to calm down a bit.ibgIPawlUcdyECGcpUnMPwPMkUPrLe
QtzQtimoKgnAVipLi Wuting looked down.rmwefiKGLQvLzCFgRyMXhmyGYTlABZ
wgNBYLPytxkcCFlIn 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.YPgkwQyqfPnRpwWOTrnJlxBtbTIgaJ
QxdIjGYYDXZdgnrLi Wuting released his hand.URlHxdwVJLZYgqIQrAWOFIFprLqaGZ
auqKOLwUpcPCHdHHe then coldly glared at Li Yingtang, “You have some nerve.”bREMBZOrCcbVBLuRqnRMcqFncnRVkc
RWRatjFTqjQjqGrNing Rushen regained his sight and saw Li Yingtang trying to remain calm, one hand still secretly hiding the paper.ptdQybximBlXSBDAXMeTjbLZRqGLBX
pMhPUFQveWdADia“Have I committed a crime?”swXQXFYybhSOmVaznHGuYcyLNfTqPX
BHWMnOzeIJbiRbjLi Wuting paused, “Disturbing the peace before the throne.”nKGmIzfUlheeRBWuQvcRwcTYcYuNTS
CpESlcCIEvlCMKBNing Rushen, “…”vDAloLpcqFzRWjChRHIVdKjviCSakd
XSKwtImKEtkKjCoThe 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!”azkVwoivLGeJYLCfNdGWIQrOAHJfLo
CxDqioEegbEtHrkHe then quickly disappeared into the night.ilQevgNApFMurtQDBlImljCTLnoJrK
cUDaLbOQZxDNowbWith Li Yingtang gone, only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting were left in the pavilion.EyfZLNCwCoaTqZjTURTQVVCRwwwPpE
EWIIjKYZdCopsLfNing 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.xRvCmSQSnSyVoIIcBnZMylvuxhcZHA
uDxsVrDhrdqiqVFSuddenly, Ning Rushen recalled: Oh, Li Wuting had also read it…yXPPPpBDbrnfECrRsxTuHnHMMKPMvt
UndccPHxJxYkPukSo now they were smut book friends.YKJUtZYBpfuesvceMClObYmsnnrCUx
iMHLdZnVcCqXvxSThe air felt a bit still.EdKZtAqCgpCPhXSwnBnRRwcCvAGdOc
ssejdGYPhtsjlWoNing Rushen softly spoke, trying to ease the tension, “Your Majesty, it’s really not a big deal…”YqWToAYhgfaaRkXsgNUAvsOrLvIIaU
PzfjydCtfeFUvCNAs soon as he started, Li Wuting looked over, his eyes deep, “You think it’s no big deal?”tpXHremkMRKjFGvjCdLoCdXLNhbLpD
CDLAydNGUyYPSTNNing Rushen nodded, “Yes, quite normal.”wCYVvIviNaaHArZmkPGyUwetZmCmcS
ARJcYGKwnEvNwAALi Wuting, “Quite normal?”mMzyWkAffPqpqTrXkpELACTkirgIZQ
xstipvGNgVJNBmE“…” What was wrong?xPoOMGwbVXNqbMliFLuUcCRJeBPckk
sZTiJMoSlijNwRXThey had discussed much worse in the Twelve Forbidden Topics; this was nothing.VPxWvbXAcoNuQWceCGhjmvNwhNGUsS
ORSvaHptjBwbfBWThe two stared at each other for a moment.fcyGmnJVycgbNpWGYzWfvRXJasGCov
lFCvnKqkQFgMezJLi Wuting lowered his eyes, seemingly in thought, then suddenly asked, “What exactly did you see?”tcrHGpQJowqiCgzzWFyIDNQfeTbgnv
CoGzrerGhvzDZCRNing Rushen was startled for a moment: Could he even say this?nmKpoqduqgoeJaPvnDSjRyJHJUBKuR
eSvGngmOxrpEtDoHe mumbled, “Just… this and that.”DAYuzQOuXDwGnCHwxfqUkeXuHeIfkJ
QbtriTVqzyDCleRLi Wuting was silent for a moment, then asked bluntly, “Did you see the protagonist’s name?”XJAWrfpcxwKZlCFmjsKJPlOPrnYdXh
gPSTRbWwKYLUrhU“…There was something with ‘monarch.'”KeMJYEHYyjUYcziWFQvPwOMFyOasMn
GnjsfUzNapDYPdj“Just that?”zqnpDarkPJHIUFDUsxMTJySwzOjpyI
FemHfykfzAGginUNing Rushen leaned in, seeking clarification, “What else?”aIQCpBYuYAYKXeNRmXooyTQAdCdcXy
GERHuQMJarVHxICLi 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.”xPBGUEioDtywXroLImPNVTLVsHVEiK
LLLFWPSRTnxKonRNing Rushen reassured, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, my mind is still completely empty.”LViRjcVcPkLZoyerTgbHymiIPZVvDo
SznhsEUHuhunSAK“…”aLunNjhuQSFgbiNdewVuHWDXFObmdy
eIWNflMGCIBHuaJAfter a moment of speechlessness, Li Wuting’s lips twitched slightly, “Forget it. It’s fine to be empty. Tomorrow, come with me to restock.”RFLqjcHCURcjLszgcOKBIEdAQtpunA
nHRkFDVnTUoKtWW“?!” Ning Rushen: What???caEoiRdzhPTNywhZYhYtNAvWPpGWvV
EsaBPwlxIjSVLJU·pQIVTVkQwXrLToHscWZQDMoIDahmoH
JoheeGlxDuOUwzRThe next evening.LjNeuvYhrIBsQhkXfuKCctFuoeGWmF
inDSTKNHEZeiXnpNing Rushen, following orders, accompanied Li Wuting to a bustling night market in the city.LjDpCBuvHmtgpdluZMPINWhZrDpOHq
izVmMZdbdyWdESVIt was the busiest time of the evening.mubSrVzxiAMchnIUTcRPgkfKqaFnja
bMDwbBLquYCNrgtThe 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.pxjkrytJrubLSXtnKqERcSgUknVWui
dEYIYbKupNVbBPoAccompanying them were De Quan and a few plain-clothed Jin Yiwei.AvYNsUIovMEQMYTEvlZuStcOeuAgKv
GUjvgHjUAgkUbXmLi Wuting was dressed in a sky-blue robe with silver embroidery, standing out in the crowd with his clear and distinguished appearance.gKFYPnHLYNcpjumCzoXouheWaWAVjQ
aCBywqjsTgUeduPNing 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.KdTgjdDqZXAeWBrIubpnogWTaYHeGf
gOchyBZacSvwuIALi Wuting turned his head, “…”djMsgLCSJndtoKIOiHXPoySCzZvLlO
GTCcGmHYsqgUIqANing Rushen apologized, “I lost control.”loPJAeBcnHiRXdHQcHCdnEcRyMOlhq
uIxpgInpwpLnsdfLi 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?”PJsvEkiOUjfrSGJhUItPQhNRStALvx
hDPlHbFhkIlXhdhNing Rushen, dazed, “Mm.”OjroyZXZQHkybztjDVXLuWlWKlMyit
MMDZskDUGMtdBpSNot mentioning it was better, because once mentioned, he remembered again.IDQBTJqayBRMCXqDawnoEcFzefQKXt
crBShVPifQJhuvSHe 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…GhoKMxcCjREinuYsuPJusXYjIFJSTa
xNmZwgpnAYNbPmEWhen he woke up, he was covered in a cold sweat.WEgPxxUxAApQbJrOEheLmiIZKcHuuw
MCxnHxkkStgeYKhHe still hadn’t fully recovered.pIsiDwNONaUOqZuyiqmFMPoZVYpNoO
KiGJohFOLJIGbaoHis Majesty Xuan’s collection really packed a punch.WRJxWMfdGviZslZdSKGfwCnsGpBFYM
LNkSrBYnOPaAbfgNing Rushen was lost in thought when he suddenly heard Li Wuting call, “De Quan.”GnctannxRDAdRGAfLsDsGLWxzirtml
bXKuwIzNokiZUItNearby, 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.”RjrUXYENdFKUFxUZAlHWVakeiQdvWK
FDKFLrCjLyWSLpgNing Rushen: ?iRPYyqWOKjaKqAHyxrfhRozIFddkng
vIDsTXnikjkPqzWLi Wuting, “Clear your head, so you don’t bump me into a stall.”EacpyQDHScLtABHrAkArxTSguHSuHD
aVsKnYloMHYiEUJ“…Thank you, Your Majesty.”HWeHCQfZiLJGJVPmtNSyAHfwvTHYwr
fHcFpcNDYQvsTDyThe sweet and sour taste of the hawthorn stimulated his taste buds.uOmzWzzDHxlBMVpspCaYJeOqveEvuB
WYVAPXVzeDHTlZSNing Rushen instantly felt much more awake.SBJIlxGjaJgBcqOBVtKdxvFvczIjhn
mfwbPkNzbpBhbYDHolding the large, bright red candied hawthorn, he looked at Li Wuting, his eyes visibly brighter, “I’m clear-headed now.”zVVcrxIynROSscnmRDGhEjZRDiFlmF
FoOqeHWFpNxUofbLi Wuting glanced at him and chuckled.mlbmBkGhwyqOiJrNljGjwVqttvcrLH
cVOXjhGkTQrRvylHaving 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.qGUIDxAqQCstbooSzCNuFhNgKfgpFb
DMMNiNLelKRgXcMBy the time Ning Rushen was satisfied, they had toured most of the market.ibdYGGIReTeLFeNWCkqPtixbuPXhOO
YFTLcatGwmpQxcgThey stopped by a street near Huaiming River, watching the boats race on the riverbank, surrounded by cheering onlookers.DahcgjPwYAmUexsnUcEoMoGLCvyALs
ydgOxNQcHFNdOCWThe emperors he had read about were all different.OEqUFpphZCGzekfTHWOtXLhVlmKkxc
GsTPPWfpuUhDLuQNing 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?”KfHwOwWYtKPSMMnFFKpeONRYasVfMI
fItWhPJqgAPPWUI“… Stifled.”HXqxVATAPJDCPwzxZAlLKaQDtPGjHk
IwtwdhcILiRcnZNLi 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?”UcoKYvZFBeXviLvbKqwTZRgKiHNGFt
PxQahkXqDGKpieBNing Rushen looked at him, his heart stirred.vWaDxgtcXFkfULdSOVylMrlMjvXJKV
sGltVmfjCmArcafLi Wuting turned to him, “What, did I say something wrong?”QyPAhChmQdgEcvqEsuBTLvYTkPwqws
NYhiiFzZgyTJIwV“No… what Your Majesty said is very true.”gsuUahJTUEyjFtOmgEhIpqNrJKJauG
jEvmcHkphuigDyYTheir gazes met, and in Ning Rushen’s eyes reflected the surrounding warm yellow lights, his gaze seemed to hold countless unspoken words.TiWdrUjsyxzQjkeTJxaystnqbexNED
EJAESPYfJNGxIhkLi Wuting lowered his eyelashes and softened his voice, “What does Ning Qing want to say? Just speak freely.”sQVKhFPZymTrjiHPrdkhaWjwayhGjH
BqboiklkxTfrvZuJust speak freely.vCjfhkCfScUejmpbAomPcdyRliwRlN
IBrPJwPWKLCZHFSNing 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—”ZvNecgvFXZeIAtZPzWfSNvcbyHNkLg
rqgAzfSSCdICmFBAs 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…”ycAISNUpUJkxvKkZkKoFZmegjKRuhQ
vMsAMYFLRsnEwDGPerhaps he didn’t expect the countless unspoken words in Ning Rushen’s eyes to actually turn into real words.MBNREKPsdRyUSRtNLsjtwVyjMmNnkN
cUXSsBwfBVrPCfzLi Wuting was completely taken aback.pxCDyCPmRPCzKMnwGTFyEiZfCsVRcP
JlKUkEleSrzDyZLHe couldn’t get a word in edgewise throughout.VsSBgPdeicGgUSXdVbpexgrVXcpnsL
RyGbQpNSqdTIAaXNing 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.mmeOjbJGXjXIlCAwaQuoItPNjnsGnf
MgUNhcWrLCxzxboLi Wuting’s expression was unreadable.SrkOYaXzPnVdiotFxEAHaAuJcvOYJm
sjqXYbTjKMaPtuKThe Jin Yiwei looked at Ning Rushen with a mix of respect, as if thinking: He really knows how to exploit.gedqKiUwrbNxjsmKMdxJFYUzRrhFsX
JUSKMjBoFODjhyzNing Rushen, “…”JLKyogECTvjaKyCxGdCwEbFpPCljRC
PQbFEaYYyXihmBNHe 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.”xkItVQWJPlDEleJMONXZncwbsZpKdu
fAJygRAHYuVCuuHLi Wuting, “…”tptVWPnlEZIiAnRBDbayViKntRpAOP
LjJbjerJaziwRdtAfter a moment of silence, he lowered his head and examined Ning Rushen’s head.ZTfuSJNRPimcJIXCZMQeiAGGEivaRP
kwpnHOaCYEKemkUNing Rushen instinctively touched the top of his head, “What’s wrong, Your Majesty? Am I bald?”jJbEkDJhxtzjEBEjCXagaLhcyUvZym
eBpHcIlkgAMmeyz“Not at all,” Li Wuting said pointedly, “It’s pitch black.”kFpusPlkzkUToNbBWoyRsNDzWltbUv
jxpAZKtANIQXImlNing Rushen: …YpVVkyLIrqSVVAZCGosOFNBwzNKxdl
rybDYffKQzzqMBz·KqyyAncXsAsLmKxEiaypBtSISYETNx
qnSfiXQEudtXEWKThey had almost finished touring the night market and were preparing to leave.wmzVLpQHcWYIzRJdlGRWMWOaVusdcb
BGSCKUKwDTmAYzuThe 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.”BjQrSupxhuDcdHFOKHbQEepkUcvjdP
SfKtfRFaKiqQROGNing Rushen: ?repkipCKYldYIwzubObXALIjZGlAFA
lquleIqoryUrTxZHe 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?”BtQmNgqGLAVsGKphZRHcEXsfRcwabg
PatfccHvdQuIxXF“They are not as capable in this area as Ning Qing.”lYyeoRAyaYjRHygNGxSgRUKKiPduRt
EIoDdVlprBjHnkgLi Wuting said it casually, then glanced at him, “Ning Qing seems to have a talent for fighting fire with fire.”ZcJjIkjHfLMBgEEXmosZzfGBjTkyxN
EEXaVOTnSYVWShFNing Rushen squinted slightly: Was it an illusion?XIzHQtMYzQNeAvkQMNIlzXNsJnjlYZ
eVUfTSSNmLewVrLJust now, his lip movements seemed to say, “Fighting evil with evil”…TnaDPwUUdCgFXEvZHUmQsXLcGGBnJz
tlbdWQhpGgiDQkgWhile 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.kwSrLjCxnbdoHoDbxQunCJzejUBPtL
XRvIPfvXCKUQKGe“We’ll discuss this matter after the festival. Let’s go, let’s return to the mansion.”pIwsqdjmVtlXSZZzHOwBugKaBwFOYY
FudUQryHxUndCHPNing Rushen’s attention was quickly diverted: Let’s go?bxHyLyVOJwOHCqSACFfuNeqhQgsiJT
FpmGsLnmPDQzopDBy the sound of it, Li Wuting intended to escort him back?nOrzZFLFleXcFAHsPLUrZWxiQJpakb
bkSxMCwlDjzNOdvHe felt flattered, waving his hands, “How could I trouble Your Majesty! I can walk back by myself.”ItYDqznQndgRPVSGlIBHweQEjeHuen
ZXGZndLKoLeHnONLi Wuting didn’t stop walking, “I’m afraid Ning Qing will be bumped into on the street again like last time.”QOuJlrSdhvxHvNNEPNtlsoOXlAqApp
LzYbPSQRXRUaPBDNing Rushen’s cheeks reddened slightly, his eyes softening.BPEDRJFlrlcShxiyWzdNoiexsjWRpx
lNVWSQVDPSzGhLdLi Wuting, “And then someone will accuse you.”TKGNJAgmXLUWoMLgnFJuyAbBtmLxhr
SehfrekUDONJtOgNing Rushen, “…”NorTIjPufbRiYoBjSRxnSvRomTMUug
YKgRJPwSuCSvMLVHe really shared the people’s hardships.YkZRRHtRrBOAurLkRPpiRfkxQrwGbp
zQRQNqWFNZEYITtThe Ning mansion wasn’t far from here, so they walked.dduijgVduPHYCcYWRiNBANnTTPnPUj
lLHpRfqFDbHCUehFrom 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.BkQWDEgVgJExfarrhtKuHhtYAyYPLE
AYzdksJNGLaJQEQNing 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.xnxXwUOrXxUtViLoxxPdfIvpGzlMEd
LKarTqTKFtAxGEaBoth stopped simultaneously.zUfcnnJzcRExqaFtutbyHpYwFzIeGP
LKWQtJBsiXyWnxRUp ahead, Li Yingtang was climbing on Geng Yan’s shoulders. A casual conversation drifted from below the wall:aKcYNPvkuHRTqRHmfPEdFdYWeuQNVg
BjSvRhcoSCPAhtJ“You said you often meet His Majesty here, is it true?”aTdgygbOPjOuHaUzpfzCNbZxUqudde
lUuhwKUtzgxURgP“Nine times out of ten. My lord, have you climbed up?”bMGAzURqKKmxtiqOvbyczWnyEDQkkk
GZFTBNtinCczPzY“Almost there. It’s so dark in the courtyard.”shWjGsEUrEwvpSvyayqJKnxdAWNeKy
HSdxLaADrfLyMjpNing Rushen, “…”JYVZHwkJxoGYfsklehDVdZwenzZcRv
FMeTqZlnZRGrJgYLi Wuting, “…”srUPYNmpNTVxWFehqbMlIcmkhiycJq
MQSaUxALWdikRCBAfter a long pause, Ning Rushen whispered, “Your Majesty, am I seeing a pervert?”PgfDnaSuyMJNjeRFTgqccAhihinfmi
cAvGkIDOXowqUUjpdHyyUQGToNdjvbJRmzWJemEbzbySV
iNGVsfaIcbFPRFTJSuFQtVhPuXFWvMYmVlFlMxMVOiehu