Chapter 4
The palace attendants scrambled to pull Ning Rushen, who was gurgling and bubbling, out of the water, pressing the accumulated water out of him.qsSIuLbwFwLlWNCHEzzRaMeXNUSOCB
LpvWsLgNFIrLzjGLaid flat on the ground, Ning Rushen had yet to awaken. His wet hair and court attire clung tightly to him, his complexion pale as jade, lips tinged with an unhealthy red.YBxuGmjnbwqeRrVyPYoeEOfGOvzzzF
BqQJCWzyQknWDov“Yes, Your Majesty,” De Quan directed the attendants, casting a glance around, “First, take Lord Ning over to… the pavilion there.”hpMkaSTDimhSmhQgFKgaBmemQWlqwu
gIUElAMwjgjhbTgA section of pale wrist dangled from the sleeve. As it passed by Li Wuting, suddenly, the emperor spoke, “Wait.”gYSjPhPwrLaABlyyuuOxoYYvJtUFxl
ZZnlAzCRGKiYOOkNing Rushen was placed on a couch, his wet clothes already changed.bQfgTdmeczESXoYyzwkMcpHAhAEgpI
gVjqOBuVoiqfWYlThe imperial physician, under Li Wuting’s intense gaze, trembled as he took the pulse, then administered acupuncture. Pondering why the emperor was also here, he heard Li Wuting inquire, “How is he?”auWaencLhTHTPqlBjtqOSbyvZVVbxA
rtwIzgztVwUqnotLi Wuting pursed his lips, “Check his head as well.”fBTSnhZEABaRusBxvuipVoUoXoPtpB
VxwzowImZXMyplT“Yes.” The physician dared not ask more, only obediently checked Ning Rushen’s head as commanded. After a while, he reported, “Lord Ning might have previously suffered a head injury, risking latent issues. However, this fainting spell was merely due to excessive drinking and the chill from drowning…”tjknNnhVOMMypLoPtEJaaiMRNibMDB
IeTpfwWUJxTaGeeThe physician wisely fell silent.EqVJLmDEJSmAHpVzqbWYVIEznZRayk
ctqzTquhidobPvHLi Wuting indifferently commanded, “Everyone, leave.”vdZDUpttsYSobjZeQZUYTzjZaQzvuY
YBFxinjDhjVBKPKHis word “everyone” left no room for the palace attendants to stay; they all followed the physician out.lcARbWQaaRSpCQMucbhrklGlHTQGnk
mHAkPkavNNkUZZoDe Quan, unsure of the emperor’s mood, speculated, “Shall I wait outside?”puVlkuxlAYptSdNMYCFNRcAwWRLbUg
oFfaBuoSztkINhh“Yes.” De Quan bowed deeply, retreating.QLnyNLfNKQdHnWINYhNvzaagGIlmvx
YnKtNkWWnyRASaSBefore leaving, De Quan stole another glance at the person lying quietly on the couch—recalling today’s inquiry in the imperial study, the sudden imperial decree, and that subtly deep “Wait” by the lakeside at night.cbWZXcEKGDBCuMgvhiyDjTWKCuDpzO
fgVuEZpaLoFcBWyThe more De Quan thought, the more alarmed he became, utterly unable to fathom the emperor’s thoughts.WRjmrEwddfltKdopLsqhWRxMIVOiiQ
oFhhBOZMkbqhsxqWhat exactly were the emperor’s feelings towards Lord Ning?ZbRXSscNJGQMAXqRrHZyWHpHpuJGyI
glCapAQSBGFOwmDSoon, all attendants had exited.yLimYtDSkihmYnkqXRwSjdqasnlBRL
GQgAdTLXYyNfGpdIn the side hall, only Li Wuting and Ning Rushen remained.LUYnFoJMNVUZOHoiZcaDasKODnXCeR
KGPNJKArYfRKzWlA thin blanket covered Ning Rushen, his snow-colored undergarment nearly blending with his skin tone. His face turned towards Li Wuting, long eyelashes vulnerably drooping.tujTqpFRYhZYGNAPamPJwtcxFSUhYl
tBRHuGXHsWRnDHbLi Wuting stood before the couch, eyes downcast in contemplation, “What are you plotting this time…”PxDBZJHAxwujBbLenLEIBlIlJuspqC
aZFpdvJYKqciDYBThe person on the couch unconsciously furrowed his brows.IBbvpqHqBpAsiYWtJHDTxFMhvyxvho
IILHiAspgEZpDHCLi Wuting leaned over, lifting the face, “Did you really damage your brain?”TcVHElKRjzFIrfhqtNrLeGIxYfLPGI
vljXHnpXcPGahvAThe person in a deep slumber did not awaken, yet his lips moved slightly, barely forming a word: “Pfft.”VEMhaVcgUCFmLqNfOLboyeicLGzNHj
DrDqFjjopnUAMlmLi Wuting, “…”XeRJyFvwxoVOyXpUbKpBRhqBwqzBVK
WAeZHEEoTjeySpSHe released his hand, pulling the blanket over that half-exposed face, and turned to leave the side hall.kPnhBHCloepKoeEByNKfezExnndtvz
SHLzrVmwrfVgCir…TPmzMpKeDBVsEVjNjNUBNYybpJspVB
nZiwHsdFgypFUTqNing Rushen did not know how long he had been unconscious.gYQJwyqvbJepjEatfvRFgBbwGFChxR
OBYhEYpjCDczykEUpon waking, only one thought crossed his mind: I’m split open.fRVIIAMFpSBRghtyFieMdPMlXPNHuo
iJBuxXsVkFrkbhaHis head throbbed painfully, his throat ached, and he couldn’t stop coughing, coughing until he saw stars. Only after a young eunuch handed him a cup of water did Ning Rushen manage to catch his breath after a few gulps.PovdMQbrinNsJhLPpGCvyBixsodJBK
vtxJEaYvQQlyMzeLooking around, he found himself lying on an unfamiliar couch.aqAQRKMYPXbaLwskYBbXXqNVrMfnag
eQxgICjNmscrWDUThe room was luxuriously decorated, even heated from below.RzeOdbwWwqIFHntufOGkkojhyKxfNo
KkeIgdpXqxYocDd“Lord Ning is awake,” the young eunuch bowed.TvJYiEemTJuVkBWnweIPIeSRyiweUE
jnyPlkLIqMQWCJo“Who are you?”dghHIHhCRCNmXTdVUmabNDSwcAeOne
WnSbqbvIlXjuQTV“I am Xiao Rongzi, commanded by His Majesty to attend to you. Is there anything uncomfortable, my lord?”JYPeqZiLkkthpiPvdMUaEvKZtGAWfB
qdyHTAjxrdaZDlcNing Rushen struggled to sit up, “Everything is uncomfortable… Where is this?”JAbJnoHtFqIvgBPebalUFNbkIvQReY
VNlGfuEMdDaqHaKXiao Rongzi had never seen someone so blunt, “To answer my lord, this is the side hall of the imperial study. After you fell into the water, His Majesty had the imperial physician examine you and sent a prescription to your residence.”UMSaCofyIoQbrPkiQKwIWwXXrggszE
ZZRekTgKRfLlDthFalling into the water…dWujADQAZGrntvsvBiCVBAteNMFvGa
HjxfNpldbesVvSNNing Rushen’s waterlogged brain finally began to work.HVJJWPruYHBukTlMrMJtswmXtCpWRT
VOdcXlcuDHrKbUGHe recalled encountering Li Wuting by the lake after the palace banquet, and after parting, he had dizzyingly slipped into the lake.LoWsEdPVZFjlchNCsalOkHzLEIgXlw
MxrjUAiNecIanZJNing Rushen muttered to himself, “Not to mention, the flowers by the lake were quite vibrant, and that bridge…”EQzemRUGeiGrJxaIsozNQQRgfWNpYd
qrQmYxGmbLLuXExXiao Rongzi listened with a heart pounding in terror.sImdyOOKgSuLgfpxhMFJiJpAEuJUWw
qGIZWAsVjGXExTpFlowers and a bridge? Lord Ning must have seen the flowers of the other shore and the Bridge of Helplessness!lJXHUdPlYQmKSDazADpyqkoLmfMrvA
HQjWnGItOyJiMQPUnaware of Xiao Rongzi’s horrified expression, Ning Rushen slipped on his shoes and stood up, “May I ask, where is His Majesty?”SzMgSxHQakKYLUzICbiVNNOiCaJRnX
IPlJOPnhCePqkrQXiao Rongzi looked at him with reverence, “To answer my lord, His Majesty is reviewing documents in the imperial study!”vGjOdCPcupyZZtgXVKxsdXYGipbmcm
UHXppMzwJzbvdDN“Thank you.”KKcvXRWCNwFjpTdolXPLaQYCYCogqH
cdGeKIknRtSxKqxNing Rushen straightened his attire and headed towards the imperial study.OQmrOmbEFUZLtWTFMXzYBVlTMFewjV
PHzjqFHJMngitga·HTyIrKRdWBivybUfiPliqYGyMrlDpc
GJsYcVtPHSwsNAAUpon seeing Li Wuting, the latter was meticulously reviewing documents behind the desk. A slight furrow marked his brow, the young face bearing the weight of imperial authority, as if nothing could shake his resolve.sFBzzzKKFKweQYAAqKOepbaEgKUuec
vdwUuMnpXnooYBbNing Rushen, now conscious, stepped into the imperial study, his mind and body aching from the ordeal yet undeterred by the physical discomfort. The encounter at the lake, the slip into its cold embrace, and the subsequent rescue—all replayed in his mind as he approached the emperor.PpanNxuHbxwZrGoyQxGSPWIcNbxsBm
HvqkmWEBCmTXntnNing Rushen paused momentarily on the spot.LdTnFcdUPVKtyhQewveexUMjBDiOKf
baSUJDobVywizeDHe had never met another emperor, but if one were a wise ruler, he imagined they would probably be just like this.opCJZUxQFInHSLdttOvcFXCrCUJmpH
vhqWDATcDcHXAAF“Your Majesty,” Ning Rushen collected his thoughts.hhpMZIHweHkmUFdVhPoPwDBkSZQYOe
XqLTuxIeTyZeaosThe person behind the imperial desk, upon hearing this, looked up at him, “It seems that not only are you skilled physically, but you also don’t follow the beaten path.”IxurAShUSHCuyZFCsMPsiBgzrfWlai
TcjtmvTvpFESooINing Rushen, “……”lqQkqVqeSiWyPygPyoGTxFvdXayDMX
cIBLEBJvTrkGvOIHe retracted his thoughts. What an incompetent ruler!TBFFnsWqmYiDVLFMopFqJxLpbZYIHb
cMhduQmPsTHXNneTaking a breath, Ning Rushen spoke up to confess his fault, “I was unseemly after drinking, disturbing the imperial presence. Please, Your Majesty, punish me.”kPQKyRluXrAvuJmxMMnsunTCossbwS
eqRXLtiZDOKwKmJLi Wuting hummed, “And how should you be punished?”PhkheuaCmNBFfDINVsouFnKvEdRpXa
iTbubgVoexroKFXNing Rushen was startled by the question, thinking it was just a courtesy.IVuKWFzfXkOpIDooMsXtJUwkrCtCwG
cvvEfWgUYLWMzTEAfter a moment, he ashamedly lowered his lashes, “Just have me reflect behind closed doors…”vjHaCJVWTpqSHodRFdMpMiTxelgTTh
yjPhBYnnjUSKpUuA cold, insightful laugh fell, “Heh.”IifEGoLOwwVvXBHeEsYlGyeRoIWVfh
QDDovRwJUMwrOfHNing Rushen, “……”mMikaZtpaomKGylIkBQDVzTXgxnEub
QGZlqLxCUwSntmpThe memorials on the desk were set aside, and Li Wuting, without bothering with his rambling, said, “The palace gate is already locked. I will have De Quan escort you out. Once you are well, come to the imperial study to serve—understood?”vxqvDunOCCAebBJyqVyTgJSvPUJFAn
CfMUmxSwkFQAQxBThe last sentence was uttered in a light tone, yet it contained a warning.bgEfbDbczAbffImemuyalRbfdDuVCZ
oteceowcMzNQzGLWarning him not to defy the imperial edict again.cVFRiytQcEesHGujLZSkdhbGbFkumm
PZqZKXXMNgXCUdFNing Rushen obediently bowed his head, “I, I will obey the edict.”WyQQnyaMLTGRkniiPWrSkbBxlRlVom
KVoGqOaENWbnstE…jqsOCiHJVLxtLAJyTxmdajbBfxEGeu
rmIxLjypsMVTKgNHowever, being compliant was not in Ning Rushen’s nature.jPPzQOtOwTIvWiTKClQImecdUnJatl
hQTWDXiidbkNcsmAfter resting at his residence for a night, he had someone call for the city’s physician the next day.hWlRUiTaLUlAkyWMZqXZdXjMSgzoGa
qPxTbgKQTgJPLymThe physician checked his pulse and reviewed the medicine he had taken, then happily praised, “The doctor who attended to the lord has exquisite skills and uses medicine brilliantly. I am ashamed to admit my inferiority. Congratulations, my lord, you should recover very soon!”YPVuxzRJVMiUqPbbEIZbXqxvoHOOLx
KPOWmVmeyuMExKHNing Rushen felt as if a thunderbolt had struck!KIiZNPaXfYkATVhEqrSRQcwCnXByac
hiEfWeuTwINbNJVHe desperately grabbed the physician, “I don’t need to recover so quickly. Can’t it be something that takes ten days or half a month to heal?”oNSDpIJaYyzBElsDWGruihGNsKmpoT
GtVdvTSUuoUCcVRThe physician was in a difficult position, “I prescribe medicine, not poison.”KeicLncMKTQCQItgXAeWZEYcBSTmfu
iVBxnjZsNbILFvyNing Rushen, “……”MKHBSQVWerDBwGmhGjEWScscANoCdW
EiQrizGwofNuAkCAfter sending away the powerless physician, Ning Rushen could only lie in bed properly, taking his medicine and recuperating.SAwyujmMKkDshSQpfOMusWxkcQBJEr
JBzMUWlaTIQmTDmNews of his illness spread far and wide.CKjIDKhOXMySldlSMIRpRAOBFUwrFR
SgScbyltRSYBHUyIn the following days, a wave of court officials visited one after another, almost breaking down the threshold of Ning’s residence. Under the guise of “visiting the sick,” they came with the intent of fostering good relations.TYrogUYabjUbGbuNBxQViFDbsxFSCX
kGLbkbqLDJlOGvjNing Rushen declared to the outside world that he was “so ill he couldn’t tell humans from animals,” and had Yan Min send them all away.sNOtxrmynKNklbHtSTwEerbKIrChCD
UOjCTHgHtIvGzUyWhat a joke, why would he want to socialize while on sick leave?SJooxXfFHSbQOjuYeMJzRaGmVQjCqS
oUJIhUhvFXZygoj…iLthVVGfxwnoWglbubqUDOPHexsjFd
dkrUgwDFoHZhEbcWhen Geng Yan entered the courtyard, he saw Ning Rushen, who claimed to be “so ill he couldn’t tell humans from animals,” lying on a soft couch in the sun, the sunlight casting a fine shadow through his lashes onto his eyelids.QjBkWMlzYUMGhMFosGBnbfAsnjKlFi
uyixDKxbcQHDrdqThe pale blue veins under his skin were faintly visible, his complexion as translucent as porcelain.vlapmseAIKyxnPlCZNhzimnpjBPtXt
ErcCLdxJyMgPxmj“Yo,” Geng Yan greeted, “Look at you, all in disarray.”xvZfNGMJfrSLyqpaotFogJJksPXztN
yPCwaNJZxACGSRSNing Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes to look at Geng Yan, standing in front of the couch, thinking to himself that this kid was really persistent, always putting extra effort into humiliating him.tmdzsAVgVsjKqrczaPlIFYoZcnmoEa
RZtfRSGDVHAeaDOHe lazily pulled the blanket around him, “How did you get in here? Didn’t I have Yan Min turn away visitors?”FzRXZdPDyjFauwVmVvPAtiNNHthrdd
oXAuOCriJafuPseGeng Yan matter-of-factly, “Climbed the wall, of course.”KanGrVbsgheSCHDLeWmaXtLujZYWAl
cEjMkuPhNWvRqEONing Rushen praised him, “…Hmm, impressive.”WcautRRrEZryMOZmelLzxGAfzYdyZp
HqfCHwIAwTPaVLr“Eh.” Geng Yan lifted his chin, “Did someone break into your place?”unmqnSLLDHrcjpkhONMvSezBwBBDxL
GiBwFebVLYPiHLx“What?”tWkipTEgDzWSpMuqeCXPzwVhdeuXRG
kWkWgJBDZwFMzWJ“I saw a gap in the wall of your courtyard, particularly easy to climb over.”NXppHLfakoNqNMuqfXnZnxwTSaQvHB
dKUTDWZSFunIluENing Rushen was at a loss for words, “So you just climbed in?”VWojUeFzVXeksnYqPQsUUNxJaFOpKG
SkCjvQfTsfeBjJyGeng Yan, “Yeah.”qduFDiHlCheTBdThVDVRzulGyRlZgy
bnycDPwziVtpYaD“……”uFcDjeMAtKzkADpyMkhZUtmlQnainC
kdsdJIgbPSQlFFyA thought suddenly struck his mind: In this world, there were no paths to begin with, but when many people walk the same way, a path is formed.lGvtdDiTMJLrlUzKzwvBCwMBLWYHRQ
VNMNkRaZHvnAAHxNing Rushen shook his head, “Let’s talk about the break-in later. You specifically climbed in, surely not just to see my face?” he said, lifting his eyes to look at him, his gaze clear and penetrating, showing no signs of the drowsiness from before.ErrVVNYoTRWmFuqmEwdSworcJhVnys
DhGJTzYCcRBqUPcGeng Yan’s expression became serious.zAqtBbipardHQaKCqkIhIQefvHXAEj
sYbPavGIusWGJirHe remembered the news his father mentioned recently. If it was Ning Chen, maybe he could hear some rumors from the imperial court.kVRKRDyBXlCChVQDFjPHpIzJsIYPHN
moAuneJQwtJDfGjGeng Yan, for once, showed a serious side.lDWmxkmzfJhQOFOpwxHhQZtNbkJCkV
FwWNdcKQtuYeCTlNing Rushen sighed lightly, “I knew it. Is it about…”mXfJMvgOeKkLTfzxAiVQbiujECNeeV
HnEohRUGbuFfiyAGeng Yan took a deep breath, “Yeah.”WiGbqFOoCdLOlixqwwtzycvwBxlWsV
qqVJBvFzUnslUZkNing Rushen, “Still about the hidden illness?”mschwhIWaSxWCixFYkexQKvHkcgqqi
ABaPYcfILXnpmkD“……”eDIgJPofHYhgWfMuXSggZXdkLgywZf
mHWeiuIGehpfhXRNo!!!TauznPDTtKDInSvDHODASsiLwaHQOK
yxEhfvcGNakaJhCGeng Yan exploded, “You dare to bring that up again!!!”ruVrlQuxNKICNtLovLikMkwXNsFsaU
XazjAoTJaiSRVKd·zWoHnBYWJwSCIfmdwKwCxlrPLTygoB
AoHFslNnScSittfThat night, Shi Yi once again appeared in the imperial study as usual.IgalngIwxqiJWJMBFuJvoOGeoduSOB
TlERblKZxMiuGSsLi Wuting was looking through documents, “Did you find out?”HLlFdqTfHjLBnqdaWPxQlJjfxEdqjB
ggFYqYvKrKQfJor“Yes.” Shi Yi knelt on one knee, head bowed, reporting, “On the night of the palace banquet, Lord Ning was persuaded to drink a lot. He didn’t spend much time talking with the other officials. The only one he had a private, lengthy conversation with was the son of Minister Geng, Geng Yan.”BOUNTiQxCsIaokOtZBzllzPVkWyXCh
xaCMCClOFEmVXfvThe son of the Minister of Revenue, Geng Yue, Geng Yan.LdfAbJdXxhanISonIugYlDJHGrMKBD
sUVgiZDOeSnJkkXWas this instigated by Geng Yue, or…sEOFvQYenrukrpMnfsbkBkVbGKxYEk
IHygXgqGHEFDPPoLi Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What did they talk about?”BKOmPwPXxkLpENmtMsTgGphlenezzd
HKxfgcCiZHlKPuyShi Yi paused awkwardly for a moment, “Uh, it was said to be about a hidden illness.”HqVNfnwtWMyQkUqKOMBkWTXzLhxxFR
SoKOZYoisQDWNplLi Wuting, “……”nmYSjgeiWvMppxogxqPqyQorgUlpEA
dxSQDByWQfyOdYKShi Yi added, “After the conversation, Lord Ning went alone to the lakeside to sober up. He was staggering, indeed seemed quite drunk.”cZYWLMocaycSrBnwyEybHxiNtmaFpU
TTQVyQCeuvOkCcjLi Wuting pressed his brow, “You mean, the encounter and falling into the water were both accidents?”USrnpuFGqbFdZlLzSNVMNMDGZSUMNa
axqfgkiyQiqbZHH“I dare not make unfounded statements.”jVooxGXaElGkNPbAmbvnxfJCPEuqIZ
oYHQcjTvawqvDFX“Enough, continue.”gCzjGrdeMVQvzmNzSFGQnFoHLeglum
jzmsOpawaksufiY“Yes, these past few days Lord Ning has been recuperating at home. Many court officials from the six ministries have visited, but all were turned away at the door.”rWusaqHVTZdylbmPBLHxLdwttSKiCC
pLLjDwxkUvPlOStLi Wuting tapped his fingertips on the desk, “Didn’t see anyone at all?”MODehsePqdpriegawRVMkKFsXWMeSy
mBXYnzVFkqmXxrX“He was forced to see one. Geng Yan climbed over the wall and talked alone with Lord Ning for about half an incense stick’s time.”fFdyHeFgYsnOzJTrmVrWoCRdczKuta
TPsrBHVXZzCAsQy“What did they talk about again?”OwbBjGqTSgeHAUTiowaXdRwfUzRawj
heNqgMgpLoChnXC“Still, the hidden illness.”GOwfpHpARtsQhPXKkLObkrYPWTspbE
ctLydAIAjEjMyCF“……”SdgvQbqgNygQXYFXtdZFOULSTJKwds
moWDVhhtHYxdrrPEven Li Wuting couldn’t help but react, “The son of Minister Geng has… an illness, and instead of seeing a doctor, he talks to a colleague about it?”iUbTJeXElFqGgmmLiXGAbyeANDZYGK
imyXzgbJZJSlUyfShi Yi remained silent, his inner turmoil evident:UYuTJmOREOrpZEubAxNJbstvKQHkuo
JcOpLqvuAXhKHGQHow would he know!ncuHeFMOAWdrzvEZsyQiaeMcyjYZIu
TiEqSkjIsjoqBhnAlthough he was a member of the imperial secret police, serving the Emperor by handling the most private affairs— he had never imagined it would be private to this extent! Having to listen to officials discuss their hidden ailments with each other.KnjltesDLvFVoKUvoPxJBfsgdsjLyk
fNFSvdErqGgJqjdThe imperial study fell silent for a few moments.HcJHhSuzCGRoAjadxVnmsKshPdsgre
BWjLERxYdkZrbOhLi Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose, then quickly returned to his usual demeanor, “Is he well now?”ILgmFuRnGullapnemlyIVfEUVMemmf
iaayPagqtcosBvqIt was clear whom “he” referred to.kNFtwbQDKTfNAxWmrQayUkeuJPoawh
kkoCQKQSrYuOcsPShi Yi replied, “He appears to be still recuperating.”tgFTdWDNiQJviBTtRCzlUzhfdODuCM
qgVZtHiaKUWHzIo“Is he pretending to be ill, or is he really not well?”dzdZPNYrkOGlhbPrmjHHaavXqwrKgV
YobFPNMFLOnpJGP“Lord Ning appears sickly all year round. From a distance, it is not appropriate for me to inquire too closely. So…”UMEBQHRsBFLxzfMTyCuRTeawLxhTNc
qHnxcKDMmLPgoFGThe Emperor’s calm voice came from above, “Do you need me to teach you how to handle your duties?”mPlaKfAsNaXtFMTnTvnPELCffXxYCC
fjSaGDQHPjsoBEJShi Yi immediately felt a chill, bowing deeply, “Your Majesty, forgive me, I will report to you first thing tomorrow morning!”JHLrzsltssabayVlkbiZhLGFGlmQiD
bFXEqrgGSzMgnWn·yohGflgBqEvMjkxFxKyOwOqeCmVZWx
ygfDbQvZdkNQESiAt night, during the hour of Hai.vTMljBoHvQbpHLAmIqpNZfsqfTbAnL
ErZTkVIVWnprpXmMost of the servants in Ning’s residence had already retired for the night.kJlyODTnBYaHQFdVfXbrLTeAePymQO
QBFmHFRlktvDROXShi Yi, familiar with the route, used the cover of dusk to glide across the rooftops and land on the roof of the main house.pwbUlpJQkkRqVFXPQKLboFgAQsiVKj
BhOKyQihTEtmQGFHe gently lifted a tile to look down but saw the bed curtains drawn around the bed. It was impossible to discern even the silhouette of the person on the bed, let alone investigate whether his illness had truly improved.URDrUpgeQjPrIqoNYkXBzILkUHIaBL
hvHLofXYoHHdCdsShi Yi lay on the roof, pondering for a while, then had a stroke of inspiration.NzvZWMqHMVIvtOCquRLcsqfqgwYipY
AdIuioSauoIdHAUHe replaced the tile and tossed a small pebble at the window lattice: clack—MHsmqWZKIMJTLQIsPijgxjPpPptPUK
LYWfmyJMofCTBOTHey, are you asleep?MtUpEuCcTLyLGfOTDdpcldGozCXBLl
okiEPBCOCffxYXR…PWDEvoYTkzMtpoIzEXuxoEWGsMEeAU
ljJDYGobREYGpeeInside the room, Ning Rushen had just finished drinking the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician and was starting to feel sleepy.aiCWPQNujKHEqHfkFloYqUuzhCnmsm
XUOvXKigAAeAFhnHe was just about to fall asleep after tucking in the blanket when he suddenly heard a sound from outside the window: clack.WWCfeKUjDxyIiRGPvFQcMxDCMnIEby
SnzbdVCtNbBuxWTIt sounded like a pebble hitting the window lattice.hRujPhIFHWGVclkqbAtJuHjhQxKSxE
lqkEHssxdPdsVomNing Rushen instantly woke up, pulling aside the bed curtains, “Who’s there?”xoxUJXALZroYhYCMcldgdjxULFlCrx
OFgQtXPdOWuRnaNThe room was pitch dark, and it was silent outside.yAWirruiiELHMtGxSYJVpcfEqrGrhB
HfKNuMxtBxjRXbiWas it the wind? He looked out and then lay back down.nVveKWzKzRoPSunRShufGnrbmUSVaw
KRpvFDZmEHvRmSGAnother half an incense stick’s time passed.yhEkxBHZXlpzznRNtVkJXoDssntAUH
kcCcmZbhaPXmrBQJust as Ning Rushen’s consciousness was slowly drifting into light sleep, he suddenly heard another clack on the window lattice!EztxrfIEelHPvxPLXNKDIcexzrxFiD
rzQNFhPsCxTNhOzHe abruptly woke up and turned to look outside.nvuuTzkTbFziDoQAxPOXvZIQchbthx
DGpBtXtAarvIzfhThe words Geng Yan had said during the day suddenly flashed through his mind: Did someone break into your place?tBMCcNSGkMdpDOmwnORCOlGpnVYNIj
unHmYXQCEuVGtvK“……”UVioeHGDogCBarDUDfrKwGCQajWYWV
vCJundhuGyFHJwFHe had been worried about spreading his illness, so he had already sent Yan Min, Xing Lan, and the others away from the courtyard earlier. Now, wanting to call out loudly, he also feared being silenced by a murderer.mojcccewFHqyHLenMpNlpIEgXAwwaP
ucKvxCMTiEmvQFlNing Rushen thought for a moment and then slapped the bed to stay alert:PDxtOzGCzUUitdKBQvYlpNsdbPtAJL
NbCKskBMoEMsNrCI’m not asleep yet, little thief, go away!GTKFLZuquxECoRwHvuVsdwtAvYumsZ
AfHHzcqQxQXBoEWIt was quiet outside the window for a long while. Ning Rushen guessed the thief had left, pulled the bed curtains closed, and tried to sleep again.ARiteHXqtSzVyxmxafcdfCnmQtFnPG
VWzAifUOoRIAeXSAnother half an incense stick’s time passed.iopSUAflMMOBSMFirzlsakuAQMrTQj
ifdqBfrWASghQAlVery consistently, a clack came from outside the window lattice.uvfiaSWmAGWlMRGyihHXNlwKQvHTWO
BOHPAyaKenbLAZwNing Rushen, “…………”KlQdVGfEhpuGfrlMeBjtqSfTcWKDWP
vskFsHEbTcLPPojNing Rushen jerked awake, nearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown—flWYyRAXrKBQTpsMfbqKYJsgSLDGxz
tohLNTowKPufnKgWhere the hell did this sneaky bastard come from?pjyadubFETdzKfzciRyMnbQQOltxPr
iMlirptWkwcyWkvWas it really necessary? Was it really fucking necessary to keep testing whether he was asleep or not?!bsWlFMHnLrbXIaxYxKKMqFpNXjWSll
tyeaYRvRRSUuAQOIf you’re going to steal something, just hurry the fuck up!KoSuwwLJnFCafAZJVTvSXIoFfsgYrl
waoLfokklXcLpxtFurious and dizzy, he decided to just get up and light a lamp: Fine, fine, you don’t want me to sleep, right?uhTEScsQZMlgRdzIGcCbJuFMYjGoPT
PJshLZdGyNcHAFRThen nobody sleeps.WdSIGdsECmTdaqmpkKUzhNkMKJvJoK
cSYwlsgJgUHkhssThe candlelight flickered dimly.SmuhLuBgjLpQWYilDUiuYpfCFyflmq
agSqWRItsRbPGSCNing Rushen wrapped himself in a blanket, sitting on a low couch, listening to the “tap, tap” sounds, enduring a night of stiff sitting across from someone until dawn…fuYnSugxcMVcgxCIoquzxRDZtNQxlP
ejpwPJGbcCcQzzDThe next morning.miUdDRUfqtIuUberAgnvQDtNgGhyLM
FdiBETFnaskIBFyYan Min came to knock on the door to wake people up.sQvpkIuarkMyFWCcySRgDwJpJKiLjY
wtJGbbBaMZBaXBEAs the door opened, there stood Ning Rushen in a snow-white robe, barefoot, with bloodshot eyes staring straight at him.yShyEWrXFPmLCgRZlPKrGgOWusFbGj
ElYxvLkNggACRmYYan Min stepped back in shock, “My lord?”iOukZBAsFWiIUVAmaTZDmswRIchuXd
SYcDQndOrCycQfqNing Rushen still looked a bit dazed, “If you don’t sleep, I don’t sleep, and the King of Hell will have to massage my back.”baQvppMPiBwoeGDkmsFsqlATTQknhM
xMtabYFDNESQeBoYan Min was horrified, “Ah pish! My lord, what inauspicious things are you saying!”jcSMEYVYDnTyKcKNHStnkfumUTprZp
oslLkMGKVrwgNYE“…” Ning Rushen came to his senses, took a deep breath, “Uncle Yan, keep watch outside for me, I’m going to get some sleep. And—find ten formidable guards to surround this courtyard starting today.”sWWaLvZcewWOCclomTmnHrqQlUlJeY
LMYeRFVZteslbuPYan Min panicked, “What happened?”HQsyUNOTvxBGLCmaDfiHUIJVjGcANb
SVhpqpquGUeWBGfNing Rushen shook his head tiredly, preferring not to say more. Then he turned back into the room, drew the curtains around the bed, and fell asleep with a thud.xKqCnDkbaWWHKntbDGMeooCDUTzZep
qVWrNMkuMhPiQpCIn his groggy sleep, he thought:UlluEIXwBcJseeAlLarvLzDmRQgvnN
XtSPGBBcMeqiyceI better not let him know where that sneaky bastard came from.OorJIowrMpfASnvAUHCbcTBCcnNOVs
dUsmcoFzBusRZdF·gQmdGttBtSmssjSTWxGdMsNUnJQgcd
FSyIbqWuvReUvCuWhile Ning Rushen went back to catching up on sleep, Shi Yi still had to report back.guIqQGJqowSkfXBNeYnvqiMNVsnNsT
vQyJQAkJKZrBWNTLi Wuting had just finished the morning court when he saw Shi Yi, with eyes red as blood, kneeling in the imperial study.HPCafTkCVCCKqhDmXWWMdnygMqXJiU
eoAuRknQzvAxiDj“Your Majesty, it seems Lord Ning is truly ill.”jgQMnQUvkHDRVnlKqWpZirFdQxuyAy
LGupfuavPPajNtCLi Wuting didn’t ask why Shi Yi’s eyes were so red— the imperial guards had their own methods.iKDQmDTcjmyLCPAVSZynoTKHASSENJ
CtASlwgUYIrRsvtHe gestured for the report to continue.RUHbehwfxzgDJpYbdrFJcptahgpLBP
NUUksgjDFujzvUMShi Yi’s voice was hoarse, “Lord Ning has suffered greatly from his illness, not sleeping all night.”oCiKtuceKQhgQRrVihQwcRAmkgSbVs
UgOVPOjpZiAlUBmLi Wuting frowned, his gaze sharp, “Is it that serious?”gmTMXHOuLeHsdTllmrBQOFtDtCHwwq
XHDtHjgifBGzFXOShi Yi, having endured a night of agony, was emotional as he spoke, “Your servant has not uttered a single lie! Since last night, every hour on the hour, I would throw a pebble towards his window.”iXvYJODlKVgZjfMtPgXHWIuvQlhJIV
ACkhHxPWdxCRzhr“Every hour, throw one, and then another hour, throw another… all the way until dawn. Every time I threw one, he was awake!”sPiTvfCFphZiTZoUwykencxQzYReil
BeZNaoOTEfZZZkuShi Yi murmured softly, “Lord Ning’s condition, I fear, is not good…”UuCzKMeaJLegxZINamCpOcuIVPAOaF
xjUUSYfJIEzHRQUThe imperial study fell into silence.VxKVgDnQdmDSneFoLLXsXbQcLHJjdW
CALVrQYJpvfHZJNLi Wuting looked at the loyal imperial guard kneeling before him, his expression complex, and for a long time, no words were spoken.ywfpmSRLnSvBporGFKSWfJXjKsXnWK
mYysTJQJsYLYoWZZmfBZLfvILAcuABrbPVBLKtKhLGbnq