This official is so weak

nKflnEupMuBioYMTable of Contents

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.QumSzyMNGhwxHWevAxWACCCRFhBEqb

jjfjQQZtWuXiKPk

Laid 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.uFqzuTtsnvmynluhVIhFADwKCZEQBU

ZViDIwkxYOZdUvv

“Yes, Your Majesty,” De Quan directed the attendants, casting a glance around, “First, take Lord Ning over to… the pavilion there.”aZUFkEjeMzvDwhSzslNgKGDrORjaRw

zfIdrwRraWmLcfX

A section of pale wrist dangled from the sleeve. As it passed by Li Wuting, suddenly, the emperor spoke, “Wait.”kbyiMEHlLlJUtrBzaiPsIJOrhDzzUZ

MrctTeKXdLZWUdL

Ning Rushen was placed on a couch, his wet clothes already changed.dwvEuOuJwXMUWiKTuHviYxaCKeyLAB

TwZKtCvSovYGzwl

The 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?”hNlkzVxGvgRoxjorYMSUGdtGKqcGHZ

sSVMvqcpliXxQOZ

Li Wuting pursed his lips, “Check his head as well.”BTBmZFFMQoZMBgeWSZCgGujuHHuhWw

GknlcQYJGyaphhc

“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…”JEkiChXxtosnaGYKinqTgAuHsfnyrn

oBXIWGgElhxaYfI

The physician wisely fell silent.dyDIXNSSIUwUvQcKHdBljYVKzpTcDl

kAxLrtVVccBDgjm

Li Wuting indifferently commanded, “Everyone, leave.”sOCGVjAiAZJzuQyaLYkbmfDjVtOIEd

GKSLYiIaLAWczZJ

His word “everyone” left no room for the palace attendants to stay; they all followed the physician out.RiLzknNtjrqRBVmuIlHczQpJciFRus

ljjWzYDnQPhqufs

De Quan, unsure of the emperor’s mood, speculated, “Shall I wait outside?”nGDtyrvYqOmnTqzNWBsWXKWqOSiwCE

PsiYbnUizXNXUyB

“Yes.” De Quan bowed deeply, retreating.xnFSaDEfOcrLBRSkdcyjzUbTBXwrGG

aPwvhTUQbLhygrd

Before 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.ojeXAkwXBkHligBkOZNlWnNvrXOnKj

fXdICNtrmtwbdmh

The more De Quan thought, the more alarmed he became, utterly unable to fathom the emperor’s thoughts.rvwCfINHfhbNUqJUeQSZuZAconqNuP

PIzYJAzcLQGxeHf

What exactly were the emperor’s feelings towards Lord Ning?IzdcPnadGRAoczYpjxhGmEHYJKAJhi

qRFOraofZudQDuS

Soon, all attendants had exited.VFMsiSGUEMPIEqqUeOjslCLgPoUVli

QvylmCmaCOaELGN

In the side hall, only Li Wuting and Ning Rushen remained.jNUeATFzBihcclgjpyZRacVbpEySee

MnnKulVjodwhsic

A 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.sItJdUqPjDbZkKpGkULqjOZBkkfLQV

CIlbdHkltQlobAN

Li Wuting stood before the couch, eyes downcast in contemplation, “What are you plotting this time…”ldpGUmqmACDliLzuDDBDeZEPvbpRkY

hCoATQuCRhlckTk

The person on the couch unconsciously furrowed his brows.eJlYSAiQVwiAzZFZVmFBvSLJxWAwVJ

GudsQnkOVeMONXr

Li Wuting leaned over, lifting the face, “Did you really damage your brain?”npTnOEpokXMieHFTPPoThsGCSYcoWs

WFJWNGAUvjhUODq

The person in a deep slumber did not awaken, yet his lips moved slightly, barely forming a word: “Pfft.”qBEyDbIDbCckPfyZimkfzKpPWAjYQE

AigxqslBpIFxXlg

Li Wuting, “…”eVwIyRmwVwCIWxxIQOcYLpwWNgeVaS

KYxwgliGKdmFFXI

He released his hand, pulling the blanket over that half-exposed face, and turned to leave the side hall.GjMYNkiACniBMJMJPXcLPExACTYfPJ

RLqCHECMFICIbVF

OYScObCEzCMwjLRBgjNQtyWuudvGkJ

ypPqTfntbDvsRwC

Ning Rushen did not know how long he had been unconscious.zBmzhaATKRulZgZjGPzbKOIHjZbNmm

LPQnWtJhWFdlHdh

Upon waking, only one thought crossed his mind: I’m split open.zSmlSZFFFMIYhRxZgPfWwBKoFdnKjE

SVWWaDphoWpWPBJ

His 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.mDQlXhxzvQiYAcRJjldCBhBXzaLCLS

CqoMackiWptwhRr

Looking around, he found himself lying on an unfamiliar couch.RNDnickrroQRlSEApTpCqNhJQQEvAt

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The room was luxuriously decorated, even heated from below.dmCmNXBWfCHXQixAblfktMkBRJIEBu

NvphyXzEEexMAdK

“Lord Ning is awake,” the young eunuch bowed.ESpsJYXffSFMHnyrDWuIMqnQMXWQTU

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“Who are you?”OLTpfAOffxWuZdAVGhouEoDLBdypsi

JrMFYYgrjshdGuJ

“I am Xiao Rongzi, commanded by His Majesty to attend to you. Is there anything uncomfortable, my lord?”TlNGeBuEGlulgnhprsfOPUvCWXbkwQ

FngjnYTUhILgVYL

Ning Rushen struggled to sit up, “Everything is uncomfortable… Where is this?”wYzEfoTXETBiMFqvMQAgNEAUjjYNpM

ddKJYAZyJRyLFpu

Xiao 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.”vbWlFuOZggutsHnENIeriuUTrbygQt

HWAKDfAKUnmvlkA

Falling into the water…AGHqcVFXqapCHlbEdhVZXRiwxLFmGx

leyWQWvqHWhzBiK

Ning Rushen’s waterlogged brain finally began to work.ERCqMNORqvclBXiWMcOwCjlGarGWNa

cxuxzrKhLdgbTAb

He recalled encountering Li Wuting by the lake after the palace banquet, and after parting, he had dizzyingly slipped into the lake.DmsYbAgcPmFXegamRsxqCkXjxlqDuo

HXXJFKOnijBAoaJ

Ning Rushen muttered to himself, “Not to mention, the flowers by the lake were quite vibrant, and that bridge…”TFopNtMzDmMkqgGEjUtzRadtsnYUma

ohCswjHcLuwHciQ

Xiao Rongzi listened with a heart pounding in terror.MimILQJfrWwCCTqrvRYitIMlmODRdv

vifodyhDLGVxDnU

Flowers and a bridge? Lord Ning must have seen the flowers of the other shore and the Bridge of Helplessness!XVCqDZoqrUvtOyefHgIjaUCfzPBXbi

lnuFxUDpmpBFhxL

Unaware of Xiao Rongzi’s horrified expression, Ning Rushen slipped on his shoes and stood up, “May I ask, where is His Majesty?”iiCdkvCImsRVEteqQiDqfWjfSJemNH

YJcfeYEnNySFSQC

Xiao Rongzi looked at him with reverence, “To answer my lord, His Majesty is reviewing documents in the imperial study!”wCTaDSQRuvzFchWeiEMWJPFfCOhqrJ

QXorIEIglTgDVMt

“Thank you.”GYjXEpbSdXAiZjnttxwyShqMKfznMt

FdSsxokFNDytsvm

Ning Rushen straightened his attire and headed towards the imperial study.rdhhqjmYoJKqvFqyjAvCOltotuLNoh

xKmUoDAuaVVqOPl

·dayMjIsIHEpdAomKoNwkCqCnAwNuLd

gtDLosZsoBXShCI

Upon 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.wpZmLfmhsHWmZGuqrqXESKUeVUPyVY

zgaMIdABxvWVnkw

Ning 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.SlKCNyLBugEXBkRrhOVwCscNysUOpk

mvWhucwxAXWLNzG

Ning Rushen paused momentarily on the spot.WfBLMAhYhfzClgXqwMRdQvgqzDIAUQ

kHhfvrUmWsWKrCp

He had never met another emperor, but if one were a wise ruler, he imagined they would probably be just like this.nkgwRoVYiRRiVJLyQvxfVIXevZvqwr

KYElTtGwZmbvjRa

“Your Majesty,” Ning Rushen collected his thoughts.aoLCOvBvaCZuedMVxNbIQhXZJbzkSK

UwAkXraUSPoQJMq

The 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.”pxmpeEFyXLrFcfxkjkoVgohowLwxBy

wGwkrWceMshbhim

Ning Rushen, “……”zPWNOKwofiMJadKEsfyoEkdXuCzTGt

UCDYepNqgVMFZLs

He retracted his thoughts. What an incompetent ruler!tiJxjhrWvHVajFZgKEWKqDfWIcJTEF

CDlAHTIIRXoyDMS

Taking a breath, Ning Rushen spoke up to confess his fault, “I was unseemly after drinking, disturbing the imperial presence. Please, Your Majesty, punish me.”vpVfzOxQiIyaYUlqyoSQRGBbWfazYp

VntygqdYHLguXvC

Li Wuting hummed, “And how should you be punished?”GcabqppVuAURcJhsMiKfBoKqjTfeXF

DVWnsjRykvYgoql

Ning Rushen was startled by the question, thinking it was just a courtesy.YieQHwFQvqBtxpzdgqAcCRlFfcWplH

yiyUeqFaKtUegDU

After a moment, he ashamedly lowered his lashes, “Just have me reflect behind closed doors…”MWVmmGlbncLDtbUXxrqonrFuFdjLAM

jCQZdROuMALFCcN

A cold, insightful laugh fell, “Heh.”YFcFrzJtmWeWIqojJJvjWOwQcJxlDu

GLvSVbrDwNaXzen

Ning Rushen, “……”adyBqWstyvUCnNjYJxrBOfxTnfkNAP

iRXupJyHLtbtmEA

The 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?”tRzEMjYzLVfyzDlTjErFgbAUjAmgvR

weXmVDKLUVPQgYD

The last sentence was uttered in a light tone, yet it contained a warning.DvuqKKwSlaQrKivAQHZgeAglwbwkWF

YmKsmagQmOyVeUq

Warning him not to defy the imperial edict again.ZTZEihndSLLnfqOwQmvcJeGShcoSKw

iqSMBDMTjFBcqni

Ning Rushen obediently bowed his head, “I, I will obey the edict.”UgfLjmBivQUWvjHvhyeXPzlpseIFfe

XjaYsyZFxslEYhL

PVBeMWDlwuOEKyktlocTbqcNopsKSx

RjiPZPZjmqPxcmd

However, being compliant was not in Ning Rushen’s nature.ToEcDLEVbJHkxvXuIWgSyFdNgkOliF

nAbLoGsvHcEdgLa

After resting at his residence for a night, he had someone call for the city’s physician the next day.FBJfNryWyGZUpkzXTjGTSfRIvoTLxH

zdBasjdTZKPKyqr

The 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!”llQgEyZjIStDpBAqNMubkcncFJlQUy

qQPZwYTtKuhbQXc

Ning Rushen felt as if a thunderbolt had struck!WGfZZVAbNWtmJTGCPyYgRrNDJasYGt

MkNvCkeCTnhFGdt

He 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?”APTAgJXzDvgZTbdyRSaBrQjrxOmvdn

wgWwmcOkzFVRIVX

The physician was in a difficult position, “I prescribe medicine, not poison.”AXaJOKcaaVLEVDhwPcENDtwtPPdRwa

siaNdCOAlZkcFlp

Ning Rushen, “……”WZaWuenhQdQnvsRcZpeUElxVwTiuuZ

qwmrpqqscAFMZug

After sending away the powerless physician, Ning Rushen could only lie in bed properly, taking his medicine and recuperating.hDDLaDFERJTwRJKetwwlOMsNpBoHtD

VfdSqFZHCumUekR

News of his illness spread far and wide.kGGxoKTbAtgeYXZutFBquQocMfDAMZ

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In 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.OaxzBRVrmjqMfUJAPsIGxwwGLqopVM

MdaCcjZTGfJCxij

Ning 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.NGbbOTpedmIItLnYaWtMzYOQbVWIMi

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What a joke, why would he want to socialize while on sick leave?pOSSQbrZxQZWuHfpLzNWGyZLBUnoem

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When 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.LkNVklqYacCkLgCyvENLRQPbCTmRYK

qBQcCcDcpIgfLGz

The pale blue veins under his skin were faintly visible, his complexion as translucent as porcelain.MAYnxSlMrjsDuDayYwJYzjmYQpWEfw

ydhbBUCcYZBJtUH

“Yo,” Geng Yan greeted, “Look at you, all in disarray.”mHxQWNISuIdTqIOhPWFbOByqDCqwBG

caFvkYPaPHEavcN

Ning 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.XHjmNkLqerbVFwWDBZVYYbMVDEQmHC

FlffBczMOmWFSqF

He lazily pulled the blanket around him, “How did you get in here? Didn’t I have Yan Min turn away visitors?”BqkPMnkMyBOjPSlWkmTbARMheoxyze

AfFnMtucdJrfBkZ

Geng Yan matter-of-factly, “Climbed the wall, of course.”LgZhGDFIunNfGJouIWcTEgPdojXJWh

pEXvaFFRIjLnSbL

Ning Rushen praised him, “…Hmm, impressive.”zCumbHoouOoZMSCMsDEjuytIZdtQzQ

rmAuDdAkHfzmUCp

“Eh.” Geng Yan lifted his chin, “Did someone break into your place?”lTycRlPhvCUELzPenWHCtlkqKBcTAs

zLiyFlmVcCZZJXG

“What?”TjCPmAaBEUfaguvHYIWgrCxpqtoqWr

IJysUrVssiEHfBl

“I saw a gap in the wall of your courtyard, particularly easy to climb over.”pfVCmRcoWZTvZqdoYzdBdaWdAyhUkW

SQElnnYVixfnBGk

Ning Rushen was at a loss for words, “So you just climbed in?”QSXiauZyDEXYaYPOGLPPxAlSIQrCQc

ZKrLfbnxZDCGHqW

Geng Yan, “Yeah.”BBsEOZUowBtpSqsMvMWxawMYXscysT

QqNffzgFfgetdov

“……”OJpddNEifYoDmkqgvRRXtAgTVdsXWJ

BrtCDfUPYPJbNno

A 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.LfyUxsMIObhNfvmrqtjyrQUBNsFcgk

GiXliJklyTxSPHD

Ning 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.SXWCBHIYuYOEpKSuaoMUggGGjrOtte

lgUYWpVzbmulXLw

Geng Yan’s expression became serious.KnABVJTgqWnMwMAEBOFBEEDcyZNfiK

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He remembered the news his father mentioned recently. If it was Ning Chen, maybe he could hear some rumors from the imperial court.VfPFZktgHqaHuhFLhARpstRWoVljEc

sHJmpUUrRKLxepC

Geng Yan, for once, showed a serious side.iykBnGNxzIWpWyCIWnHiZnSYiNmnge

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Ning Rushen sighed lightly, “I knew it. Is it about…”dSWxKDqUItXYoITkGdUDWhVjgEbNvs

sTHMmFqqaGRCZPM

Geng Yan took a deep breath, “Yeah.”AngUvrgjViwQyLyaGhLBDfYpVMKECb

qXgzZjtfgNMZMrB

Ning Rushen, “Still about the hidden illness?”xMFbyAHNBNuGhpUJkdewWzworRNDoa

NEuxYdcKoHaTQCp

“……”UTlkPzkwMLhmZnwKRChrEygQMsADZj

czWnmoqbWGqNXQN

No!!!LMLhnqUFZPSvZjXNfrqmUvWxCloCJe

rXCfhsHVmCOpYui

Geng Yan exploded, “You dare to bring that up again!!!”nzuGCvpoInNMdSFZBotpKjuNUQJHdA

rLioqhPTyjFgowz

·aiYwalFjokVbTFjYxsIgBVIzBGjxOR

DFPoIdjvzoNLLFj

That night, Shi Yi once again appeared in the imperial study as usual.yNyqRCQbtlNVwZohhSJsemOlNyCZcK

qzyAdbwVORiGynl

Li Wuting was looking through documents, “Did you find out?”tUqUeMuEeOionTnAZiNIPoyRfBUBES

FNflfegiFDkMbAe

“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.”pLytXOOzOgoShZbtFSFDqqhWTgPNuC

QKPywpfNsylhPIB

The son of the Minister of Revenue, Geng Yue, Geng Yan.AwXrqxFXrOKGpjKvucuaLAAHVSqWxq

zbPdfOQNJgqDzkv

Was this instigated by Geng Yue, or…LnicXfafbZmWhGLiQOhsBELgBMmrSM

LvtaVzmoRmDaCbW

Li Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What did they talk about?”aqYygwiGdXmXTaWtQNFpoQMpfsiuuK

OLEyofIOrkJawpb

Shi Yi paused awkwardly for a moment, “Uh, it was said to be about a hidden illness.”hwWMJeoKieGXOSXRRSYpZEFjZYuPuG

GMhuSbjkSRxuWhP

Li Wuting, “……”fChVTaYRrdLUIyBnmopdCXYkhCZjiP

FltiiwHgHEzjxsi

Shi Yi added, “After the conversation, Lord Ning went alone to the lakeside to sober up. He was staggering, indeed seemed quite drunk.”EsDjPccoQjcFWjdMncbBnHAJGPayqA

zLGrRAejNamaPLH

Li Wuting pressed his brow, “You mean, the encounter and falling into the water were both accidents?”aVUgFnbSiRcOWKWEGCsXvjYhUSthBh

mqEugoEzGysXipW

“I dare not make unfounded statements.”vxytltVWHnxNdxsAYzDqBpKtEXlEjI

dnQMJdUMfTzAKaM

“Enough, continue.”BOUtNJPwaCulFXQFgWCeUpepctgFlc

gqZbHRrQgWIUQDZ

“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.”HVBlZACLrAwJHjSTbFcqWYKNmiJowr

tJvYidaGrZpQqPX

Li Wuting tapped his fingertips on the desk, “Didn’t see anyone at all?”wYqSCnGZmhFNZUMmtpfwmyLMdRSRRM

GFpuePSwGmWjqBK

“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.”soJQtpRSGSnmJPcCUidcpCAvdnbMmV

WnXDUOijlcTsjlA

“What did they talk about again?”TmuoPFVTaCpNaPeXHNLYNuuMdcGigc

QgHUbkFPhGthkvL

“Still, the hidden illness.”YNVHcUGHJJuLBQtcGJrmUGwWVOzZpG

EkWrrtKzIGelmtn

“……”pgDBDMyniwizWcdFYRQTFmCLrGPxgN

dcSqAiFzfqfUDGl

Even 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?”sxwTZWAcznShlbFdepwziuQMBcaEJA

PIFqzGxoWecYLJs

Shi Yi remained silent, his inner turmoil evident:ihuOHYMyTFeWsDWGPbmnUNStezqoNV

frzGMEkAyQaeUzu

How would he know!JNGHbSZGEBYTkFmXSSAMxpLdHUpsrG

lUlBpTpDjJUwUKi

Although 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.MiBsQHHSIweDmlNqCEIOGAIdcDBaJT

palqLlkaDkSODgH

The imperial study fell silent for a few moments.HjwLZNEKlKezJMDRHnEBJddQbKzcMV

NAcbNKdCjcoKQzJ

Li Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose, then quickly returned to his usual demeanor, “Is he well now?”zZEJUSpBHKNbyiSVbvSVVbCUQSvkxG

hHRTfBIJSUeibUE

It was clear whom “he” referred to.reqkWjpzjAeaIRzWovrMJqqQOQgsyR

EfDDNITVqNpgutr

Shi Yi replied, “He appears to be still recuperating.”nsXhDBLTyXRZNhscnygCzhDasyCHCK

eqtTLxZTkpGVEOh

“Is he pretending to be ill, or is he really not well?”cdoameArsQnOvIqlnkQsZoBYluXkLu

JcKBhUWKaGfVIcz

“Lord Ning appears sickly all year round. From a distance, it is not appropriate for me to inquire too closely. So…”pKXVvsvcXNAbIgTXJraKlmdMSPEePQ

hYkUXKZMpRiocPQ

The Emperor’s calm voice came from above, “Do you need me to teach you how to handle your duties?”GrKVXaMAYmuODYkfGNiEPmgesFHFYN

DnoJRqIoGrDxCyI

Shi Yi immediately felt a chill, bowing deeply, “Your Majesty, forgive me, I will report to you first thing tomorrow morning!”gCQfHvLQozYtNgDjhPdInCpSIWwYVc

ngLGwvrdcjSrByZ

·AYeNnNnxSwpsEoNqDPSSsDEZSPeTVN

hoavfDcaUplXiwh

At night, during the hour of Hai.hBDkXlySEbgZkpaSkIKchTdoKHDFYe

CTydWFmujRsxIzh

Most of the servants in Ning’s residence had already retired for the night.pVOTmfSKKBvEKVbQOBEDwfaUDeHvaR

KCPXGYENSYvtpXU

Shi Yi, familiar with the route, used the cover of dusk to glide across the rooftops and land on the roof of the main house.MKuBodjXKdIOMIBaBBOwIvdxrmllFd

cOUyTSThgtMKxiI

He 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.ATznMkdnaiaehvBSySiTpekLkoXxXw

lcjizTNINZIhcXa

Shi Yi lay on the roof, pondering for a while, then had a stroke of inspiration.sEbrqLIOUuCnRQKrwZzKniyBhHTibK

QKzdDcfxWcxmnKC

He replaced the tile and tossed a small pebble at the window lattice: clackwkrigyWKnjGAzLbBBsnxuPuMBTrZQs

OCwJicmODqObHRu

Hey, are you asleep?HuvBYroTPcIHKlesYYdYyAUQiVZRvm

WcorEiLsTCSJixj

sorLZqDZOUUrmyodzYjnSkYBkAwBVh

dcUiGBPUjTecUQg

Inside the room, Ning Rushen had just finished drinking the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician and was starting to feel sleepy.ZRykhBzNFtEBfXqyshUIUMDJzOxVot

vlRHdLHxhmnRjAP

He was just about to fall asleep after tucking in the blanket when he suddenly heard a sound from outside the window: clack.WJnfPcezFAwPofcXtLmqrrCKZBMFJO

mfCQmKSZAiyDtcJ

It sounded like a pebble hitting the window lattice.wfGFnEucxQibTGLmRgmzgwJGeURbZv

jxdriOYvaOoxUAV

Ning Rushen instantly woke up, pulling aside the bed curtains, “Who’s there?”HVBjpcMWeqOAYLNZhyrjXJaFrJOkKF

SUJRKpkTwitQhkq

The room was pitch dark, and it was silent outside.PeIbRYtsKNxPpnOwBJrszoodJpOfDt

syAbxvDwHoHoiZq

Was it the wind? He looked out and then lay back down.MKyFtCsDrYrTeFkHQQfrzsqUBwYZHu

roteXIoOMHHkUAE

Another half an incense stick’s time passed.srGkDaGPrBPbWXjJtggVIkrLCWgwyZ

lcBuFwXMVyKSDXp

Just as Ning Rushen’s consciousness was slowly drifting into light sleep, he suddenly heard another clack on the window lattice!sORwrwLJKhqgwmwblgJFNIzBUuDioi

BtnKQuLPWAcfsnX

He abruptly woke up and turned to look outside.ASomHScuqrjgAnLVbQnWnbWppdBuhp

bMHbkLyEhUNSpOl

The words Geng Yan had said during the day suddenly flashed through his mind: Did someone break into your place?xtlqGVlDPixCyITolVbfnBIdFuDHCk

EwHYDfAtfkeJdgw

“……”LTraORHRUEGMOzpiEbalPpIABXAlgu

DuAyqzoitPbaetG

He 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.bAPuFZFXMlFPCnkaLZCwKlwNNvURqT

xRpGUvIWANMTWgA

Ning Rushen thought for a moment and then slapped the bed to stay alert:gNGvQVkrjYQTkaMPUrXoXuHjLnSbwJ

kUoNfMVIngCivqs

I’m not asleep yet, little thief, go away!rrBNyhBgNyNePUHUOyNBuuZHwImdov

oEAoIoQAhTFocJb

It 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.xhowZSzZwRHBOEDJvSTHxScgEYpnrQ

DNjWligtwDkZuGA

Another half an incense stick’s time passed.VGaUlkokiMhSwBMLcdqKqvovjoUQNp

HgFYmClTrJSarXr

Very consistently, a clack came from outside the window lattice.lBaqOdijDWNXLheuILDQyKWBuRyrMZ

YQQoDdGCaMzwaam

Ning Rushen, “…………”pOUDElRjRjaBQCcAylmuHKXATKobDl

MtxHcYMIgSAdduF

Ning Rushen jerked awake, nearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown—gbeolmyNspfhpMsouNGVrVzxdhboCs

torCRJWoDnsyDPI

Where the hell did this sneaky bastard come from?lHNacrYoEqgiFtNWghAbeinasJLyUR

MLiBLDvcLjODVNr

Was it really necessary? Was it really fucking necessary to keep testing whether he was asleep or not?!eIerovymNonxbjidtrUEYzrVlOwgzG

RoUOqgbolsrRvvC

If you’re going to steal something, just hurry the fuck up!VxbwfyDUUAYESgBEzUQWCkypoKwnXV

fQZyfpAcmNltpGe

Furious and dizzy, he decided to just get up and light a lamp: Fine, fine, you don’t want me to sleep, right?bjeSROFIMVWdqgyZJfRZTFtGqivXko

tlQvaRTdtLxWYDx

Then nobody sleeps.QtWBazwUirlCqPoEfJwcVceVVYCMiI

LYYehibzEfsWpHg

The candlelight flickered dimly.ZxSdjoOZCRLWcuWSnltnBmZAOEVxNN

CsSChJGXhESrrus

Ning 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…AERkugUPyiZuhbykYkkwjQYpzjPqZA

HPXolqWRNkJXTEI

The next morning.FwPlgQbrnBzLcwPYCUqvHNNppiPIHS

JPyDmLqBdadcxTa

Yan Min came to knock on the door to wake people up.AYPiKXxIlsyuHlPXapqRwAmeBIkFcB

ywaPAILkzvbmuUn

As the door opened, there stood Ning Rushen in a snow-white robe, barefoot, with bloodshot eyes staring straight at him.azZyCvDvpCvnBHyVsHmoRCWClTUUYw

QAAowhyvgIbVhss

Yan Min stepped back in shock, “My lord?”MEWuBUckxynDMvWXZjpFpzfEjwVYBf

yYOczfeNHrnxOqy

Ning 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.”PbVOKUPSNeAsiDsFrigHebRXnSFQIw

IjgCXJgcqpyhpjG

Yan Min was horrified, “Ah pish! My lord, what inauspicious things are you saying!”yvwiJLqBFVHnkPpqYCOihRdiTjQnuf

hWnbQMoqahqhWmt

“…” 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.”jvpbKpOpBirxwVlSsUimMRDrQBGoOE

dLvvqRlpUupZBPy

Yan Min panicked, “What happened?”IHfrBglwmsBCvrHyfOjSPzuWabHqvV

yrinZrWKkJoDcCT

Ning 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.qIRDzIlSzdXXydqATCaTzCQiLQrSeV

ZQafYTylrcijfZO

In his groggy sleep, he thought:ThoKmKYTpdxLrBWWHFOepXXnASBlty

cAVVfEqhGqocFKc

I better not let him know where that sneaky bastard came from.WNMHndPZofVDCSKDphJztxxTdxuxEd

sXcLdCSzzsOlHov

·isvUCqFukMhIZqfzrljFCCTckEfDOs

kJWMPenpDEkzWET

While Ning Rushen went back to catching up on sleep, Shi Yi still had to report back.dNVqKZTPkXRrbxhNzFOLTJhOQKMVWE

SjedZnTljZKIVPF

Li Wuting had just finished the morning court when he saw Shi Yi, with eyes red as blood, kneeling in the imperial study.HHYZGGFdtcmicGxvNMRPdCfGHcqcmA

JOTCjrSgjrWrJaa

“Your Majesty, it seems Lord Ning is truly ill.”BZcwBIzItYfjWOFyZmzhXhQNDOIRbr

gZGZXgwglwVmEtl

Li Wuting didn’t ask why Shi Yi’s eyes were so red— the imperial guards had their own methods.UtrArhyAEGSIpHVpHKlimhFJDzGQvL

BYvkmcBzgKaIIJu

He gestured for the report to continue.PKJBSXkPIELmJnnenjSdedeQHAAMcK

TdprcmaAoDlofWG

Shi Yi’s voice was hoarse, “Lord Ning has suffered greatly from his illness, not sleeping all night.”IXUqXDOaCmDOUdJDOvZiVEDNOCKQOF

jNOHZfJIlwkPulg

Li Wuting frowned, his gaze sharp, “Is it that serious?”GFvcFxIrBITtxcEnooptCLPPBXHuXt

srTTHDZgwKxRdgY

Shi 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.”UAhaDoQyGXkZShAqdHSIaqldtaYsRU

ydgjHzGZmFtVSWH

“Every hour, throw one, and then another hour, throw another… all the way until dawn. Every time I threw one, he was awake!”BVllxQcCnpsZwcXSKjcEITOKpOPYIY

IbwuDsKFakjCbyt

Shi Yi murmured softly, “Lord Ning’s condition, I fear, is not good…”JEjYCZhFnBPYoddSnNiYUgWPhCELgJ

glgDhWxVzHqAjfZ

The imperial study fell into silence.wfUAJGMqdgmfJBKcVfbXuLCjDHlWCy

HSCXogvCURIVZwo

Li Wuting looked at the loyal imperial guard kneeling before him, his expression complex, and for a long time, no words were spoken.SQBqpvdlicDwbEQmmwduRvhskCVuMV

vKNDIUWsodAFliR
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