Chapter 5
Ning Rushen woke from a fitful sleep to find ten burly men encircling his courtyard, almost believing he was caught in a spell.QyGdWhckhRXNbVlCxIiklhdsZtVrgw
UGRoDCUakmhUrxRIt remained uncertain whether the intervention of the ten protectors had taken effect or if the petty thief had been utterly worn out by him, but for the following two days, the adversary seemed to have ceased their approaches.HSeNqzGxSfQJGHyUaqpGbhMHeDbpgO
lYMZPEKrIgMPKFpDe Quan arrived with the imperial decree to deliver rewards, greeting Ning Rushen with a beaming smile, “My lord must take good care of himself and return to his duties soon. Do not let down His Majesty’s grace.”whYFslMuyqQEswfvxOVatdMTDmimvy
wHtNyoxLLqaDcGTAt first, he seemed intent on yelling him to death, but now he was saving him and even providing medicinal herbs. Regardless of whether it was for show or another motive, it appeared that Li Wuting had no desire to take his life.HVqpSJbTvrmhBXMBRWHSqRlIunGKyq
VPNbGAPaJEIOnQqAs he expressed his gratitude, his eyelashes slightly drooped, and his eyes shimmered with a faint aqua, displaying a weary sickness.yUdMAYfqidpnjUvYOyXwRUJELOwrpg
IaqbXHsMtDrHghzDe Quan exclaimed in concern, “My lord, have you not rested well?”XUCUZTqpeTmaYSSZsXZBefGWpCmZHY
uAdmqvzLMYJzyHU“It’s nothing,” Ning Rushen couldn’t admit it was due to his standoff with the bandit, instead changing the subject, “It’s merely concern for His Majesty that keeps me from sleeping at night.”qjnEmbqefLrxXBcUTyzCGFPSuIfZwQ
ElRGUOBLLGNCHfLDe Quan offered a comforting smile, brushing off the dust with his duster, “This servant will surely convey my lord’s sentiments.”jbYPyKqCeMgSyKkydHuZVuthDOhggq
BTILllYxEZAMPVyNing Rushen offered a polite smile in return.jdgwllKkjfGkYbLaFUUupRFgBLjLnH
PIpOKDcZQVEyLdvIt was possible, but unnecessary.gtYOXKTRLkQuMsTyaSHYKbELhpNVPT
NZgMHsoYklxJtOUAfter the departure of the palace entourage, the maid, Xinglan, sorted through the supplements sent over, her face alight with joy, “His Majesty really treats my lord well, these are all top-notch ingredients! I will select some to make soup for my lord right away.”eipIrKcZgVDPtZrNVizISNxmEwirjv
ZGZmBGFbqhTmLVrNing Rushen nodded, his hands tucked into his sleeves, then added, “Just pick from today’s selection, no need for tomorrow.”uTNfvyQLnJQjAnMGbxtREoyqkvVfii
WSjyWAXOBVtVpewYan Min inquired, “Does my lord have plans for tomorrow?”VSAKDpSCsmEKiuOoGCTXaVtUGcNfvW
xGyJUniNlNCvvWFNing Rushen gazed beyond the mansion, “Hmm, to enjoy the autumn breeze.”NozfOiAfjkakBvFRnqmsnrOHEitDpY
GfksvpeDbIMHAEB…sbMQlcXfbgeSPgIyRSdIKRVjqrbsyC
DXJVxvzKeqcMpSBThe meeting with Geng Yan was scheduled for the following day.WnrAgCKuBAVmNmCgVWyyjlNMaAgjxC
uNpVJDbXezMZPOABefore leaving, Yan Min draped a cloak over Ning Rushen while incessantly advising, “It’s good to take a walk outside… but you mustn’t drink alcohol again, nor should you stay in the wind.”YsAxtWMNrSCvOKkCSpntYMBXLSHjSg
gLTdumoJgpKTJwfNing Rushen fastened the cloak adorned with silvery white cloud patterns, the bright red clothes beneath making him strikingly handsome and elegant. Despite a slight pallor, his appearance lost none of its charm, instead carrying a unique allure.DLfRCcXivmEgIHakEsVMFUBIMPCxyk
gnfUJgaHdGrHwhTUpon hearing this, he seemed to ponder, as if inspired.VgmpHMvlTgBhbsYekLcoBkGPyajgEv
kbRXHdvjYaDUhAzYan Min was on high alert, “Don’t even think about it!”pFMOAouggawCHwzjOINfaBqPuYzIAX
DxtdkmtNPBGNjTsNing Rushen gave up, “Alright, alright, I know.”nfnydVzUgzJYEFSfmzYGBpgacVhnmH
neVSkquXlNoMIXhThe carriage made its way through the bustling streets to the base of Wanghe Tower.FVSjmGvcvtVMLizxnajhjNALhXAYgP
vXOikfgnpFTTxJQLocated in the bustling southern part of the city, Wanghe Tower was surrounded by a flurry of activity, with people and vehicles coming and going. The guests inside were never-ending, contributing to the lively atmosphere.omuFsxeQcmhcIqQwICixoafzFwEywi
YBFlAilJYEULpEKNing Rushen lifted the curtain of the carriage and stepped out.sUFvSlORJdxuZxEshxFFIEoleAxTtA
lsofpFjNaNsaEMvDressed in a crimson robe with a white cloak, he was particularly eye-catching among the crowd. As soon as he appeared, a waiter promptly welcomed him inside, “Esteemed guest, please come this way!”yHZFkDDBSmoDponIJkRhxgOqrxsAAR
XKzQizOpXUbJRqYNing Rushen mentioned Geng Yan’s name and was quickly led to a private room on the second floor.wkydBdhoeJdqfkDyfibaZORjzeQkNy
bBtzBayWtMjbgOsInside, Geng Yan was already waiting.pbQVnGDUmqVwyTYlbvVqAnPTSMHiaZ
zuyXVbyfoXSLoqUHe was by the window, staring out into the cold wind blowing outside.IRVIFRNqICTvoUYeeBxJIgoDRflaTV
VbVNJsxDsYmxXbrThe cold wind greeted Ning Rushen, making him shiver and clutch his cloak tighter as he looked at Geng Yan, “An ambush from all sides? A banquet set for a trap?”WvejHDnBEVHUkVIKnYscTYsXERyKcd
RlvYNgenOptGxbIGeng Yan raised his hand to close the window.BTJVxNVBocVcTEbkqRZmnIocmSRwKa
AsqeTjLweduUynbWith the warmth returning to the room, Ning Rushen took a seat without ceremony and ordered a large table full of dishes.aQzFvBzkuhtgrZhVBafzbiZNzFZDMx
kZFEATXAWMRNSciOnce the dishes were served and the door was shut, Ning Rushen rubbed his hands together, eager to begin eating. “What’s so important that you had to call me out here?”IDsBFeSxvZshsCuFXOytuUBDlfuwSf
UdQgjbgmrsrsDWQGeng Yan didn’t touch his chopsticks, as if he had no appetite. “You haven’t been attending court these past few days, so you’re unaware of the turmoil that’s erupted.”GaUuzcGWeGxeIwkYriUBLuzwApZneq
nlYNJnavhIcONAvNing Rushen, busy with his meal, signaled with his eyes for Geng Yan to continue.ROfLEwsmEhZDAqrsxGYyUqFbGqsERV
zrBvFFiinCTwpnHGeng Yan explained, “Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has issued several decrees… The decrees are good in principle, but each one requires funds. All five departments are demanding money from the Ministry of Revenue. My father, as the Minister of Revenue, is unable to produce the funds, and he has been under constant impeachment these past few days.”ifpguVxWpMlGMlTKoDmEDfWOktnNht
yHKJAEFrTAwdHrDNing Rushen was surprised, “The treasury is that depleted? Where’s the money?”bejBaRHhdqrKVNcKmxlwdnpViDrLWy
rfuIcEOfRhqLXjwAs he observed the prosperity and wealth of the streets on his way here, he had assumed that the state treasury of Dacheng must be well-supplied.SVMwKIvVLdGXzaUIriiWwFOjwxkGaz
ahHQBFATPFlYZXbThe treasury is indeed full.hdSFqFsDwlculBesWrXWJzWwcYFCpZ
EpPKganjzKvhogPGeng Yan’s expression became somewhat embarrassed.GAboLytTstKuZoRkzZCoWqidzZeOCS
KfOzQYvLIsQNbYbNing Rushen paused for a moment, suddenly finding the food in his mouth tasteless, as his gaze upon the table full of dishes turned as if he were looking at illicit money.XYsmbogSlEeAvcZPtxPCvpBuiNTEJU
gXPAygOvPZIowVPSilently, he put down his chopsticks and scooted back a little.fdBvCckNIrLWAZkbaLmwjfuEKJguKf
kDywEDKJlzpkHzxGeng Yan, seeing this, became irritated. “What’s with that look? My father hasn’t embezzled any funds! Eat your meal!”efNNNrKdpjbNviMVYKGsTSuOfGtNpt
SSBidiwOlJpcBdhNing Rushen picked up his chopsticks again, half-convinced, “Then where did the money go? If there’s no embezzlement, why not report it?”vjjYczChjElgdoeHNWgUPKWxvFENEr
AozfrfHzucUtXeVGeng Yan shook his head in despair, “It’s tied to the struggle for the throne… Do you remember the rumor I told you about?”eBatzUasPPmeZmxPxbZCfeBjluzWoF
iSmaOmDiLVBCFZWNing Rushen then recalled the news he had heard on the night of the palace banquet:rMavHXItZSpuOgWWrLDydVMCesJgFm
YRnDNScxSjhunhEThe current Emperor, Li Wuting, was the third son of the previous emperor. Rumors had it that his mother, Consort Xian, died at the hands of the then Empress, Cui Shi.EeqyeavpKWcvuYYGwNNSlvFwmRsqOw
bGKjHPgjgvobkETIn those days, the power of the imperial in-laws was overwhelming, and the Crown Prince’s faction could cover the sky with one hand. Even if Cui Shi was suspected of plotting against the empress, the previous emperor did not hold her accountable.NufHKSpLqIIgjYhnefSIFocBeiHLqR
IjmOKOBRpCuQOZVNo one expected the Crown Prince’s faction to collapse overnight.alWJtJpBIMBbAWQgHmfjuPxzPQTnOe
PLAWDEptGGjdwpBAfter the emperor’s death, an edict was issued for Empress Cui to be buried with him.nJwrEfkWymyiDFClNNBwoPlPAoPPPS
insAVXEtusgECsQUpon his ascension, the third son, Li Wuting, began to gradually diminish the vast power of the Cui family.DzUGBCHdqAsijunQIeSjiRdKyxPzFK
uGehGzZAiTEMBejA troubling speculation slowly formed in Ning Rushen’s mind, “…Could it be, all the money went to the former Crown Prince?”VdQKKXWdJIOjyeiRrsPfswCMJfuicg
QUOijdlwcfmZurfGeng Yan nodded wearily, “In the early years, the Crown Prince’s faction almost treated the Ministry of Revenue as their private treasury, endlessly reaching out for money. Plus, with the former emperor’s favoritism towards the Crown Prince, my father couldn’t afford to offend the future monarch and had no choice but to hand over the funds. After the Crown Prince fell from power in the struggle for the throne, that money was lost, and the huge deficit created couldn’t be filled so quickly.”kPnkttZfxXfkTDWoBMSWmTsQUuaoyF
pAedOSRwXWNptjpNing Rushen rolled up his sleeves and sighed.qkjqMBDhDDROEGvXMnUAQbUrRyJiIb
ODjcyBcMjlqxqCzAlthough Cui Shi no longer monopolized power, a centipede dies but never falls down. The former imperial father-in-law, Cui Hao Yuan, still held the position of the current Right Chancellor, a connection beyond Geng Yue’s reach.yRzhkBLinXSFAKBrYeAXnqXCnpWaUb
KOIcaYOUtSiSRecMoreover, the situation was even more sensitive due to the involvement of factional disputes.kPTnbzczHvfdJpJQEvShvKxgxbohqC
olDYsJJnZkKWoca“What’s the Emperor’s stance in court?”ckXmgQweLsEuEoFMncYMCcgSaiJozZ
OArGVuOBPiwBDBY“I don’t know,” Geng Yan shook his head. “Can’t make out anything.”yQmXrMrtgEdNWCcnpChqILljnAASlz
OQxuILFslHaQJpxHe remembered his father’s expression upon returning from court—ZqzXAOCbEfabwiKYxlKrZQgtFWwehc
zdCqePLpxkROCrnThe young Emperor, barely in his twenties, was an enigma even to the seasoned officials of two reigns.fefUjDpnSDgIZVLzYjBloQjKYmyvLw
gvXrXOhVaDbzgIg“So, the reason I sought you out… in the imperial presence, could you possibly…” Geng Yan started awkwardly and with difficulty, “If it’s not possible, then forget it. No need to force yourself. After all… you’ve never been under any obligation to me.”JesKmxokZwBlAoRmqFrLRqoEkuCfOt
HHBsnRzcfYkOvdZNing Rushen understood. Geng Yan wanted him to feel out the situation.VdzRpjHDfdgvmUWinwrgNnjtUIieIA
PahKZOuqBbmTzdiOutsiders thought he was in the Emperor’s good graces, but only he knew he was as precarious as a clay Buddha crossing a river.DUkIcvLpYynzrSrnAEMnGhoxmTalTy
hwvxgeqnKyyTAAEHe quietly asked, “If corruption is admitted, what would the sentence be?”TPmMYIXYLeEkxBuKKCTZVCLfdAvOAj
efUstKYbCVNsaFCGeng Yan replied, “Confiscation of property, exile.”UthQdYOSkQUKUPNHItJvFjSuvpEqEB
kWVeaanDanduoKSConfiscation and exile.XOpfDBmMqTUrUrKHWaipjcUBUHIIPr
QOvHlQFMXyymIRUNing Rushen looked at him, with complex admiration, “Then you’re pretty calm about it.”eANFkPXwtzyfqzwkVAISYwiwkIMyIh
WRrxmXtHUWJDZHZHis entire family faced relocation to the south.amBQJvWDiIAZiNOrvFOpqppSyFBEWR
vBPSIQeGRnPkHNcYet here he was, still climbing over his walls and inviting him for meals.jQWcKuHPyeIRjoobMlpKcbDKJkbiqV
aQGGBbjLaGtPjxw“Entering the court as an official, I was prepared for such outcomes from the start,” Geng Yan took a sip of tea, “If I really get exiled to the borderlands, I might as well start selling…”KIbtFpSSwJJrbqcHRjWXadSqVcDpEC
yMkHfNqKyNQlDjbNing Rushen tensed up.KZdXivItxsHbFFohUluRfSjLrQueAt
TayLGFBxQKEAWawGeng Yan continued, “…baked sweet potatoes.”IrYPFGJRINjffhFMVbpMHcClgyRblG
eIJkQPrdPnimlHpNing Rushen breathed a sigh of relief, “Try not to gasp when you speak.”OxZJwWyZOucSnNQhDHxntXTsFLBNdB
iPNkkrPMIwGRygL“…?”GXIgQeRsTVdCokmTvfOhMsQbAfNMDV
lChIqphIRgoGKQKNing Rushen diverted his gaze.ObIyHrOzCsZNZHhfFGzunvjuMMdZKb
qmvQrxekgXKrpttHis fingertips brushed against the cup, his eyelashes slightly lowered: Preparedness, huh.nalJZMaHFPbQJhDDkTYqeKeGuulPVh
WfcxdLfrPqzMmhESince his arrival in this era, he had been drifting aimlessly, evading the questions he purposefully avoided by taking sick leave. Now, they resurfaced in this manner—aBpMZfXartedSdulfARPXXxnnmYQmc
LISkihSULZMQZojIn this whirlpool of power, was he to remain forever on the sidelines, or let himself be carried away by the current.YKdbcRnDvMXnEahdcwbAPCoFwAXNoJ
gWjRUWbvcxSMzDC“Or perhaps, to willingly step into it, to carve out a third path,” he mused, leaning against the window frame, speaking to Geng Yan. “Add another crystal dumpling to my order.”eRwWwBMURmetytvBnBOSNMqnccesdj
BsTKROcsweEqvRz(T/N I googled Crystal dumpling and its basically dim sum)BlDyFdfZuYTdIDQtLptjFsOeRTXfBi
sPDxQobOEXYesqFGeng Yan was momentarily taken aback. “What?”XzIzyffqTLSWQtjHbcjOZKZcXJNUgY
CTYtrcGjehbGqSX“Another crystal dumpling,” Ning Rushen reiterated, supporting his chin as he looked at him. “Now I owe you a favor. There’s an old saying, ‘A favor received makes one’s mouth soft.'”JAVVVzUvVBOHoeSpCbfsZHyGVhBUeN
TgOfSZhQchvCXprGeng Yan’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You…”NIbwBPSEIqrBBVrLNqIlrlasYHibPP
uGksGYyBqkcefmrNing Rushen smiled.xIVVeNXrfYaYqTvmMoSnZfShOnqiXo
YSaUpwmNWhNLjRoHe had made up his mind.FFJrLauvgtdnpTLaKQFesgsiXxKgrw
GnERsxUOaolYBgARolling up his sleeves, he looked away casually. “Can’t help it. Someone said I’m quite skilled, not one to follow the beaten path.”LkRDykqZzTHwcOLnEBlmtKVzdqRhWC
WkSUiuhRTATVZopAfter a day of rest, Ning Rushen was ready to return to the palace for his duties.ACNnKfrkEziZOdrTcyKTuyRDvrBgxi
bTqCVkJBghuylhkHis body had mostly recovered, and the matters concerning Minister Geng could not be delayed.xcRZkpgIKrkDWHvHdMUArtDCkgLRmS
RsiaGvEUpwkLMTzHe donned his court attire, which he hadn’t worn for a long time. Timing his arrival to coincide with Li Wuting’s departure from the morning court, he made his way to the Imperial Study to report.XGdzdglvSCIRcGDjfUBwOOgoWRMsoH
ZWyuMFpjlpFpdwCUpon reaching the Imperial Study, Li Wuting had not yet arrived.TMFucSUPcGpzeBOkXfunVHbXwrpfOt
CkcsuvrLNKyRKbJOnly Xiao Rongzi was waiting at the door. He greeted Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, you are well. His Majesty just concluded the morning court. Please wait a moment longer.”atcWzDDoHxbGydxhBNALRUWqfOwdon
BlgiIYYStgjkUoONing Rushen adjusted his sleeves, “It’s no trouble.”WqljMSXPsxqlDCXuJFrouzCZJuamuR
EeumZqsgiAfUCafIt was early spring, and the weather was still bitterly cold. Ning Rushen waited in the chilly breeze at the door for quite some time before Li Wuting finally appeared before him.JpHcnUUAGyyDpZCWuMLUIiJAEnCzwQ
tbGPqxgubhktgnr“This humble official pays his respects to Your Majesty.”kRMCDEjEEKWoWitIHBmcAHMxBDUoam
jocrlGaRTZjGxkILi Wuting glanced at him.joKLPTpNrVhOWsOMxLWkTkfFsxhFKD
FRebKnLDGwSVQqzHaving not seen him for several days, Ning Rushen seemed to have become even thinner, to the point where his belt could barely contain his waist. His nose tip was reddened from the cold, making him look rather pitiable.VCGieiBTumHjpSHADzMFXASixqSVFJ
tXPYtFwnUvEoutzLi Wuting instinctively wanted to say something but stopped himself as he began to speak, then shifted his gaze and stepped through the door. “Come in,” he said.agvVDvnyiiKFUcgEYDnojAHhnDGnAC
oxzfhucfYTAuFzsNing Rushen followed close behind, almost chasing the king’s footsteps into the warmth of the house like a cat afraid of the cold. “Thank you, Your Majesty…”AjXAwNnqRPYbPvzFUHITyWSfejuQuA
wUtXmvhLwGFcjPvDe Quan silently trailed behind them.fmDsHWnwqNcDDfwmUhntxutDTHIZgF
QFEKdeQdZyBdFSfHe sighed to himself, noting the king’s apparent lack of compassion. If it were him, he probably couldn’t resist instructing Lord Ning to wait inside next time.pxjmtfEWtjezluIFFXWPpOZCIVJlyL
mlMCgJugyujMyLUThe study was as warm as an early spring.VIghADzasCSoVDMZpgvktZMUzTBRtV
aUQeBbCrEFobptHLi Wuting was washing his hands in a basin, casually asking, “Feeling better now?”VEYpPMRoyEbOZStJBSiGyRvnLmULsg
lUYRXRHYPDuBxAkNing Rushen, gradually warming up, comfortably squinted his eyes, “Thanks to Your Majesty, much better.”uYDwCgBWEppuTvXcgrltNtHOxSkMRB
hCKYBNWrmAGBUdeThe sound of water stopped.iAvLPNTGsztHetcEsDVubGoNvtRMdJ
QjbbFYpYdLKOAVbThen, a flicker of discomfort seemed to pass across Li Wuting’s handsome face, “Hmm.”JWZNaCnASabwQyDBnminFkUerspjYP
IBWBlVntdCztlXsNing Rushen: …?UQqwUpLXTMMWRLMWRgUJdIUSlnhBaG
GSkcGzihcEoTTbfHe wondered if Li Wuting’s tone carried any sarcasm.QYiadYRtFXUGIPCfvlKDuLDgHgiyMe
YbyZZfQryqflQgHSuspicious, he scrutinized Li Wuting, who, however, did not speak further but simply sat down, lifting his robe slightly, and began to read through his documents.oliVobjkFcwRRYvqbMRahrSoZWqnWH
pqaezGSBuBvqDCWSince Li Wuting did not call for him, Ning Rushen quietly stood by.rCgSQQpnEYxBnrpInqmBFkDzxiwbmK
WgidubkJlqyfJAfTime slipped away unnoticed in the imperial study, remarkably quiet except for the sound of pages turning.VyagFlShlHnvmGNTObtjpvkybiRsFX
GHpeGFXWPNkKTQoDe Quan seemed already accustomed to the silence, occasionally replacing the tea with a fresh, hot one without making any other sound.DjkSXEpoqyFczkaQjjhZvssnuKUlEP
OUgvdOLqSbRwtteNing Rushen stood until his legs became numb and his head dizzy.OfVSQmmUKbFAumNlprOOQzREXevLIY
nWgDJVRpCUKYfAwHe genuinely couldn’t grasp the reason behind Li Wuting’s insistence on having him serve in his presence daily—uyiWFXzicKKWZJvEeseBNOOJsQmUFV
EAxMLyarCipxxSHWas it to have him dressed in red, standing before the desk as a charm against evil?MHsXLKgyEirAmyKqgGAWkhgVfWMQmS
uFrKLagRssiNUFgHe stood motionless for a while, then thoughts of Secretary Geng began to preoccupy him, gradually staring into the void… until his body swayed, and he stumbled a half step due to not standing firmly.JjUTGjyIZgzcKgVtcNjCdidWcSuNfT
cPFeGrwOdRoFbejClick, a soft sound.WQKKGLdLlTivMAloHDhZMAhVViRjbk
gZgDcEEPaqSPIAiComing back to his senses, Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting looking up from behind the desk, his calm gaze directly on him.KsNjWkqCjKojbALTuGDRTuXShlYGMK
BVWHlXhugZuIHLKNing Rushen moved his stiff legs and apologized, “I have been disrespectful in front of Your Majesty. Please forgive me.”qqwHpnoywvBnwJucbzLPYqcUqPcMAd
pZwZbTkUmceSHMQLi Wuting casually remarked, “Ning, you dare to deceive your king, what is this minor offense in comparison?”TpdwXLekDVWblVusZbfQJSeYPDOWBg
KEZfXZkxQrTgEHpNing Rushen: ?TlYzFbeskCoPGtpQyrcpunzPNQUNri
QiYENcXTdurqSUYHe leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with genuine confusion, “When have I ever…”kbJqkwBrFcPClmvAcZKENjkvIQMLhY
txFhIvhWAwTaMSq“Have I heard correctly that Lord Ning misses me so much that you find it hard to sleep at night?”fnWkEjohxBTpowQdweSMkkoeaBSFzT
OCObEujsDAdBMMB“…” Ning Rushen’s gaze momentarily shifted sideways to De Quan, who sneakily buried his head. It’s you again, the big sieve.ndTHVmyNjTnMepmUpdMoirJYvrbVUM
rWXfjPJFWZKxjptLi Wuting’s voice turned cold, “Flattery comes easily to your lips.”CAOyBgjRAUoGqPvTNqIFstCANcEVdf
XrbzbPlDrHWUCQTNing Rushen quickly moistened his lips, gently defending himself, “Every word I speak is true. Indeed, I did not sleep all night. Your Majesty can inquire with the steward of my household if you do not believe me.”qNNeCHhgYQNlyXqCvIcmDeGSyXHkpX
vujcodtbadfgjjuLi Wuting almost laughed in irritation, “You blame your sleepless night on me—” His speech halted suddenly. After a delicate pause of two breaths, he changed the subject, “Come here and grind ink for me.”qCAzhWxVWlnRUYMPLwJbIfpevklyKF
NznTPUvTSsZnruP“?”OhEAysSCrRhYNlNbLmKpKvkXlSdfKE
wpZoXGDCvPDjfxMThe troublesome topic was subtly bypassed.ZepFrBxazqIIHFoKxYNwILWFdqSWvn
mckSQaTulswGVFONing Rushen blinked, “Yes.”SYopLbXUybljmQYzuAKCqpXuaBmFkS
pphtOEkFGmHCTlFThe inkstone placed on the imperial desk was a rare gem, and the ink stick was of the expensive Tongyan Hui ink, worth a small fortune in itself.KSqZpQPsDdKZsKOMqznmMDNAgnsekx
mRucyeKyApTmIvJNing Rushen’s technique in grinding the ink was not particularly skilled.midSrGXUvawIACBhrcdhhSdygKUJJS
SyqSCzdYeomNrAwHowever, his fingers were beautifully shaped, long and jade-like. As he lifted his sleeve to hold the ink stick, the sight was pleasing to the eye.PZMSGbFbXucTSqhvWbyoAjNqygKkjS
qDvvweJSSukzeQFUnfortunately, the person being served seemed to lack appreciation.RAavrBhDsrXfKmQCjBQonPoTaBBzwI
DmCaEbpmJpfBqCaAfter Li Wuting had summoned him, he buried himself back into his work at the desk, without uttering a word related to the court’s affairs, not even allowing Ning Rushen a glance at the memorials in his hand.lgpzZoqOYNLDKLhxduOvGOcaPpZqwC
ETAiGSHKEWZIdPeNing Rushen, while grinding the ink, swept his gaze over the memorials on the desk.bSllDfRbbaQAtINCpmlOuouFPFatzm
SdZvshGzUWjBedgHe was sneakily peeking when he suddenly caught sight of the words “Ministry of Revenue,” “Geng Yue,” and “corruption and malpractice.”aRIVsGCgojpubhZbdsGOIrCIKxltmT
KclkACPyoummShGIndeed, it was a severe impeachment.pjAkicYAgKAmzbzLZcqTeGjEhbLfxL
jcftgyYFQOMtKaiLooking at Li Wuting’s comments, it seemed a verdict had not yet been reached. However, if Minister Geng couldn’t produce the required silver and explanations, it would likely be hard to convince the public, and sooner or later, imprisonment would be inevitable…NMOEmOMclGdPKfUsGsbySeEBfssubZ
SooBMASLermLgxYNing Rushen became so engrossed that he lost himself in the documents.EXxlgGeYUgWaaCLWFurjByRIoTNmGD
YmZjgfjtXXspGzMLi Wuting had been turning a blind eye, for he had placed the man under his close watch to see what he would do.CeNUcTRXXnxcjLYfULUFtzGCqQjhPV
wXSnZTWbrcsDgeAYet, he hadn’t expected such brazen behavior.fcnGNuqGiSMjObANjSCclUscGzBYKm
rBYrMtBBLopTiIfPerhaps to get a clearer view, Ning Rushen even turned his head halfway around, almost reaching out to pull the memorial towards him!cBjgZcwesmsroPovogoznypxIztAOs
wnlWMCKoLthullt“…” Li Wuting chuckled lowly, “Ning Chen.”ZVifhjxsNCTgIgYlcKUzcFogFJpPnr
lTSYewrbqdExJYxNing Rushen snapped back to reality, lifting his gaze to meet the direct and imposing look of the King.HyEFGgvcFnWbtKglIICQavYPpSjMUg
AOilvDhkspjRnBJHis heart skipped a beat, and he prostrated himself, saying, “Your servant has overstepped his bounds.”cjILfLWSCNApDPIrsYhUHRgncloiph
kveelYYqwJTsHQISilence ensued across the room.VWjZlxiJeIhnWchLmBdNFoYPjRinbl
zAzjgXDEgKcGSpoNing Rushen knelt beside the imperial desk, his gaze fixed on the cold, hard corner of the table and the thick carpet beneath. His breathing was slightly hurried, pondering over how to craft a clever defense, when suddenly, a soft “snap” sounded.vyirEEFFUlpKtAZliwFUQwTFAysJve
cBXIvfyyrmnWTIqThe memorandum had been thrown before him, the black text stark against the white paper.guemkbQdMsZVcAGTMDnjvXqeYkTbiu
IbfBCXgmFodERKNNing Rushen looked up, “Your Majesty?”pALmxSDRexWAfpblokSCOEJRfcCDfd
AtKQJHHICcGmtGv“What do you wish to see?” Li Wuting’s gaze was lowered towards him, his tone calm, “I permit you to look.”gqalVBHwptUCIWFnhwMJXrFdnawdEy
iiMDQgpkDfdkxnIA sense of alarm rose within Ning Rushen:RwOvUYaoWfsfDHCtGgXKWfEbbupINX
tJVabqfgfWBjdbyWhen the emperor is silent, he is surely laying a trap.OOiQMSczTrTzAElpwBupHaJFUepQlE
zJpozCMkjeLBcahHe pushed the memorandum slightly, “Your servant dares not…”eErRPpaKTvWavKdPqYQvqoAmemIYqC
kKYoMgdmmBDqHXE“Look.”TbltufbjPvUHSANBlfIcIttMjPZLLu
ujDahFOpnWOKYBlDe Quan, standing a few steps away, was already drenched in cold sweat, not daring to utter a single word.moahdqVAOVZQcldTSTsiexyHdgsYnu
sdhINbLNLoEWIptNing Rushen, “…”YDaMUQAWfOzlZmXHvEpqGMNCswFFJs
jrEhfLYRrbPyfesFine, since you insist.inQOBWQgKgsCeMuXrbCIhMVkkkyytW
ycbStJGFoRdCKOo“Your servant obeys.” He gracefully pulled the memorandum back, straightened his back, and sat on the ground to scrutinize it thoroughly.KaTyesppcJrKXxYGlMiyVkrcoaaLGa
BgrZgFZxjMOmKbKThe content of the memorandum was almost as he had glimpsed earlier, primarily accusing Geng Yue of corruption, accepting bribes, and embezzlement, meriting punishment by confiscation of property and exile—zvxDnOSLjRRCnKoRqEVvqJFDPFirXg
IfMjqvAjFRvIvrs“To serve as a warning and to uphold integrity.”OmNxPcmDkgPCxapOZGWSaCOupZEPYu
EIKXzviDeoQZuxjThe bold ink strokes caught Ning Rushens eye, prompting him to purse his lips.VIYUFdIaCIUTVhDeIzXSQlCrAOArhu
yQynJarqqtMncdp“Have you finished reading?” The emperor’s voice descended from above.QTIapeazaqKlzHoNxiljuhIwPsitTe
dnYkMhYsEEsBCaxHolding the document, Ning Rushen looked up, his mind still somewhat in turmoil. He met Li Wuting’s gaze and softly hummed in affirmation.VzoZKusEzhAmTYDMzJIcNqknZOhjEi
vrdKXfMJsowihdSThe scene appeared somewhat improper: a young official kneeling before the emperor, his black hair and scarlet robe spread out on the ground, holding the memorandum without even a hint of formal address.ECMEfJbvDSGmbzETFsiCicvUxUWhVb
KvzBWGanICtrlkLBut Ning Rushen, the person in question, seemed unaware of the impropriety.ZmXnyGCLPGkmaEltHslOWGNUbIdFYW
YMQpCLFHSmXkYVCLi Wuting, as the emperor, didn’t seem to focus on this either.dejNttXnnvmluQXeSaGtFvqOgwvJNE
QWUkQERbidNfIKnHis deep gaze penetrated into Ning Rushen’s clear yet slightly dazed eyes, and suddenly he spoke, “I’ve heard that Lord Ning is quite close to Secretary Geng’s son, discussing matters without avoidance of personal bias…”wYhxkDRJlfzWZksLGXYOieDvVKRnLD
krOAGFnWOSPbLnnNing Rushen snapped back to attention, meeting Li Wuting’s gaze: So?QespxJquOiZUlqHzjoilsMnhKIMiyL
FYYiarbZKjEpALcLi Wuting leisurely looked at him, “Why don’t you tell me, how should I deal with Secretary Geng?”GeEeIYlxiNAtJNleEXyWgPDpkewPCA
lGujxinbzkIcyQX“…”nUlnTFRhfagntSOqwyiWvcNFlabpMi
xANtwjEoaDCzJVJMFPZXMQyPwHXsXoEIvcKsILZvhuziH