This official is so weak

Ning Rushen woke from a fitful sleep to find ten burly men encircling his courtyard, almost believing he was caught in a spell.LQnEPSeksfvyqTomslYYoCyZeFblpq

OmMJDLRyLYZVxTQ

It 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.lduRmyJxLZfNHofZSWypITNnavjkjU

atnqycMDumFooim

De 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.”aNhaGfScjFddWoNFdJdvCvlHULPxwi

lRYRfpJnIVnaZIC

At 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.gVPgWKrWveUVgFqHtVGzJukStidyBa

wiDsmygrKYIXvrC

As he expressed his gratitude, his eyelashes slightly drooped, and his eyes shimmered with a faint aqua, displaying a weary sickness.EjKuOiBiMJnVXakKmIYrvVKModMvTf

qrmOywoZfEiQSbV

De Quan exclaimed in concern, “My lord, have you not rested well?”RBjKeTBePpWzdGvLaFKaqtovnsyKyn

dQaVJGGcjFTbMmu

“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.”TOadVyWCjFMJnNSdSZeDSVJBkZIaEO

pzqbIvkBdEoyckJ

De Quan offered a comforting smile, brushing off the dust with his duster, “This servant will surely convey my lord’s sentiments.”hoLxpeeajXTzYwiCkRuctIzjGXmFDW

RnnzRnhSBIQYlGB

Ning Rushen offered a polite smile in return.mbPcROuXQzKTMhvekyomVfgTRaVJjc

oOlbJaWJQamjila

It was possible, but unnecessary.EGWEQJfXgLPykWwrMRtHtnGhrAdVBq

ayyROhBuVCWnKNy

After 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.”pGyIPkksveEAqCCPDzwwCcyMqJsaEp

TPTRuRwmwJNiESW

Ning Rushen nodded, his hands tucked into his sleeves, then added, “Just pick from today’s selection, no need for tomorrow.”fAVtHVLWoJhknJVXPLxsThsdPlhHwV

bEDtJQBMviwnNXc

Yan Min inquired, “Does my lord have plans for tomorrow?”QImcUNTVrUUsOgXXtPiKoBLvkZHgHq

TEPhbfyKGczaOOB

Ning Rushen gazed beyond the mansion, “Hmm, to enjoy the autumn breeze.”spAyGvhmcQtVkGDeeDVZUDwgGOxxsS

TTYHFPAueQyIxqH

…dgVjMHVSSooSHKjNzauEPZjUoltZGY

NuJbtpIYvskWZrN

The meeting with Geng Yan was scheduled for the following day.WgyMFEZwAQXySMSjCjYuBVdUZJWIYN

GrxNzpRrbzAREZL

Before 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.”qozMmkQPjuDfUBXHZXAwQlGqvoLHfj

EQwKaSfrWeoivLr

Ning 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.IIMFwSfOldSoyaZfUWkQjqFXgtJMyU

kpwvKQLurpqIKSS

Upon hearing this, he seemed to ponder, as if inspired.xrfaGHXMIEBaOrDIVhKUPOlXoKWYtu

gafpDwqoPkUmroF

Yan Min was on high alert, “Don’t even think about it!”SYfhxrMsbyORQSsyzYygHQPSmCTKhl

MccVOwxOkMhfgal

Ning Rushen gave up, “Alright, alright, I know.”XWjnmDHFNnaBnKOHGPgSEscxrUluBC

jaVixPjKykElRzj

The carriage made its way through the bustling streets to the base of Wanghe Tower.xbwtJfWTkyMZoidvpDpiDWVuEDUJla

llwwsqYOgPmkLtW

Located 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.hNmhXgoZNoxzReKhVZJvIxIcBiBShp

yqzabbGdVIETGtw

Ning Rushen lifted the curtain of the carriage and stepped out.bDpgJLIpJhFLkNHDsXPEKUMZMpdnJG

AyJTcrYyuAPcnxl

Dressed 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!”IsOzmIahPRLnaaaYMhuNyEztZBrNJg

snnQLVHTmlBZtmS

Ning Rushen mentioned Geng Yan’s name and was quickly led to a private room on the second floor.yIOCHlBtUhhxDzZVrWdqMHKEMEbtnt

HRVxvtHjJkulnzB

Inside, Geng Yan was already waiting.prcfYdhGeRSeQmZJKylvOUErQaQPst

WMDPRgovToHTuUg

He was by the window, staring out into the cold wind blowing outside.PMMGFRvxJYDDRJAVHahBdAVMwlmuTn

pYFUwtkyUScUVqM

The 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?”IyQaKnhijarEQLdUqwdwoenTJglOzo

gwCbgJzUPYiiFCT

Geng Yan raised his hand to close the window.vTThHGprBUDscOxgQLBRfBiokZaDmO

lhJVlSTRNzIPSBR

With the warmth returning to the room, Ning Rushen took a seat without ceremony and ordered a large table full of dishes.mcyRBcWaNsErOLgBORtRgBIGGKuVQq

MebJGTGIKFWRGll

Once 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?”svQhRzvsTCupdyVLhXsJemqNgKknLY

DstljtzPOMqbkwY

Geng 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.”FRXoMHTdVXDGszseqHyobaubNIMjnJ

zbxoDtAtEFxVIcv

Ning Rushen, busy with his meal, signaled with his eyes for Geng Yan to continue.shEfFJTwmznzFxKtDNcDBemeGmGVIq

KkQOFMxaJVsdOUq

Geng 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.”axBoeDwGEYFfRxDWpkplQQZyrldOvD

SxicEuQbTlThfuF

Ning Rushen was surprised, “The treasury is that depleted? Where’s the money?”BuVMbWmnHNkQpZFbeGBtRmJuAhKdTV

FtJdgVFfhsqGajb

As 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.cafEcKmZIIXhpvQZTjRykYmawgzsYd

nvCpQGpAfocDmBs

The treasury is indeed full.KvAwPnMKEndEiBWEzmqQDaeSkbCWxU

QzESWRNnMdjhAwV

Geng Yan’s expression became somewhat embarrassed.kfYUlHjPnWwHaOUsrgOFFeUpOADrQD

lSnfxMVlTSVWNZL

Ning 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.wYREcPWcBDhccFJMfZhSrvlTPpcXdq

TcpAqDtZGSVlGBi

Silently, he put down his chopsticks and scooted back a little.AGOzHypzrPiBBzzlqIKdBdVjmVnfnh

eRyNrLlpFrJdhtI

Geng Yan, seeing this, became irritated. “What’s with that look? My father hasn’t embezzled any funds! Eat your meal!”RrtWDgBkeeGJwPQZVnqftvVgcvflhC

XVszPiTyKQQWVyK

Ning Rushen picked up his chopsticks again, half-convinced, “Then where did the money go? If there’s no embezzlement, why not report it?”rCSoUuenMByskDEiWAjYwASaKSZQuM

lxAQwfyhkOTBTuE

Geng Yan shook his head in despair, “It’s tied to the struggle for the throne… Do you remember the rumor I told you about?”meNbNHOnBmgyNkIppBMHjMtleXJUCu

DZAtXQlpvUzByxw

Ning Rushen then recalled the news he had heard on the night of the palace banquet:tmWFirwBhgIGUCUvQbzlaYQvrhoJSc

GywOOAlpFlZtVJU

The 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.HfSTOjuuulnGwItfLfwhKNIfdVRbCO

XWXaVFrPjeVXiAi

In 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.pTqtfpKgJaoMbgyqhvFqAgannrQxHQ

yqvkdfdmEwzAiVU

No one expected the Crown Prince’s faction to collapse overnight.hOGmBRcAGtDcQSPiZitujMgvbGCtNx

VWmVqGIZaheVKzl

After the emperor’s death, an edict was issued for Empress Cui to be buried with him.swlCLXvyoQqXyCWHhXIzQRjMxQZimH

TdIIfThPOBfpKMW

Upon his ascension, the third son, Li Wuting, began to gradually diminish the vast power of the Cui family.hkxSrGqZDZeRTYRCfqSJwmXyPhdEhc

GZOXsGgjgoCqQxr

A troubling speculation slowly formed in Ning Rushen’s mind, “…Could it be, all the money went to the former Crown Prince?”zgipASgsEXYpDlSOadPfJsdWIqFZLx

aAidSMHdrUwPgXt

Geng 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.”nXktuupJwcDTlZxUrEEkmebvaxhLxC

dWrgfntijwUZANs

Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves and sighed.LKtfcROBcmFRMQonULfCuYoKjRhRim

tzyNOuCRTtzBRUQ

Although 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.EiDhfzhEXWgUrhCkNOEffZABQwULai

TavtLLYhtLyvUDA

Moreover, the situation was even more sensitive due to the involvement of factional disputes.INIvhvIkMXUTSzzwiYFLwOWTKmJiYd

njcIfArRRxUlktv

“What’s the Emperor’s stance in court?”fdulUWVJIWONaechGTNRrMClSkXQru

fLHxmyJCLnBJJBb

“I don’t know,” Geng Yan shook his head. “Can’t make out anything.”KnZYCcjKxCiKTYYcjrZPPOVVTSriPk

RiNTLXfcCkApTPL

He remembered his father’s expression upon returning from court—YierEJcHoKbcbsImeWLcnRaFMxnFgL

RriCFeCRUOVoChF

The young Emperor, barely in his twenties, was an enigma even to the seasoned officials of two reigns.YdVTQBebbZgiOyXqfelqwuVLjnSPNW

KBnJYxLNmgkCglJ

“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.”nNPTZoCvOdNVznmCnYcQezLNrqrAsJ

OpmSEmSKLigXIBe

Ning Rushen understood. Geng Yan wanted him to feel out the situation.LAUGEpMvuuVNlhRzgngsLlXMyHdoKC

hDXyOmYCFtiGRIE

Outsiders thought he was in the Emperor’s good graces, but only he knew he was as precarious as a clay Buddha crossing a river.THkQxxFstwpPDRGnuWBTdrdDTLARNJ

frjLTlqmcKwXnHR

He quietly asked, “If corruption is admitted, what would the sentence be?”jQODRWTflTmYiYYLmkfUJdTIGLbNXb

RzyvXWJeeOgQrcW

Geng Yan replied, “Confiscation of property, exile.”GnXXUlZzbwmjxUUAumkkTAZqHmOVfi

SjkKgEKIOWXudXo

Confiscation and exile.mPLpNCLgthcupWDhmxzcvMMeOYeETy

QOhCVtUhrsXGUau

Ning Rushen looked at him, with complex admiration, “Then you’re pretty calm about it.”EiCruBQfRNjWPNLwgwziHGTxbZjbkF

LyMOBFBnRDxbwFa

His entire family faced relocation to the south.DvbEDOoOxLwaUndPSJhNlntzVnNGuh

NXcuetbRYBYNJzm

Yet here he was, still climbing over his walls and inviting him for meals.zxFvZkMvzseqbVCEmQeuiaYiaDICPw

fJYuoTzYYcwqOZd

“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…”uXKKctUQmBHVlLjYMhdBtrVyrIWxrF

XVLlrijxTJLlydu

Ning Rushen tensed up.YYfEAqATUOBXptPongfLFQXRvDfpdC

yKEuHhunDVsRJYh

Geng Yan continued, “…baked sweet potatoes.”LnmyGRqopWVoqsJLNxIxisMUPbgTUl

stilmWhSnNOitrW

Ning Rushen breathed a sigh of relief, “Try not to gasp when you speak.”hhCIIwMGBBnEAUQDTqxpjTDFypdZzS

hyygYYmhyabTvjf

“…?”MPsJbWcgPyiiifhLZRCqrzvWaRoLum

KPqSQbwLrrosTqZ

Ning Rushen diverted his gaze.WoouiuBgIZGBMopOlsEYZIUbgLPech

QjfDMWpiRbCkoob

His fingertips brushed against the cup, his eyelashes slightly lowered: Preparedness, huh.TBYctTzYYQIuchlFQkYEcBGMeLuDSz

ZuLRokbhHEIMxon

Since 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—LLCdgPnooOUOOogZcwpTBTuBByvqlD

LZbfvhOmzuaRABK

In this whirlpool of power, was he to remain forever on the sidelines, or let himself be carried away by the current.LLBWeSRvunOXetkgcqtPFCeusDClCl

sjPvfJQZuXFugXI

“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.”jUJpMOLMawlCWAVdnhLPJqRpyhvYGt

xBQHurrWCitcEEq

(T/N I googled Crystal dumpling and its basically dim sum)qzxIORmKtrWDDajpxkNqNpJJhVNpkW

eOVmmbPEIxLNHCl

Geng Yan was momentarily taken aback. “What?”HxzOOhItJNsIjONPJatnCJkJFmYJYE

pKApIZtdJGidIwC

“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.'”pWiMbMFntCXtvgkUknWcinhwoMvMEq

MVehADeIEWcwecy

Geng Yan’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You…”jBjCRxCNTRWpvkPsaNlVKRdAtuWXdv

ZcXkCvZmtVlbnoZ

Ning Rushen smiled.wRxafDxlwPdHSkNMDgYihBLDKOCzst

fKlgPwgxfBBhBuX

He had made up his mind.KIOtXIOnOEwUUfLTBVUXvqTQRhWZgG

XhMkamQpbZsZCbi

Rolling up his sleeves, he looked away casually. “Can’t help it. Someone said I’m quite skilled, not one to follow the beaten path.”lVNYRISSBWYfuSQGEuPiGtNJwuVmUT

hKtutGjewTLZUHs

After a day of rest, Ning Rushen was ready to return to the palace for his duties.MijwusTXjXToZvcQqlJyXbqpWyZOUm

xevqGvdnBhxRWCy

His body had mostly recovered, and the matters concerning Minister Geng could not be delayed.JcgMThPHUvrGUsOwUJwoXkOaWNUvxt

mCHprbeBIRHDpkq

He 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.lXNIXQYuRvqVIZusqONMjoxyhYTyBb

jgOobQMKzpvYLGs

Upon reaching the Imperial Study, Li Wuting had not yet arrived.tuovytoqZZPmSgvEjAjNOqvSSMsOdF

rDwRREfGrzplsiP

Only 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.”OYCfCnslweLsDGsUgRaefnLPuOEYMe

hNVJuwPABHjBKMj

Ning Rushen adjusted his sleeves, “It’s no trouble.”tMZnkPZjtgurJtqChVqwKDREsWEbFr

iTXAuZYtfRHWMgC

It 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.QDcVIjXXsxjbkhEGDDnMeUIUsOcuTs

cQCpSZLIJUxlWcu

“This humble official pays his respects to Your Majesty.”XSYFcvUHHJicSGbmiYbigHQHyidULf

UgEskCphFgPwzBG

Li Wuting glanced at him.TxKFiBQIiBXbtAwPaOOjFfMLqinFpK

PXenhAFXbjFJLCG

Having 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.kIftypbrhLuFKFDosbeRlLWcyyLvbK

uGGQJlPJZnHKjoJ

Li 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.VOMyxsqomRwCFDyiCTdebYwnPNrKWr

vFmZZuHQUDAkfbu

Ning 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…”laIbreygeosBHVGQIsAoYSIAvgYUld

mKroYGFKhILUJdO

De Quan silently trailed behind them.lGUxTEPLDCgmtLxlOwfENqMRSJjaOh

eWPhwjxSLnovMOC

He 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.vJhyWEwUeTvrvRjSYTAiudtIiJndWI

UKdbzYECUjTqSkH

The study was as warm as an early spring.kOsZkQEjcDkvEqinuFSQjxUDqUKzRa

xfDRDyVmSavREvl

Li Wuting was washing his hands in a basin, casually asking, “Feeling better now?”XTyUsfxzrqwAjZHBoGhuXCdBBzETzp

stUBJNRfdAbSVzy

Ning Rushen, gradually warming up, comfortably squinted his eyes, “Thanks to Your Majesty, much better.”iNPDLcCGiwAVCWCZBXTFGNaZOUAIRO

XSzevzQrcofrEyi

The sound of water stopped.hpFiLQglyYepxJZrqWuvwjmWvSgsdE

rtwAVJgapxCOkvs

Then, a flicker of discomfort seemed to pass across Li Wuting’s handsome face, “Hmm.”ajtBTiEzSgxOvhaBdUcFTNFFQMsfZJ

pKHeCHMCShPHbPf

Ning Rushen: …?QTEOWAbxvQpiLaeuOxZevjlWbuwdKK

XXZHrikqurVJFAa

He wondered if Li Wuting’s tone carried any sarcasm.uMyrwKtFSglglOJlwTpsCDvSdlSgUc

subaRndMaJXFqSm

Suspicious, 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.ACpzgiMWKDUHxFHmTkPRmkmmWLdeql

dvnIbPjohlyDjyS

Since Li Wuting did not call for him, Ning Rushen quietly stood by.NeBlvytJsZKLBSiWRqPAWVGFjKQZxD

elkbSSEpralyzGA

Time slipped away unnoticed in the imperial study, remarkably quiet except for the sound of pages turning.cfawrhIeFdAjTVDZFhmpkDJWBtZwFV

lhRbiDfOsdpilxK

De Quan seemed already accustomed to the silence, occasionally replacing the tea with a fresh, hot one without making any other sound.eTclbJlHOXKTfGtQbXmEhArWBbPffS

koSBqRnegsaLafG

Ning Rushen stood until his legs became numb and his head dizzy.hTBNZBlBvBIwxOARzEPAldDwgKwVsF

OxWGeQWomukwoAC

He genuinely couldn’t grasp the reason behind Li Wuting’s insistence on having him serve in his presence daily—eWIbYkxEzsuzEyJffQupwGKaahWKMd

kslAhGBABNSEOBT

Was it to have him dressed in red, standing before the desk as a charm against evil?DHqDlhDvvTgHIHUiSvlFWtjQwQhgHY

LVCAGvGTuiixWtF

He 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.htSCNIHabdVnIFGSLxmkpyxhAHfXOr

VqhDabLvAKvOvvU

Click, a soft sound.IrkRfHJHVZEOlYWZtfGyRgxxsTTtQI

aOYyQMfQNxmVKBJ

Coming back to his senses, Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting looking up from behind the desk, his calm gaze directly on him.dVKfaBJxmldzkcamwvdXgjCzToGsTl

TKoWRjIbvuuvNeT

Ning Rushen moved his stiff legs and apologized, “I have been disrespectful in front of Your Majesty. Please forgive me.”haKiFcBVbpSkzPzUQuYqFketgsPiyr

pJuijJbsqHNgECX

Li Wuting casually remarked, “Ning, you dare to deceive your king, what is this minor offense in comparison?”lUUHzfIxxkdBhLJGJrDWikYFZOxemz

TCSaXdNlIbSjuAR

Ning Rushen: ?pRjAReWjfMpxLLYxPEKeYlZRymuMKV

EOeOptEJqBkPrwH

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with genuine confusion, “When have I ever…”ZenBcWScqoUgpsTOPTDYhQPSOYUISF

iNVJmjPiComKDZF

“Have I heard correctly that Lord Ning misses me so much that you find it hard to sleep at night?”ImqSSYifKIAEuXVQtjyhQLvLXEaiqq

rvTtZWXusgGxOBX

“…” Ning Rushen’s gaze momentarily shifted sideways to De Quan, who sneakily buried his head. It’s you again, the big sieve.fAcLqspnBpFLkCJshrJQLYAwvxeZzM

GlcgvGoFzlWIonK

Li Wuting’s voice turned cold, “Flattery comes easily to your lips.”deUMJvhTnzBtlLJkUSBqFrEkausnoQ

PqhCJhBQPLvJuOU

Ning 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.”azEJZOinXsaGIBMxZwkTBxQQYzllQj

yoPiQWpTuxOaCxZ

Li 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.”xcIQEGqCALDZCcGwPLQdwSFEPbhTYk

XGfuUGshnCCJMkH

“?”dpQRmPPFhMtMIfrALMbFDZswaXqRgz

lgpCGaDTRCXmZXJ

The troublesome topic was subtly bypassed.fimYjmoWYoVdtKXoaUXEwhvckHMHdW

VONpjuOZypBGgGU

Ning Rushen blinked, “Yes.”zXDUYtLsRGPRcYQGSLFEuXkhLVpBFl

IeOSLipreKOgRhG

The 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.fjbyLnZMgmrLWkDDSzIePTvlJfgPrF

RLSRKAENPyMAJvY

Ning Rushen’s technique in grinding the ink was not particularly skilled.yKZQqLnWkYFJCuxLTfgKDFUozHUAoe

YMKARoHSGhAGBzQ

However, 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.evvRaKBUKkStKpSpSkPZKRJUTXtzDD

CAFgBsFMUcpdDCc

Unfortunately, the person being served seemed to lack appreciation.brFLiBFAnebFNIOlhaxgbDLnvQOtVH

iEHYBXcyyKHYahO

After 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.bZReWtuqHRSoAFJKzpPGkZHaTMVNTy

DhybpyEjHwRhXsH

Ning Rushen, while grinding the ink, swept his gaze over the memorials on the desk.aLMMDntZIVUAHfEOfGHkqPVcazKMDr

YhmYsQafXbNUZmj

He was sneakily peeking when he suddenly caught sight of the words “Ministry of Revenue,” “Geng Yue,” and “corruption and malpractice.”nqjPhKQHuyttAcykLrjhdfjexfZlMZ

hIiqsuskuUJyDut

Indeed, it was a severe impeachment.QuqEFqYTFFSCyoZKjdVcQqscIUeUbq

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Looking 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…AofIOdigzMfopfXmdfZNTMZinOnkac

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Ning Rushen became so engrossed that he lost himself in the documents.QyWZbNlxsOhYMIfmdCCbpTDLSeRBXL

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Li Wuting had been turning a blind eye, for he had placed the man under his close watch to see what he would do.zQjNZZrAIfXjVOteBqgHHsMMVEPKVy

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Yet, he hadn’t expected such brazen behavior.yejpCzMexIqBTgMosduzsCfWuifMFr

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Perhaps to get a clearer view, Ning Rushen even turned his head halfway around, almost reaching out to pull the memorial towards him!NjNNvwPIrXnGOZANIXFIxBJfUcCyGf

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“…” Li Wuting chuckled lowly, “Ning Chen.”nSvOxFFdoNLLEOXIGZmpoYsQJTbhwF

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Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, lifting his gaze to meet the direct and imposing look of the King.KAkcpnwcgbbcCheswbSNFYklPucGjS

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His heart skipped a beat, and he prostrated himself, saying, “Your servant has overstepped his bounds.”MsIfZCftbgHAEeDOiZhBjGmVNuKQeE

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Silence ensued across the room.EVtHbpvfcdkBkOVrgXwqtabfHUflSN

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Ning 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.fSQmNAyKbdgbcuhTtmaglhdSLDDdRw

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The memorandum had been thrown before him, the black text stark against the white paper.FjlJnvqwLLEfWLLokFnyRJTOrTgsTv

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Ning Rushen looked up, “Your Majesty?”yGduzWbOAOgPfMOyjOJJOiOfVyIGVO

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“What do you wish to see?” Li Wuting’s gaze was lowered towards him, his tone calm, “I permit you to look.”kQPBXfYzpkJmxlKfJnXbQgCUGwbLJZ

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A sense of alarm rose within Ning Rushen:BnmYPbKXYfNwLzGtZETUFoacHdtlEw

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When the emperor is silent, he is surely laying a trap.TJKkemMjAiQVjSMZcydQJPSaZRDBEA

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He pushed the memorandum slightly, “Your servant dares not…”PYcRZZoGgOwoqtUfRwEeBfycbpRalA

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“Look.”lzoRqnIzSakwufcbSqyhrFbVEEKecO

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De Quan, standing a few steps away, was already drenched in cold sweat, not daring to utter a single word.lPfnnveTpEZHkoMDyXgjFCZEyULVnn

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Ning Rushen, “…”WmubsRSPyyyUQJskgfdVZPAMKctZNy

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Fine, since you insist.DKGQhnyTsLWLyCpCyeHMgEFHlPYadV

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“Your servant obeys.” He gracefully pulled the memorandum back, straightened his back, and sat on the ground to scrutinize it thoroughly.CBJqTltIsKAlFaQuEqkPprsCxIekcc

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The 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—ohCUehupFGenqjjDDqaYgaRBukzqkI

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“To serve as a warning and to uphold integrity.”RiaiJTxBLgdiorkbOEALEeTexVnnUP

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The bold ink strokes caught Ning Rushens eye, prompting him to purse his lips.PetUysNqSvxdTuCuCfEMJZCSHHFqsS

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“Have you finished reading?” The emperor’s voice descended from above.mJRcmGpMujiUsYWHDCtMDkdHzBdosY

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Holding the document, Ning Rushen looked up, his mind still somewhat in turmoil. He met Li Wuting’s gaze and softly hummed in affirmation.kiCKoAADwXYtxBdlVpeWJGlmABxeIK

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The 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.oBLLJbwSkxGgJcEtGKXFlFyzaYBoXc

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But Ning Rushen, the person in question, seemed unaware of the impropriety.EVVsLvDYAVgWpFxkuCJLnvJAOKDlbF

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Li Wuting, as the emperor, didn’t seem to focus on this either.QlXihKLJTBRXmoLHAtYwlPxQDzvHsE

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His 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…”EEAJIRgpzwrDYJtRilESmSUdRhBaDj

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Ning Rushen snapped back to attention, meeting Li Wuting’s gaze: So?EwlPxWzVACHqnjXjixvMZlcvymMeIh

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Li Wuting leisurely looked at him, “Why don’t you tell me, how should I deal with Secretary Geng?”TpByJigWoojoInLClAMEhrDNBzDGMX

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“…”psDLNuQEzOFeSkGMJyCcPIOrcxYpDO

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