This official is so weak

The palace attendants scrambled to pull Ning Rushen, who was gurgling and bubbling, out of the water, pressing the accumulated water out of him.aRATFBEMVGNOQyDmawTwzaYbqBazaQ

iLTtCmpaLuGlIrB

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.NfJjlhfxJldlCLelZqlHYkVfJHsPWI

etFvNzGsqIJZCML

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

wzThTOKtezapCXN

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

qJgAsIastkrWFPE

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

xdlOruTphvHcFrt

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?”AdobizGQXeYYcdZPwWjgRGsRtJZqku

PzXlvabMjWPENyf

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

VUXfHawmyqgwATA

“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…”xByEIhLYVLmqaJYHAuPqWVeLRqkFtO

GqTFCoAXdwkgswK

The physician wisely fell silent.oiWaMFjDahhdeMkmIlclGlrSnYEzeT

OShLXkYXgKwyAPz

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

MhZtFAjtXFdobfN

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

SPGGdPzKsEMmaRX

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

FxOyUnUHTvrZtHm

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

YfrnGGMloOpVJSm

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.yTBmrDQSUuappaLabLVAEJvEjcfAbS

aUVFTAEcKeNAIPl

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

ebIRLMdUpokJZyg

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

kJuNgCkRKNdnGVt

Soon, all attendants had exited.dUKaqWpRZUKkVdAOxRJViRlAmpeXrn

iKFGYjyVibKKSTI

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

TlFvVbYjNCPxbQT

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.fZDOVauyzJvQgzpLLdyDEBsQaNTPPd

kfOMGPbBmnWQLXw

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

YoftDXvUqfTjtzM

The person on the couch unconsciously furrowed his brows.PZgXgUQSIOCXMxOpzWVAjSFQnizpao

UhvaooxfuHjMxwH

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

iBijwWZxebsSujg

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

RqZQPppRWWpTdUp

Li Wuting, “…”UqpKEPQWnLnvvVlweLZEROZtCiYYOG

LLdMUNKnplpzyYb

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

lUQjVjXeynajmTo

…LxbYpFNOxeEvjqfnvKwqpdjTXRIfON

bNQVbtjCQrIDZlA

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

vOqTDSZDDfGaTgX

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

TtuJrqEQUqXiGMY

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.QTgRGPOxVIDyWZhMXswwTyeUjkvmqO

pNeqACQWWWHZnMp

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

NzDfsEXfsBniUgO

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

lhRnhysMLVpHpXw

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

XIDhSeDfViDDMlC

“Who are you?”FLkbrzcVXTxHVhhjBGWSSJHWutzGBZ

tOAsVLGyZbvXyQZ

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

aSaTfQSlpWrlXNo

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

BoCMrFITsaxFbcZ

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.”SpuNbiDrTQWuHXzPqQqhUZTycOHYXH

vMKHrGVWkqRWJVq

Falling into the water…VJvpeUnlJIvvskgIEdlYmhtCZiPqod

qYacpEhABedgwyN

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

fTBhqHVsXnNpTkK

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

SKDjUhtSkuPOIaK

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

iKtVQjpcAyFLzjf

Xiao Rongzi listened with a heart pounding in terror.eKorcvQvLQCULfWApIDgaEvJAJMfcx

zzROyhQKDvsSKBz

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

mAMVREBTAqJMGlQ

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

RKxVFekkxDyyvxk

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

kFYaodEqUmFVqpv

“Thank you.”WzRMWNGGuzCjPqmarWCEQOVMABhYpv

UELhtVPRuXCFROI

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

fmkrXfpKEJzDUHA

·jzBxJioEOlpHpTloyiGDAbPJIZHUmP

tDsTuvoTajYmVTD

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.OIhnogMSzARWeqwlUyrOwmOwQWddEk

FRzjMCVqPEUfBPo

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.vILLHBPhMBWwjqtEHtbunKTtyYgqPR

GzdvtKrhusWssDK

Ning Rushen paused momentarily on the spot.JNLSRxFOWMoImgRTmUSsoNwguGmllY

GOKKXnlBtwviUsR

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

pIwyTqUfyRgXagJ

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

tTuMGnLAzJSapGF

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.”yGNAOfsoirPhWqIWdTelrwTJnWbHaM

yNnxetOwmZORLWT

Ning Rushen, “……”hYgEdFHEbPmLwqaDoHemvbQvKRfpZY

FhNdzCYZawwACDY

He retracted his thoughts. What an incompetent ruler!JQauewqrJmQFzTmaLJgiPKeCEwfimr

ILxorSPqsvlXVqi

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.”nDkyquMJslHGfTuajWOzGLlMnvkYFt

AeHDMyJxXkQVgTo

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

CokAFJRxnjDwPIW

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

pdgmTTPsykTyaem

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

vNcspKeOmgCMOJj

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

bkLQMYuRaRgbHhQ

Ning Rushen, “……”lIshyAREmYIvbZehOqHCVioaPMtAED

fuNlfrbrkFxdwIv

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?”iRYtNHMbdfKaSpYzieClzqshfFoWpL

tHESlTyOPWvAcvz

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

AztSuYWmsdXiOgd

Warning him not to defy the imperial edict again.hSLmxcJkopnVaocwLRIcelTzkpvTxK

HAPoUmzrwWaDZyP

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

DEAGuiQcelyokRX

…KVXmHNGgQxAEBXCQjbOcsCZyhqbUcG

CazbrvHZCWfqGFP

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

XYdlEjhjwRFozub

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

GALbMJYbGwclgCJ

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!”lcKxKYMyUaGJIWgyjhaBCSmoSNdwyI

ZmZEFLsEUkzRFQQ

Ning Rushen felt as if a thunderbolt had struck!uffwuhrbjGjUyLQfuuUAvqYsHrhHsk

NYvivsYrzrqnYMq

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?”MbhGTQCfDUOzwIgwHCiqyTQziZoqZZ

xdrVcWVEDhutqcG

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

GrwmjvxvfzuNXcc

Ning Rushen, “……”hZRCDItsBNSawHPVjOmXmLmKiXwqXD

cFPXkghkqzrFBNN

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

puOvZFLuvtGOHcb

News of his illness spread far and wide.SqVrgSqLukTITHTALNEpuMaQICWtQQ

UmRNSlxTtAddpOI

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.qwiEVVCLyijpTbDnPMBTvyAEfPLWuU

TKowtBgpRSwkAXy

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.EniVEqVlKjRXnrHylYEwWBZjYgRjXF

jzzqdVbueoOTVUl

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

eZUESuFuRETWrNh

…MwllqniRviWINLgicYGStyufaYetio

FkvROatnTDiViUv

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.WFSofKOtflOHsBYNDrriRtdrhWYWPW

pJjrgWifuLYoqSi

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

ETuGJchFeiWoFcm

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

yzXyPEspNOegocK

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.PzwbmlNLdWoznIjRnVKeejzwVzbYuK

zaSVBTblnNPirVw

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

ClOaOmdoWVwVnax

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

kBcyzyuHdtDfEtA

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

YRsaPZhQJRBXcGb

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

glkjqmTDukoHcLZ

“What?”czOxSgKaWoQkDCXrplJQqvlcmrOLMN

emJjhBljzcdfIGO

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

OhXISnBuflKMYBt

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

LjIPhzuwsfeDAWL

Geng Yan, “Yeah.”sZKdeojdReOQaNoHUcHLcbVIELuxGJ

jhEeGXoCCcMtGcw

“……”oaVguPtZDuHgspUhSllKwudCkOOPDI

lwaKWIkIqjZBpvG

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.JKpRWtXDkrueYrjwLtmTBSSjLsMFXp

vKIAeHKBYUmPDls

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.akzVOIILAGNBZBHnpbLqHqXaDGleHB

vwFKtVUEJBCjPPm

Geng Yan’s expression became serious.yUQLfyZYKfTSZickZBvPqupAWifGsc

mkaVTufAYSXupTD

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

vhlYOcyuutOMMDY

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

uLEsTlygugioBho

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

MhtmjRWdUxKuXNi

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

kdgkSgJZUPeyFeE

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

KNyNHhwZmzUvYWU

“……”URPBaBwgsmFXDpoPbDdHxFPptBdOMh

MYxexbbtXDcTqYU

No!!!FTmfrYOtpKQPMDGYUytNryqWHPrfQY

hAFHKDciBTzlyNr

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

dwSbwYgbhwsrdMV

·bPDCHSTUqKRClGBGkOLOWEesWuXQPn

qbtGwwFmGMKgZCM

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

xUCACoEGGcZhXJf

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

hrWawuxnEKlpoYq

“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.”XTUaTZejkAjxKDOnummQKtgbMJAqSc

fCAUPEKhvVltMxZ

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

BAVeTHmcXwUwjQN

Was this instigated by Geng Yue, or…poDdCgtLzGFLCcjNmZGlnyqxhcJZtP

frBtHocmaYIaPvX

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

GVDwgjugtbUxTfh

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

ZDfJvFATBXfFcAy

Li Wuting, “……”zmcchFnHNpyAonMwedXRWwVMRCdmla

vNMzipeLeUDgsBr

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

WmxcwWNsIpFLkPH

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

PjPeHAhZOONwJbe

“I dare not make unfounded statements.”ZHjQRiwicIafHAMuNDgqZHNyubwIaW

BpdwLNaTBRYqTXe

“Enough, continue.”veIMKUNpTQeTBUNKTPlbaFHVGiVMXb

jJrTuouCfUKxxeH

“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.”VNzkeRmKnBxnwarZYFLpltDDqBucKn

PAJxYbSOHGfsiGX

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

JppwrcNevPSSPDm

“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.”WhnwDGNWtqQzpjlVztBWCklhmFUWib

XqIBuKWCQNlZJIa

“What did they talk about again?”ueTeTFjhMDxeobixtXJgZIXOVasqLv

smmEdYnxKkEJeWk

“Still, the hidden illness.”SNbBWKpJiJRvLgrSxiOseXjYnGosRD

ITWnZPEzWnAbyHf

“……”akeMabFiXuprOPujsXHmQHdfKyPaif

EFKsKyBSVdHbskC

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?”EhobMVbSvzyTUBunxlJRhcccNSwOCp

DXXxUQrvbsYgSNm

Shi Yi remained silent, his inner turmoil evident:JXcDLVTMVGqMhUjjbNRAPmnpStRWZR

NYFboSVqWyPWMvO

How would he know!qOfEcqEDurhwCvcnoZwxVEfLJyRYjD

gKdWCCtgJJFAVdc

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.kkCWEsNdKUuelJmsGOViSdMnLhGWCN

rCIKCmmJsORSasL

The imperial study fell silent for a few moments.VNZJgjYiHLJACePMYTXHkzLEQCdenO

pWLJNzSZVhbUrXM

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

NTjsKKipeCJohzh

It was clear whom “he” referred to.CDsjZDbYCPKwnSitINMpeBJRQyyrRm

AnWSFJkJJjJSYQI

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

eWMDxEXfNMhSIKl

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

mBvrRkizCSXugPY

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

cJaJRwSuPHpHHXq

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

nCaBvDemrrERbxy

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

gfYSpegFDzvaErL

·TeVzEmyloIdspHXYqsqhwmKITXHKRk

SqdAiBPiipajJwS

At night, during the hour of Hai.mDJCRjGnKrLJxlmKFyCTatcgyjkiQd

KmiYZSLVnhPpEwq

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

BEIiWYJbiqtTite

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.vnZrbmXIKrpGMwneOdOQoDduoEmhwS

wGQYDjnTDmEslbY

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.GyjRPwMGxTlhMhtLmjyBOWrkuCrmgn

MoiMLBEJvRwmFEQ

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

qVSokBpMaBZWnoo

He replaced the tile and tossed a small pebble at the window lattice: clack—uwwHYjARKUlFCozOebvpUyWXOITbVE

KBRocVklgxROLiT

Hey, are you asleep?XUeyRzpFBcBvEmdOPNwHpSYYfnTvEx

khzrvZJvSWAtzEu

…nNjDDbnDRxeRCIUTNcAOysKEdElfxH

VwRonHGXMZMOXNZ

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

cbVHwlIEsJaAymT

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

peNVwezFMPiFoKT

It sounded like a pebble hitting the window lattice.AhkCYUzKQNJQcUJbdggOQQObvAXnez

zhBiTpZdvwzAViL

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

WleUMbDjhMtdKhc

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

XdrOzJqYDtoJYcO

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

gSBrjysZNPSoBXR

Another half an incense stick’s time passed.KtmkIQKuQjkEsiDFldLDFLNACDbyQz

PdbuGenFYXApzKa

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

HJNFgiOOAsAFHxW

He abruptly woke up and turned to look outside.AFSnJqMQzEwJyMXroMOhyivgiplyBK

loHeYiRwrcDZuCZ

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

IgJyWQLkPhptBbr

“……”wbDGqOAwahaRUvNFUNKvIZarjRDVkh

AgvfmJHXGyOHKJJ

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.zPPYVZqFlRRZdvKUCTfsGGaRxeKFsl

CVzjWJNraRZODNx

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

mNfFgCzdCrCkrIG

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

IyGEcjrSENlivIn

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.TdUmgFEvCnKbwntmUAWcCVWFgnpCfA

bbTIOENVKONRibk

Another half an incense stick’s time passed.tjJhgXDThOodPNMfIgwnkdpkpdsRKM

RmXcvtRIyaudzgy

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

KPuwxmbfrEyjBws

Ning Rushen, “…………”loaNitPgBluJWMiKXLTDVDjUSCiOjB

iiahaNxwHsgttWz

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

jxOvygueTJZtuCg

Where the hell did this sneaky bastard come from?uxQLxoBiIexZunalYQczHdLyHJBtyp

eWtZcDkUShMxXSm

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

EkNDmPFKaOqczNR

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

jTkXydcmsBnchmD

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

LHyTcwJuHbxKsPh

Then nobody sleeps.iKHCCFDqduEDUKaDUQGMYmSKbqxzaU

unEosLzghlTReFv

The candlelight flickered dimly.oGXpqsEXWyZzavNsfbACzihAJtAbnT

bAblkeWPQRHjUbO

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…tSoxGCiNswlhpZDtiHXmTbkJPVmSqB

mSirNsNIkmftBxh

The next morning.mBOVwtwXgzLYSNboLonkzEvJMTYBbY

fHLPbUjVjduHrWM

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

rKRDMmYTpCZMNpf

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

OHDGahQbMGnvsKM

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

ZGuDaKDaLAhlWJC

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.”JULxSbpDaygsVOFzwoGDDiUXmhDdKh

SPamtViZIOrlNjZ

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

mNYnEcblgBZoyaN

“…” 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.”qPYkfzlIzdemGDYZrvsoAnTaZcIEAm

RcnBRRSEhRQbQhA

Yan Min panicked, “What happened?”rdpfHhKRnLKNtdklGMWMhVtXIjXaqK

NeLpwOiAFBgqgQZ

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.qOSDuhrBKWuPRAGvYdqcFZsjoDofpY

SpmTdhMOoLpAzSS

In his groggy sleep, he thought:TUTQqqUiZtRyXfVhAVEQiDNTAuuLqS

DDoBJBDlkMeZEWv

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

PjSqUrNMViPNFbV

·EktTBwMkEnoUnJuwInZgiLkTywxCoN

bfMTJvMwbSJyNGY

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

XoEpCwOLKNJBOAZ

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

JwcGAWZthQzqnnu

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

ZAgejDyjSlxcDwt

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

STKyxsJgWnrzqIY

He gestured for the report to continue.WadcLQZaTzxsxWutBCImJqdxbLmytD

oAKaRIHPfWDzPoR

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

uyHGdHXfebiWOGm

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

PAjyXbUKDpXpJRg

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.”vMlhWMHmXSQDjQdZDgaFKttirzQZfO

mqiWlRQwHTVPtEG

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

DNihXDtznZGHKJp

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

jyGsnhTCvXrZEdO

The imperial study fell into silence.oduccTTaIkLVGQDFwBNJGSBnpIIDsd

RBgQhQChxajZZgG

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

HgRjhhcKVPTVFCK