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.ywvQBexXozfUuEHhGoLOTOUSZvJEai
lfDwCIMopIkDcALIt 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.oxtpiUMphymlMSAfJJMgtQJcuDbFiv
RWRgaxeyLIUNYuADe 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.”coQuoAzlaIttHEkguKWgrYiyLBfgoT
OvgWGrltIxIHrZgAt 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.xDArxaTSVzJNpOZwYZSvQqEeReBXTG
pXLhfSRXqLmLzlFAs he expressed his gratitude, his eyelashes slightly drooped, and his eyes shimmered with a faint aqua, displaying a weary sickness.RdbtGyydgPvUFTCLYgsxddIsyrETyd
seguyUrPMQuqTNLDe Quan exclaimed in concern, “My lord, have you not rested well?”fFBRocPTyMqwuxXdjHvmZVuZrlihTy
hJxQUTmbvyAGPnP“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.”ApFmIiXyyraKZnWkwYkytGhlrfsaNY
kolyGHiVlLPNAUaDe Quan offered a comforting smile, brushing off the dust with his duster, “This servant will surely convey my lord’s sentiments.”wNMcUslOxUDyuOtgYfPEeEqFLIdlQT
eAvfCZXfnjpjixZNing Rushen offered a polite smile in return.sMWAPMEOLJQjTyHlxdhkMsCFIQJkiE
BhKJBGHfyshpWMHIt was possible, but unnecessary.pJzvjxLQRsYaLxmTNDbNVksbvXtSLm
CqdWiEppTayTtfdAfter 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.”mVhtzykfZldjRrlAOPvgUtWYJoSsdy
EqhdgFUPpiJJHiENing Rushen nodded, his hands tucked into his sleeves, then added, “Just pick from today’s selection, no need for tomorrow.”UXFizNJSqAhxIecOEobWgrrZTmPvLg
DSGOCwTjWexMppfYan Min inquired, “Does my lord have plans for tomorrow?”BNLqwkZVGZAPeIBFUBqtdwaZKcXdQC
SoOZjdbxsMRXvsLNing Rushen gazed beyond the mansion, “Hmm, to enjoy the autumn breeze.”osvSRcycEPLVNowhbEsKgzzEiFEGpw
PuBNTckcqFxvXSt…OCLjvodZNQlkqZiTYtUaBHAQglbosr
IaUyQLhZPSqUWjsThe meeting with Geng Yan was scheduled for the following day.ohAPBUOGoMFSMidBhwmnLnMesXPNeA
ahOVwvzYnexitqTBefore 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.”opBHwbiQkbvVwFFrCGtuJabrWFARBv
AUDJvLBjFJhzirXNing 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.scgIRsDfxoBxFhIBaKIIgeBgtiyQVJ
zBJschvdCQBHoxEUpon hearing this, he seemed to ponder, as if inspired.LesySguehEySnvCYNpmLywLqEDtsRX
kBDVHWIxreqjrmkYan Min was on high alert, “Don’t even think about it!”KamGLimdQkXlercIgUGiRGdFbuiFsr
spHPXzfgYSzdoEvNing Rushen gave up, “Alright, alright, I know.”lhNdGmyJGdwubffuMONIhOZrqAUzDp
YesuQGURlFyHHsQThe carriage made its way through the bustling streets to the base of Wanghe Tower.iSchOuhlZcNkkKaobsvosWYfHPnsBE
UHQYODlNrZmMqnULocated 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.fxutLvkplHDgEBIYdmYEMdUmIBpHeb
VeNyQlUAhSkspCBNing Rushen lifted the curtain of the carriage and stepped out.TBROenCWiBWNKgBRUfpwlcAljQZaFU
VUFiXxbINNohtckDressed 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!”ZNZqxejWzKtMWyBjnbkagvlZDRWfqt
ZOhvaGEMDHEqljjNing Rushen mentioned Geng Yan’s name and was quickly led to a private room on the second floor.pZZvhoKbnLBqFnrnCVQJUAmqkdTmwD
CHEyRIkEHbpJzDqInside, Geng Yan was already waiting.QGpUlXVjDQhjeDhbnjnCiAhMOFeslf
lJtnARDniwofNsjHe was by the window, staring out into the cold wind blowing outside.iDOsUJYVOnHApjSCrQMTOAQxODfaxD
EqmQysmTEcmkgjnThe 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?”OVfhdILIdMWDNxdPXyshoIPknXzGfr
PPcKQLsiXrcFUYMGeng Yan raised his hand to close the window.XcuDEkYduxRWlKUaViXMvAjpzCpzMu
OMeLzzJDDpIkYFYWith the warmth returning to the room, Ning Rushen took a seat without ceremony and ordered a large table full of dishes.OdavRiMOTFfdDreNDLsoupIJqBILOH
ORdhiLrEYyYmrdMOnce 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?”wKkxpuNlrRRksulhAhefHvFnJfWIRH
fXQyscGCKpxxQmmGeng 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.”JtEOXJaftyVHXVOnUzRYhQufWTfMZh
GMpXIZnxPhFeikNNing Rushen, busy with his meal, signaled with his eyes for Geng Yan to continue.yEwnEbftIBOyeeDIWcLTtBqxDZCVgB
JZRNVNxHdpFchREGeng 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.”UHPmRuFlGnkTixiyjjdiXKloyrRFZL
LkifemPocZyfYtYNing Rushen was surprised, “The treasury is that depleted? Where’s the money?”aVnwcSQllGStvSUwoTcgXybfPtLzLM
FMMdlzgZzWFHYmaAs 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.HTnlMNAvgcXGbRdRbGgHRdryQmNvxS
oDFKRrCoPHZCsimThe treasury is indeed full.tCUOGKtquLYDwEVovtgekfvPGCQNoM
xQiQbXydIOvtwOGGeng Yan’s expression became somewhat embarrassed.UuCIERKugUeVmmQEDlcHqegfeTGXSo
OCUAoiRJrvoTRGBNing 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.AkikMMyIrNwmfQflimHzekWrQLkops
pwWbzMXIzoQOaUGSilently, he put down his chopsticks and scooted back a little.MnTMIKDVyrkLyxfCigNUgmnlMGEQlh
TIoIcoXybFoEsEsGeng Yan, seeing this, became irritated. “What’s with that look? My father hasn’t embezzled any funds! Eat your meal!”nKPmQhVCfmuknWdZGrIBDARjyHNCCY
HljvEdnuxHVTNAzNing Rushen picked up his chopsticks again, half-convinced, “Then where did the money go? If there’s no embezzlement, why not report it?”NJWMOOovVOhKwzqNHNTtQzcSfOhXRr
HWnuwtHdHrSSEKPGeng Yan shook his head in despair, “It’s tied to the struggle for the throne… Do you remember the rumor I told you about?”xaxIzEzXSpnHtlNUjniewlcJGkkSIw
jpOfhlRGLXopJfqNing Rushen then recalled the news he had heard on the night of the palace banquet:hrJvDDAURZHgCSfUUvgvrcbIcIHTEP
YTfUIdnCexsTtneThe 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.LGgtDvPDPgyEfcqeaUaqMYJXzfPmiE
BNlBrdavwYMiFzuIn 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.JnRIpSItDojhsCWeWqNZIPTcEHSdbv
tQzAJGkgJqXDZJuNo one expected the Crown Prince’s faction to collapse overnight.NYcjislMChGWYyxdzXREnXDOXrzfBi
vFTPDZCRtBzKHKaAfter the emperor’s death, an edict was issued for Empress Cui to be buried with him.GDLGFUmuiLHAnNQiBfNuasMsCUZPke
oriOsnpwFHnwTlhUpon his ascension, the third son, Li Wuting, began to gradually diminish the vast power of the Cui family.ODxdRfSXufwpUHruOEUGKPjFeTyRVd
oSqysXoTCIFwCHFA troubling speculation slowly formed in Ning Rushen’s mind, “…Could it be, all the money went to the former Crown Prince?”yPUxkjQSlnPBlgazyFOOXeFDmjXaBF
uYBdgMhMuejtxHfGeng 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.”EvYvcjQMAIsepLhlSGpYPnHVaWydEe
MPLrRsIGYFmaOHcNing Rushen rolled up his sleeves and sighed.FrQtykprfdPgbaUVEMuAskJXKzJUwL
PhwpDksrxzOrYjHAlthough 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.jgYGGqfVxbtuWsmgvqGBYhpvLZHFQz
OstabodvOKcAilFMoreover, the situation was even more sensitive due to the involvement of factional disputes.UlLugLDpMSzfaCoqOpCSLGNGwEDeOK
sOSWSjKBYCucnON“What’s the Emperor’s stance in court?”EjWcRsMUZtZodJmmINcVkasLvEoWiJ
qPMLHSsoUyarevc“I don’t know,” Geng Yan shook his head. “Can’t make out anything.”ChlbKLotwhryryOAAwyPHDfmDRIQCm
LEqDUjJKZEOjzWAHe remembered his father’s expression upon returning from court—ziggdtzbxFmWAWnRisjYCqyZEaxOYi
ThSXXbfIoPMzyaZThe young Emperor, barely in his twenties, was an enigma even to the seasoned officials of two reigns.PhEinySrtFGxqrxVPhDgBcFwYlfItI
lIrUfsBJDkAIGTF“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.”oIHIZgTtQBqNufYtAOYEdzKrGWbpHG
YqZQwHcFKUscaWaNing Rushen understood. Geng Yan wanted him to feel out the situation.hxoYFPMaxFuGSeQiVrHVjqetvSSFKD
CyZruSIgPrBevPaOutsiders thought he was in the Emperor’s good graces, but only he knew he was as precarious as a clay Buddha crossing a river.vpwwrJwySCjspeEvJTOAzPCJrMizLN
CemdGQMKvUzGubOHe quietly asked, “If corruption is admitted, what would the sentence be?”fIawLfsvfTihQyZXnRFMrhkPniLxEI
WHiwqOserwpindYGeng Yan replied, “Confiscation of property, exile.”UEEqKyPnnDEEjJIZbQiDxgsPZBWNUV
TazJMrTWUAIUCnVConfiscation and exile.ZINQlQazRBHiZdIZnMqnUNudiUdRVg
FfZHdxBhvdfmSAMNing Rushen looked at him, with complex admiration, “Then you’re pretty calm about it.”xDSPMYVTiRwVnetfQpUDLLicfeYnsa
KhXDkUDxozTrUXgHis entire family faced relocation to the south.nUNWilYaPzYHSxjGVbPCqtuNVageVf
ZdGJLzRnmfemGuxYet here he was, still climbing over his walls and inviting him for meals.GSBNOkJMNWiCndRxropyHYsJRCkaMn
CGMvXRjUgpXQFLz“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…”vbkAAoewZTljnQRmJxpujSOphklqPc
siETkUIjtCnbCUvNing Rushen tensed up.oedQsWQjKlBXvqOIyYvwZXAJOiLILD
gZMBADfnUlcLakcGeng Yan continued, “…baked sweet potatoes.”ERYsZXNUasAbjdmgniStKerqeZmvZt
JqLQOnylKIlJboUNing Rushen breathed a sigh of relief, “Try not to gasp when you speak.”SpzbPUoaBnrXkqPssFGqSoeMnlKGPg
OROcLGcTCmrpOUx“…?”ogQabnrEfLczRBdcYiKdyifFQoYxij
NVLQyvUKcCuygSQNing Rushen diverted his gaze.hNGpzBtjZeqwVLWPeJmfEgxDybQYnS
EKWUbeRTfOrQPmDHis fingertips brushed against the cup, his eyelashes slightly lowered: Preparedness, huh.kFNorMdbitJGakuHiyjtaaCHLTqznN
PCzRRCSdExJggDxSince 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—NLafIBowPrsZBczoOSKdQgANdLnOOH
puvIclaSEebTGXSIn this whirlpool of power, was he to remain forever on the sidelines, or let himself be carried away by the current.IRihqdAxKUBndiTjXneYPuIQEnTKmj
EmRaalaqsMBwPXi“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.”nuXiMFjpGJXhMCqVepemtXWkHZXMAz
oyXvjqOEiuCDREO(T/N I googled Crystal dumpling and its basically dim sum)YqgfNZAYLLGtjHHzruEYotvkQNbpsM
CYUmhbtglWBTcGoGeng Yan was momentarily taken aback. “What?”ldFAMyMNEvryyadCGKmLWYXxrGvMCN
AAlzcfLlkvZlftK“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.'”mAYXrFtYsWxJBBSoInimReKgZNAxRA
tilxZgWDKuoffBWGeng Yan’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You…”qLtgoWlzyMPPDVwqxXsZDtdNCHWnFx
azUgLHbjtCwYHOiNing Rushen smiled.WrKAppAcbaEjlkHvbfTbbWPfBLkdtE
xamrkNKEGmtxxYbHe had made up his mind.CaFWSluUwvQmsWJrAeiHZKGjXzeLmA
FmkUHzGIoAkTIBSRolling up his sleeves, he looked away casually. “Can’t help it. Someone said I’m quite skilled, not one to follow the beaten path.”cWXRpYuiUlLxxtFFsiVSPsuOZIcazo
CBedeukaUwNKNRPAfter a day of rest, Ning Rushen was ready to return to the palace for his duties.WxahYyMKbozNskvHtorbFiBOKKUkVo
mBVkwuKsjSsjXFRHis body had mostly recovered, and the matters concerning Minister Geng could not be delayed.NZXeplOcuqJoiYSJbvPRRkciBDFGMt
izTcXrbcrZTSYUpHe 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.QjTcpwbGPYlKaecPHaFxvflQaoaswM
jqyBiQNXVAVaastUpon reaching the Imperial Study, Li Wuting had not yet arrived.dZxrCwxyVOGezKTkiryOBWTAxvafYD
JaZlVBhFejepwlVOnly 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.”KQHNwjMXHxVFetZiNkfBrOEEKJimNJ
KdtmGIuTlgYDcXmNing Rushen adjusted his sleeves, “It’s no trouble.”KEOGkGmlByHiaowEKubGrscGxzHuCV
yQvDfrfjxKpiciSIt 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.rivhdTcTEjOttWDxOhaWUgKpmcRVuU
giatMecaxdlncRW“This humble official pays his respects to Your Majesty.”IGfqiCkUqDnXhJXvAsnOkutjkkffYN
zjTuegqlqOqsxyhLi Wuting glanced at him.amhrkkbssLdmrgxemijnvQwINwusAQ
QkLehTVjXPEujgrHaving 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.RrkKeSWkQxdKUpDyqSEZAgNsRLSNPe
DUvITRSpAQTRUJDLi 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.gCxyXehiMSFRCHDsiPBETDqppFXCVi
ilaKHPqImztxRGyNing 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…”heshwXaDlWfaAsjmqcxdEgIiYEdHiT
IdqUoxuuulsIhgFDe Quan silently trailed behind them.yNeMdGuMTLmmPnloVzPoYCMjPoYzgf
UAMojXYFPjSJcRiHe 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.phaTbovWcVScaPtVbRlashxQTIlUoO
vpCRLkHJMDeKeMBThe study was as warm as an early spring.bMjNhGCPlfWasvOpsEiqWXJlBMJOpS
fEeipkSICVcRvIGLi Wuting was washing his hands in a basin, casually asking, “Feeling better now?”rvDhQCUlpfEuotceMFkcxqSMyFHffj
szQSSvyMnPZBSpcNing Rushen, gradually warming up, comfortably squinted his eyes, “Thanks to Your Majesty, much better.”FlkwmfVEdgJkwHVTBzswmRrbAcGTsB
DTiqrShoYLVrRyXThe sound of water stopped.WLZPedpsetfNWbinUNqSJjTkGeoyUv
EQgqwdjPiKPhHKzThen, a flicker of discomfort seemed to pass across Li Wuting’s handsome face, “Hmm.”KRRmkFYKelYMIJansBXdyEtJIorKmM
GmsCspbqOJVpbeQNing Rushen: …?XDhZHeCuCWkQExqXtaZcgTPtTatdyn
CcuxDHvWOsLxKvzHe wondered if Li Wuting’s tone carried any sarcasm.EAbWTdaHACseGclsEmVmUYQTSdXhcX
HzzSbOJWufoemUfSuspicious, 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.aFtZkBPoatoeTXpDPyWsBgmCAVAwJn
FkHesXtrQhYWuhySince Li Wuting did not call for him, Ning Rushen quietly stood by.AMzyWNzPXzUXLyHDLNwpyBthuxPjWD
DrgCaCLeztRMrQeTime slipped away unnoticed in the imperial study, remarkably quiet except for the sound of pages turning.XNxrMwXbTaAXjkfbtdLfNIKvjnmmHl
zpfMOCQTIykIVKtDe Quan seemed already accustomed to the silence, occasionally replacing the tea with a fresh, hot one without making any other sound.cpTwHZBiDTIMJhpVwRYMpIXmhCFWRI
nEjZlOOFpthWzDtNing Rushen stood until his legs became numb and his head dizzy.nrEshBbJiiKVKxfNRiOudTzFngojCB
lqXltNDZLHHMBnQHe genuinely couldn’t grasp the reason behind Li Wuting’s insistence on having him serve in his presence daily—CpUbkqJjpOgagDaMvAmpRxrGaSdIvs
fHGoUpcsERDsAHpWas it to have him dressed in red, standing before the desk as a charm against evil?fKCDehMSpjBlFtDWFQbWNrhSMBhcIO
CVHBgMaIJwTPxscHe 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.mHfLZlVVkYsJsPtaKXodddDPBqVCDn
OQEBhZouqGjvrAVClick, a soft sound.DjegmjnZbfccNEAPcySxGrhDXZZyEh
cXNbonAiPAtbJvfComing back to his senses, Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting looking up from behind the desk, his calm gaze directly on him.oKJViiMIzbprPjDaFdBjsUTqBEhzyY
XFgHyekVefyLvwENing Rushen moved his stiff legs and apologized, “I have been disrespectful in front of Your Majesty. Please forgive me.”ntYKXQsecJgdmyNqajbeGXNPdNFCvg
UpgztCbFJojafydLi Wuting casually remarked, “Ning, you dare to deceive your king, what is this minor offense in comparison?”WLiRFrqwEDLSYrgovtnvIQJRzzXQXu
RpXXijbNZvhcnqqNing Rushen: ?fUdsueuFeDSSZGdViwdtEXDaSbjSyl
PwqTQBAyrusbpmGHe leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with genuine confusion, “When have I ever…”pGEKdGWtYTBbEfMwRPjengfleWbpGW
TTRvBDHbVrVQveL“Have I heard correctly that Lord Ning misses me so much that you find it hard to sleep at night?”itHRnjfXfQjJbDvAPYiBOzFikmRBPA
GYpWlvePcVYdony“…” Ning Rushen’s gaze momentarily shifted sideways to De Quan, who sneakily buried his head. It’s you again, the big sieve.nSfGJUDkLehhfKutpGSSWpzBJOtSmr
dagsMBjIcsIUVxuLi Wuting’s voice turned cold, “Flattery comes easily to your lips.”vctMaeXToQNtBaijrMxkitrLfFHMrG
fEANryEdzRZYZtuNing 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.”nkkkaqCEScwZfTPlXDINbBIdDmMPxQ
pUTJtaljRcWyOmdLi 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.”eswMzSgVPRXXeHVSUbunPwFHLqltpn
sMlJsAbSAvSeenX“?”DfgdnViHMLFwgBBcLFLCQdATgVYSTK
AxVdQqdCBoHzIeHThe troublesome topic was subtly bypassed.HfaTFufMFOCsNrxedtWysZKqOzEjgM
vINQLAyVQnoMUFCNing Rushen blinked, “Yes.”CXdhLAZVCgvJRLhteaaDCmLAqspgxe
dPmPMmqFrOmJQjrThe 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.GcLeBocGXwFYHYJzEvIPJcXVZUdbBB
LeszjqEUFCoNFpLNing Rushen’s technique in grinding the ink was not particularly skilled.PoZmnRcWngrybObGyKZrtaEVXojwUW
nEOQtENLaaQLJXHHowever, 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.ApbZivXKFEkOYjkrUmpLAtFyCExMzp
vgsdWQafBqgkZjvUnfortunately, the person being served seemed to lack appreciation.yeKRDGVoGdfQKDHJtkWxhSTlYZMDVO
fLLQcMnXrnBRJNnAfter 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.yDGzBwNBDmGzJdBZQmWdiHYPxzZVZB
QQWBWQWSMyqCdWcNing Rushen, while grinding the ink, swept his gaze over the memorials on the desk.cjfyKBeXJabddiZotBtwkqLABtuCiF
DDhVnXofBQAUyTgHe was sneakily peeking when he suddenly caught sight of the words “Ministry of Revenue,” “Geng Yue,” and “corruption and malpractice.”lhdIyXrFSQEavWsZkMWVnGXIWrWMlg
SUuwuufwHRxFSHAIndeed, it was a severe impeachment.xwVOyeVHIDiBriZopTGOUvbuKJpFfn
JUigwFuwkSYAstZLooking 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…TGEemzZpPOIHhVrqTTFzqHuVMpSYDa
ymdfoqJiYfJESrrNing Rushen became so engrossed that he lost himself in the documents.lVUVDryVbnwFFjKYSPwGTMApnBiOcu
gWqJdwYaSeLRjtiLi Wuting had been turning a blind eye, for he had placed the man under his close watch to see what he would do.KBcUUvvKvGWokSqpXkKxHwQovnNGvJ
LRaOWGMySdJkXfUYet, he hadn’t expected such brazen behavior.FBFoJogsSEFMeaHACTLTtdhetFbhVl
XfgTROVugxRpWFrPerhaps to get a clearer view, Ning Rushen even turned his head halfway around, almost reaching out to pull the memorial towards him!qqDtFIYMbsWWYtoJheKnJuwRWovaYV
cpgWiJxnunrhdDh“…” Li Wuting chuckled lowly, “Ning Chen.”pBIbGYDGryJLSyllgIiaoHxDjeWUwe
xFFaJgTbchRgIHSNing Rushen snapped back to reality, lifting his gaze to meet the direct and imposing look of the King.nQOpJUeNoBYsqDuRZaYQhxxjhWemwh
RqkHYAZsHXReCvSHis heart skipped a beat, and he prostrated himself, saying, “Your servant has overstepped his bounds.”HyNvBVbVMbuabGNRfiHzJYIMTDwcXP
OSRpJrxWSeCEqOISilence ensued across the room.IvZZTwtamaxBkXCxAOPdyvkmmpFvzT
YLMLeMQJzItlLulNing 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.RSxfhtSJDVGggrAnxlupqQtxsKNtDV
nOlbJyowhQUeToMThe memorandum had been thrown before him, the black text stark against the white paper.VsNoYLPEtYfchcUsDiFlcIvUDDiYXh
swwSCaZptIVIWoDNing Rushen looked up, “Your Majesty?”AnNlVLfeadquVYZPcnnQXysKgDxaVX
QjwOKACBKMCrtJX“What do you wish to see?” Li Wuting’s gaze was lowered towards him, his tone calm, “I permit you to look.”YwBeKdjcTMFtPprCxMJHOBtAPxTqOF
EtmKFcBziAFIEuLA sense of alarm rose within Ning Rushen:MaZJPZTSyPGCdyslppXzQoVUELTlhe
TftHENrxfGrSAXTWhen the emperor is silent, he is surely laying a trap.EnmkNprZOXipTPBOSPFDIarKFtynBU
FaznHroMquoZFyEHe pushed the memorandum slightly, “Your servant dares not…”WBRwNcfSUYOPnpDEiMYzjypxYtYSsD
duMwYDjvKdkBApy“Look.”MQRkHGLZuIUWfgvnJMknjwCJKULpwW
mwbGgPCTNkfKCtHDe Quan, standing a few steps away, was already drenched in cold sweat, not daring to utter a single word.jrhkfJNIgdeVmmNFtBogsbgaFteuAC
JwhMsbtquoHJtinNing Rushen, “…”QjLTDQcOnlkOPJirLvtJclwpElmJqV
cHqWJRIcOiRiurAFine, since you insist.CGVRODWtzSuotyRKDFijohruwqaEbD
BmNWKKkaRmdIMuR“Your servant obeys.” He gracefully pulled the memorandum back, straightened his back, and sat on the ground to scrutinize it thoroughly.WBJkfBsGdRGEApPaXGPRqbEMAVxRka
GgWmjGGOFRUAsGPThe 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—SwlOQepbRZCAdCOnPqSfNRJjEDpLTV
eMQfLURVygTQFWi“To serve as a warning and to uphold integrity.”NxwLBjkcmcapbvHnMeDjQhDXXFEqTr
nBpJJptEZQQFKeCThe bold ink strokes caught Ning Rushens eye, prompting him to purse his lips.ruZsCayORurEDZQKIxKeWviCqkczzx
oZrUJgCmKVNrjnx“Have you finished reading?” The emperor’s voice descended from above.GXUbDEHaVTNfkTsDtPotjBDpADuLLg
xHCcxZWbqHUMmtqHolding the document, Ning Rushen looked up, his mind still somewhat in turmoil. He met Li Wuting’s gaze and softly hummed in affirmation.NpEoJMdgDumPJNFEImnBkOxbtBGEuU
hylmAcCrxbAYFiSThe 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.xlOayPUBMTdtIzhCPFGPfmcknkxJOH
xvLzbihEdJOtfVIBut Ning Rushen, the person in question, seemed unaware of the impropriety.BmAMHAhYzDHiidTNfYAiltccfkLAaT
SlCRjZeDwjhKJBkLi Wuting, as the emperor, didn’t seem to focus on this either.XyxYpcSimbPLgqsDxmtSktQXYiopVL
KRNPHFeSotnvCBeHis 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…”OUWasdIGtNMhskjMozOKyHnNhUOcRD
qjisVWmLErtHbanNing Rushen snapped back to attention, meeting Li Wuting’s gaze: So?ZoytbRNWgWedQALNLqQFXjmZGeIfUe
wBdqXurqgXcUMUULi Wuting leisurely looked at him, “Why don’t you tell me, how should I deal with Secretary Geng?”tdNKODKrXaBrEPWBjhDfbESeZfuBji
ppYxcvtaEyfUigO“…”JbqFuvEZSWujJpSAUQuzGcmKFmEACz
KhfEujxZKGLwlwcflvTSHqLVrvgrTExTULLPocEVLsHIb
I wish our MC good luck in convincing the Emperor. That one is biased after all, lol.
Thank you!