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
jjfjQQZtWuXiKPkLaid 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
zfIdrwRraWmLcfXA section of pale wrist dangled from the sleeve. As it passed by Li Wuting, suddenly, the emperor spoke, “Wait.”kbyiMEHlLlJUtrBzaiPsIJOrhDzzUZ
MrctTeKXdLZWUdLNing Rushen was placed on a couch, his wet clothes already changed.dwvEuOuJwXMUWiKTuHviYxaCKeyLAB
TwZKtCvSovYGzwlThe 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
sSVMvqcpliXxQOZLi 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
oBXIWGgElhxaYfIThe physician wisely fell silent.dyDIXNSSIUwUvQcKHdBljYVKzpTcDl
kAxLrtVVccBDgjmLi Wuting indifferently commanded, “Everyone, leave.”sOCGVjAiAZJzuQyaLYkbmfDjVtOIEd
GKSLYiIaLAWczZJHis word “everyone” left no room for the palace attendants to stay; they all followed the physician out.RiLzknNtjrqRBVmuIlHczQpJciFRus
ljjWzYDnQPhqufsDe Quan, unsure of the emperor’s mood, speculated, “Shall I wait outside?”nGDtyrvYqOmnTqzNWBsWXKWqOSiwCE
PsiYbnUizXNXUyB“Yes.” De Quan bowed deeply, retreating.xnFSaDEfOcrLBRSkdcyjzUbTBXwrGG
aPwvhTUQbLhygrdBefore 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
fXdICNtrmtwbdmhThe more De Quan thought, the more alarmed he became, utterly unable to fathom the emperor’s thoughts.rvwCfINHfhbNUqJUeQSZuZAconqNuP
PIzYJAzcLQGxeHfWhat exactly were the emperor’s feelings towards Lord Ning?IzdcPnadGRAoczYpjxhGmEHYJKAJhi
qRFOraofZudQDuSSoon, all attendants had exited.VFMsiSGUEMPIEqqUeOjslCLgPoUVli
QvylmCmaCOaELGNIn the side hall, only Li Wuting and Ning Rushen remained.jNUeATFzBihcclgjpyZRacVbpEySee
MnnKulVjodwhsicA 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
CIlbdHkltQlobANLi Wuting stood before the couch, eyes downcast in contemplation, “What are you plotting this time…”ldpGUmqmACDliLzuDDBDeZEPvbpRkY
hCoATQuCRhlckTkThe person on the couch unconsciously furrowed his brows.eJlYSAiQVwiAzZFZVmFBvSLJxWAwVJ
GudsQnkOVeMONXrLi Wuting leaned over, lifting the face, “Did you really damage your brain?”npTnOEpokXMieHFTPPoThsGCSYcoWs
WFJWNGAUvjhUODqThe person in a deep slumber did not awaken, yet his lips moved slightly, barely forming a word: “Pfft.”qBEyDbIDbCckPfyZimkfzKpPWAjYQE
AigxqslBpIFxXlgLi Wuting, “…”eVwIyRmwVwCIWxxIQOcYLpwWNgeVaS
KYxwgliGKdmFFXIHe released his hand, pulling the blanket over that half-exposed face, and turned to leave the side hall.GjMYNkiACniBMJMJPXcLPExACTYfPJ
RLqCHECMFICIbVF…OYScObCEzCMwjLRBgjNQtyWuudvGkJ
ypPqTfntbDvsRwCNing Rushen did not know how long he had been unconscious.zBmzhaATKRulZgZjGPzbKOIHjZbNmm
LPQnWtJhWFdlHdhUpon waking, only one thought crossed his mind: I’m split open.zSmlSZFFFMIYhRxZgPfWwBKoFdnKjE
SVWWaDphoWpWPBJHis 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
CqoMackiWptwhRrLooking around, he found himself lying on an unfamiliar couch.RNDnickrroQRlSEApTpCqNhJQQEvAt
RuPmBQWqPqQlYJAThe room was luxuriously decorated, even heated from below.dmCmNXBWfCHXQixAblfktMkBRJIEBu
NvphyXzEEexMAdK“Lord Ning is awake,” the young eunuch bowed.ESpsJYXffSFMHnyrDWuIMqnQMXWQTU
ZrYkGMWwyDVdDlo“Who are you?”OLTpfAOffxWuZdAVGhouEoDLBdypsi
JrMFYYgrjshdGuJ“I am Xiao Rongzi, commanded by His Majesty to attend to you. Is there anything uncomfortable, my lord?”TlNGeBuEGlulgnhprsfOPUvCWXbkwQ
FngjnYTUhILgVYLNing Rushen struggled to sit up, “Everything is uncomfortable… Where is this?”wYzEfoTXETBiMFqvMQAgNEAUjjYNpM
ddKJYAZyJRyLFpuXiao 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
HWAKDfAKUnmvlkAFalling into the water…AGHqcVFXqapCHlbEdhVZXRiwxLFmGx
leyWQWvqHWhzBiKNing Rushen’s waterlogged brain finally began to work.ERCqMNORqvclBXiWMcOwCjlGarGWNa
cxuxzrKhLdgbTAbHe recalled encountering Li Wuting by the lake after the palace banquet, and after parting, he had dizzyingly slipped into the lake.DmsYbAgcPmFXegamRsxqCkXjxlqDuo
HXXJFKOnijBAoaJNing Rushen muttered to himself, “Not to mention, the flowers by the lake were quite vibrant, and that bridge…”TFopNtMzDmMkqgGEjUtzRadtsnYUma
ohCswjHcLuwHciQXiao Rongzi listened with a heart pounding in terror.MimILQJfrWwCCTqrvRYitIMlmODRdv
vifodyhDLGVxDnUFlowers and a bridge? Lord Ning must have seen the flowers of the other shore and the Bridge of Helplessness!XVCqDZoqrUvtOyefHgIjaUCfzPBXbi
lnuFxUDpmpBFhxLUnaware of Xiao Rongzi’s horrified expression, Ning Rushen slipped on his shoes and stood up, “May I ask, where is His Majesty?”iiCdkvCImsRVEteqQiDqfWjfSJemNH
YJcfeYEnNySFSQCXiao Rongzi looked at him with reverence, “To answer my lord, His Majesty is reviewing documents in the imperial study!”wCTaDSQRuvzFchWeiEMWJPFfCOhqrJ
QXorIEIglTgDVMt“Thank you.”GYjXEpbSdXAiZjnttxwyShqMKfznMt
FdSsxokFNDytsvmNing Rushen straightened his attire and headed towards the imperial study.rdhhqjmYoJKqvFqyjAvCOltotuLNoh
xKmUoDAuaVVqOPl·dayMjIsIHEpdAomKoNwkCqCnAwNuLd
gtDLosZsoBXShCIUpon 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
zgaMIdABxvWVnkwNing 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
mvWhucwxAXWLNzGNing Rushen paused momentarily on the spot.WfBLMAhYhfzClgXqwMRdQvgqzDIAUQ
kHhfvrUmWsWKrCpHe 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
UwAkXraUSPoQJMqThe 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
wGwkrWceMshbhimNing Rushen, “……”zPWNOKwofiMJadKEsfyoEkdXuCzTGt
UCDYepNqgVMFZLsHe retracted his thoughts. What an incompetent ruler!tiJxjhrWvHVajFZgKEWKqDfWIcJTEF
CDlAHTIIRXoyDMSTaking 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
VntygqdYHLguXvCLi Wuting hummed, “And how should you be punished?”GcabqppVuAURcJhsMiKfBoKqjTfeXF
DVWnsjRykvYgoqlNing Rushen was startled by the question, thinking it was just a courtesy.YieQHwFQvqBtxpzdgqAcCRlFfcWplH
yiyUeqFaKtUegDUAfter a moment, he ashamedly lowered his lashes, “Just have me reflect behind closed doors…”MWVmmGlbncLDtbUXxrqonrFuFdjLAM
jCQZdROuMALFCcNA cold, insightful laugh fell, “Heh.”YFcFrzJtmWeWIqojJJvjWOwQcJxlDu
GLvSVbrDwNaXzenNing Rushen, “……”adyBqWstyvUCnNjYJxrBOfxTnfkNAP
iRXupJyHLtbtmEAThe 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
weXmVDKLUVPQgYDThe last sentence was uttered in a light tone, yet it contained a warning.DvuqKKwSlaQrKivAQHZgeAglwbwkWF
YmKsmagQmOyVeUqWarning him not to defy the imperial edict again.ZTZEihndSLLnfqOwQmvcJeGShcoSKw
iqSMBDMTjFBcqniNing Rushen obediently bowed his head, “I, I will obey the edict.”UgfLjmBivQUWvjHvhyeXPzlpseIFfe
XjaYsyZFxslEYhL…PVBeMWDlwuOEKyktlocTbqcNopsKSx
RjiPZPZjmqPxcmdHowever, being compliant was not in Ning Rushen’s nature.ToEcDLEVbJHkxvXuIWgSyFdNgkOliF
nAbLoGsvHcEdgLaAfter resting at his residence for a night, he had someone call for the city’s physician the next day.FBJfNryWyGZUpkzXTjGTSfRIvoTLxH
zdBasjdTZKPKyqrThe 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
qQPZwYTtKuhbQXcNing Rushen felt as if a thunderbolt had struck!WGfZZVAbNWtmJTGCPyYgRrNDJasYGt
MkNvCkeCTnhFGdtHe 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
wgWwmcOkzFVRIVXThe physician was in a difficult position, “I prescribe medicine, not poison.”AXaJOKcaaVLEVDhwPcENDtwtPPdRwa
siaNdCOAlZkcFlpNing Rushen, “……”WZaWuenhQdQnvsRcZpeUElxVwTiuuZ
qwmrpqqscAFMZugAfter sending away the powerless physician, Ning Rushen could only lie in bed properly, taking his medicine and recuperating.hDDLaDFERJTwRJKetwwlOMsNpBoHtD
VfdSqFZHCumUekRNews of his illness spread far and wide.kGGxoKTbAtgeYXZutFBquQocMfDAMZ
gdtPnvpMjpkNsAmIn 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
MdaCcjZTGfJCxijNing 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
NcrqrpIpuKrxoUVWhat a joke, why would he want to socialize while on sick leave?pOSSQbrZxQZWuHfpLzNWGyZLBUnoem
ZWnybcQgYnCpHre…EkIESEEJvBTcqcSHDRnAYPJKAndCjr
uUxhTgjMNAiSJwGWhen 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
qBQcCcDcpIgfLGzThe 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
caFvkYPaPHEavcNNing 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
FlffBczMOmWFSqFHe lazily pulled the blanket around him, “How did you get in here? Didn’t I have Yan Min turn away visitors?”BqkPMnkMyBOjPSlWkmTbARMheoxyze
AfFnMtucdJrfBkZGeng Yan matter-of-factly, “Climbed the wall, of course.”LgZhGDFIunNfGJouIWcTEgPdojXJWh
pEXvaFFRIjLnSbLNing 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
SQElnnYVixfnBGkNing Rushen was at a loss for words, “So you just climbed in?”QSXiauZyDEXYaYPOGLPPxAlSIQrCQc
ZKrLfbnxZDCGHqWGeng Yan, “Yeah.”BBsEOZUowBtpSqsMvMWxawMYXscysT
QqNffzgFfgetdov“……”OJpddNEifYoDmkqgvRRXtAgTVdsXWJ
BrtCDfUPYPJbNnoA 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
GiXliJklyTxSPHDNing 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
lgUYWpVzbmulXLwGeng Yan’s expression became serious.KnABVJTgqWnMwMAEBOFBEEDcyZNfiK
VcdhYkvOVoOpSRzHe remembered the news his father mentioned recently. If it was Ning Chen, maybe he could hear some rumors from the imperial court.VfPFZktgHqaHuhFLhARpstRWoVljEc
sHJmpUUrRKLxepCGeng Yan, for once, showed a serious side.iykBnGNxzIWpWyCIWnHiZnSYiNmnge
ZPrAHwyqDTJrunONing Rushen sighed lightly, “I knew it. Is it about…”dSWxKDqUItXYoITkGdUDWhVjgEbNvs
sTHMmFqqaGRCZPMGeng Yan took a deep breath, “Yeah.”AngUvrgjViwQyLyaGhLBDfYpVMKECb
qXgzZjtfgNMZMrBNing Rushen, “Still about the hidden illness?”xMFbyAHNBNuGhpUJkdewWzworRNDoa
NEuxYdcKoHaTQCp“……”UTlkPzkwMLhmZnwKRChrEygQMsADZj
czWnmoqbWGqNXQNNo!!!LMLhnqUFZPSvZjXNfrqmUvWxCloCJe
rXCfhsHVmCOpYuiGeng Yan exploded, “You dare to bring that up again!!!”nzuGCvpoInNMdSFZBotpKjuNUQJHdA
rLioqhPTyjFgowz·aiYwalFjokVbTFjYxsIgBVIzBGjxOR
DFPoIdjvzoNLLFjThat night, Shi Yi once again appeared in the imperial study as usual.yNyqRCQbtlNVwZohhSJsemOlNyCZcK
qzyAdbwVORiGynlLi 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
QKPywpfNsylhPIBThe son of the Minister of Revenue, Geng Yue, Geng Yan.AwXrqxFXrOKGpjKvucuaLAAHVSqWxq
zbPdfOQNJgqDzkvWas this instigated by Geng Yue, or…LnicXfafbZmWhGLiQOhsBELgBMmrSM
LvtaVzmoRmDaCbWLi Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What did they talk about?”aqYygwiGdXmXTaWtQNFpoQMpfsiuuK
OLEyofIOrkJawpbShi Yi paused awkwardly for a moment, “Uh, it was said to be about a hidden illness.”hwWMJeoKieGXOSXRRSYpZEFjZYuPuG
GMhuSbjkSRxuWhPLi Wuting, “……”fChVTaYRrdLUIyBnmopdCXYkhCZjiP
FltiiwHgHEzjxsiShi Yi added, “After the conversation, Lord Ning went alone to the lakeside to sober up. He was staggering, indeed seemed quite drunk.”EsDjPccoQjcFWjdMncbBnHAJGPayqA
zLGrRAejNamaPLHLi 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
tJvYidaGrZpQqPXLi 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
dcSqAiFzfqfUDGlEven 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
PIFqzGxoWecYLJsShi Yi remained silent, his inner turmoil evident:ihuOHYMyTFeWsDWGPbmnUNStezqoNV
frzGMEkAyQaeUzuHow would he know!JNGHbSZGEBYTkFmXSSAMxpLdHUpsrG
lUlBpTpDjJUwUKiAlthough 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
palqLlkaDkSODgHThe imperial study fell silent for a few moments.HjwLZNEKlKezJMDRHnEBJddQbKzcMV
NAcbNKdCjcoKQzJLi Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose, then quickly returned to his usual demeanor, “Is he well now?”zZEJUSpBHKNbyiSVbvSVVbCUQSvkxG
hHRTfBIJSUeibUEIt was clear whom “he” referred to.reqkWjpzjAeaIRzWovrMJqqQOQgsyR
EfDDNITVqNpgutrShi 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
hYkUXKZMpRiocPQThe Emperor’s calm voice came from above, “Do you need me to teach you how to handle your duties?”GrKVXaMAYmuODYkfGNiEPmgesFHFYN
DnoJRqIoGrDxCyIShi Yi immediately felt a chill, bowing deeply, “Your Majesty, forgive me, I will report to you first thing tomorrow morning!”gCQfHvLQozYtNgDjhPdInCpSIWwYVc
ngLGwvrdcjSrByZ·AYeNnNnxSwpsEoNqDPSSsDEZSPeTVN
hoavfDcaUplXiwhAt night, during the hour of Hai.hBDkXlySEbgZkpaSkIKchTdoKHDFYe
CTydWFmujRsxIzhMost of the servants in Ning’s residence had already retired for the night.pVOTmfSKKBvEKVbQOBEDwfaUDeHvaR
KCPXGYENSYvtpXUShi 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
cOUyTSThgtMKxiIHe 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
lcjizTNINZIhcXaShi Yi lay on the roof, pondering for a while, then had a stroke of inspiration.sEbrqLIOUuCnRQKrwZzKniyBhHTibK
QKzdDcfxWcxmnKCHe replaced the tile and tossed a small pebble at the window lattice: clack—wkrigyWKnjGAzLbBBsnxuPuMBTrZQs
OCwJicmODqObHRuHey, are you asleep?HuvBYroTPcIHKlesYYdYyAUQiVZRvm
WcorEiLsTCSJixj…sorLZqDZOUUrmyodzYjnSkYBkAwBVh
dcUiGBPUjTecUQgInside the room, Ning Rushen had just finished drinking the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician and was starting to feel sleepy.ZRykhBzNFtEBfXqyshUIUMDJzOxVot
vlRHdLHxhmnRjAPHe was just about to fall asleep after tucking in the blanket when he suddenly heard a sound from outside the window: clack.WJnfPcezFAwPofcXtLmqrrCKZBMFJO
mfCQmKSZAiyDtcJIt sounded like a pebble hitting the window lattice.wfGFnEucxQibTGLmRgmzgwJGeURbZv
jxdriOYvaOoxUAVNing Rushen instantly woke up, pulling aside the bed curtains, “Who’s there?”HVBjpcMWeqOAYLNZhyrjXJaFrJOkKF
SUJRKpkTwitQhkqThe room was pitch dark, and it was silent outside.PeIbRYtsKNxPpnOwBJrszoodJpOfDt
syAbxvDwHoHoiZqWas it the wind? He looked out and then lay back down.MKyFtCsDrYrTeFkHQQfrzsqUBwYZHu
roteXIoOMHHkUAEAnother half an incense stick’s time passed.srGkDaGPrBPbWXjJtggVIkrLCWgwyZ
lcBuFwXMVyKSDXpJust as Ning Rushen’s consciousness was slowly drifting into light sleep, he suddenly heard another clack on the window lattice!sORwrwLJKhqgwmwblgJFNIzBUuDioi
BtnKQuLPWAcfsnXHe abruptly woke up and turned to look outside.ASomHScuqrjgAnLVbQnWnbWppdBuhp
bMHbkLyEhUNSpOlThe words Geng Yan had said during the day suddenly flashed through his mind: Did someone break into your place?xtlqGVlDPixCyITolVbfnBIdFuDHCk
EwHYDfAtfkeJdgw“……”LTraORHRUEGMOzpiEbalPpIABXAlgu
DuAyqzoitPbaetGHe 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
xRpGUvIWANMTWgANing Rushen thought for a moment and then slapped the bed to stay alert:gNGvQVkrjYQTkaMPUrXoXuHjLnSbwJ
kUoNfMVIngCivqsI’m not asleep yet, little thief, go away!rrBNyhBgNyNePUHUOyNBuuZHwImdov
oEAoIoQAhTFocJbIt 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
DNjWligtwDkZuGAAnother half an incense stick’s time passed.VGaUlkokiMhSwBMLcdqKqvovjoUQNp
HgFYmClTrJSarXrVery consistently, a clack came from outside the window lattice.lBaqOdijDWNXLheuILDQyKWBuRyrMZ
YQQoDdGCaMzwaamNing Rushen, “…………”pOUDElRjRjaBQCcAylmuHKXATKobDl
MtxHcYMIgSAdduFNing Rushen jerked awake, nearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown—gbeolmyNspfhpMsouNGVrVzxdhboCs
torCRJWoDnsyDPIWhere the hell did this sneaky bastard come from?lHNacrYoEqgiFtNWghAbeinasJLyUR
MLiBLDvcLjODVNrWas it really necessary? Was it really fucking necessary to keep testing whether he was asleep or not?!eIerovymNonxbjidtrUEYzrVlOwgzG
RoUOqgbolsrRvvCIf you’re going to steal something, just hurry the fuck up!VxbwfyDUUAYESgBEzUQWCkypoKwnXV
fQZyfpAcmNltpGeFurious and dizzy, he decided to just get up and light a lamp: Fine, fine, you don’t want me to sleep, right?bjeSROFIMVWdqgyZJfRZTFtGqivXko
tlQvaRTdtLxWYDxThen nobody sleeps.QtWBazwUirlCqPoEfJwcVceVVYCMiI
LYYehibzEfsWpHgThe candlelight flickered dimly.ZxSdjoOZCRLWcuWSnltnBmZAOEVxNN
CsSChJGXhESrrusNing 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
HPXolqWRNkJXTEIThe next morning.FwPlgQbrnBzLcwPYCUqvHNNppiPIHS
JPyDmLqBdadcxTaYan Min came to knock on the door to wake people up.AYPiKXxIlsyuHlPXapqRwAmeBIkFcB
ywaPAILkzvbmuUnAs the door opened, there stood Ning Rushen in a snow-white robe, barefoot, with bloodshot eyes staring straight at him.azZyCvDvpCvnBHyVsHmoRCWClTUUYw
QAAowhyvgIbVhssYan Min stepped back in shock, “My lord?”MEWuBUckxynDMvWXZjpFpzfEjwVYBf
yYOczfeNHrnxOqyNing 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
IjgCXJgcqpyhpjGYan 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
dLvvqRlpUupZBPyYan Min panicked, “What happened?”IHfrBglwmsBCvrHyfOjSPzuWabHqvV
yrinZrWKkJoDcCTNing 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
ZQafYTylrcijfZOIn his groggy sleep, he thought:ThoKmKYTpdxLrBWWHFOepXXnASBlty
cAVVfEqhGqocFKcI better not let him know where that sneaky bastard came from.WNMHndPZofVDCSKDphJztxxTdxuxEd
sXcLdCSzzsOlHov·isvUCqFukMhIZqfzrljFCCTckEfDOs
kJWMPenpDEkzWETWhile Ning Rushen went back to catching up on sleep, Shi Yi still had to report back.dNVqKZTPkXRrbxhNzFOLTJhOQKMVWE
SjedZnTljZKIVPFLi 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
gZGZXgwglwVmEtlLi Wuting didn’t ask why Shi Yi’s eyes were so red— the imperial guards had their own methods.UtrArhyAEGSIpHVpHKlimhFJDzGQvL
BYvkmcBzgKaIIJuHe gestured for the report to continue.PKJBSXkPIELmJnnenjSdedeQHAAMcK
TdprcmaAoDlofWGShi Yi’s voice was hoarse, “Lord Ning has suffered greatly from his illness, not sleeping all night.”IXUqXDOaCmDOUdJDOvZiVEDNOCKQOF
jNOHZfJIlwkPulgLi Wuting frowned, his gaze sharp, “Is it that serious?”GFvcFxIrBITtxcEnooptCLPPBXHuXt
srTTHDZgwKxRdgYShi 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
IbwuDsKFakjCbytShi Yi murmured softly, “Lord Ning’s condition, I fear, is not good…”JEjYCZhFnBPYoddSnNiYUgWPhCELgJ
glgDhWxVzHqAjfZThe imperial study fell into silence.wfUAJGMqdgmfJBKcVfbXuLCjDHlWCy
HSCXogvCURIVZwoLi Wuting looked at the loyal imperial guard kneeling before him, his expression complex, and for a long time, no words were spoken.SQBqpvdlicDwbEQmmwduRvhskCVuMV
vKNDIUWsodAFliRqSiGgpWXgKkeLoEvivpEwtSSNdglGP