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.ywvQBexXozfUuEHhGoLOTOUSZvJEai

lfDwCIMopIkDcAL

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.oxtpiUMphymlMSAfJJMgtQJcuDbFiv

RWRgaxeyLIUNYuA

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.”coQuoAzlaIttHEkguKWgrYiyLBfgoT

OvgWGrltIxIHrZg

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.xDArxaTSVzJNpOZwYZSvQqEeReBXTG

pXLhfSRXqLmLzlF

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

seguyUrPMQuqTNL

De 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

kolyGHiVlLPNAUa

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

eAvfCZXfnjpjixZ

Ning Rushen offered a polite smile in return.sMWAPMEOLJQjTyHlxdhkMsCFIQJkiE

BhKJBGHfyshpWMH

It was possible, but unnecessary.pJzvjxLQRsYaLxmTNDbNVksbvXtSLm

CqdWiEppTayTtfd

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.”mVhtzykfZldjRrlAOPvgUtWYJoSsdy

EqhdgFUPpiJJHiE

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

DSGOCwTjWexMppf

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

SoOZjdbxsMRXvsL

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

PuBNTckcqFxvXSt

…OCLjvodZNQlkqZiTYtUaBHAQglbosr

IaUyQLhZPSqUWjs

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

ahOVwvzYnexitqT

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.”opBHwbiQkbvVwFFrCGtuJabrWFARBv

AUDJvLBjFJhzirX

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.scgIRsDfxoBxFhIBaKIIgeBgtiyQVJ

zBJschvdCQBHoxE

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

kBDVHWIxreqjrmk

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

spHPXzfgYSzdoEv

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

YesuQGURlFyHHsQ

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

UHQYODlNrZmMqnU

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.fxutLvkplHDgEBIYdmYEMdUmIBpHeb

VeNyQlUAhSkspCB

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

VUFiXxbINNohtck

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!”ZNZqxejWzKtMWyBjnbkagvlZDRWfqt

ZOhvaGEMDHEqljj

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

CHEyRIkEHbpJzDq

Inside, Geng Yan was already waiting.QGpUlXVjDQhjeDhbnjnCiAhMOFeslf

lJtnARDniwofNsj

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

EqmQysmTEcmkgjn

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?”OVfhdILIdMWDNxdPXyshoIPknXzGfr

PPcKQLsiXrcFUYM

Geng Yan raised his hand to close the window.XcuDEkYduxRWlKUaViXMvAjpzCpzMu

OMeLzzJDDpIkYFY

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

ORdhiLrEYyYmrdM

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?”wKkxpuNlrRRksulhAhefHvFnJfWIRH

fXQyscGCKpxxQmm

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.”JtEOXJaftyVHXVOnUzRYhQufWTfMZh

GMpXIZnxPhFeikN

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

JZRNVNxHdpFchRE

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.”UHPmRuFlGnkTixiyjjdiXKloyrRFZL

LkifemPocZyfYtY

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

FMMdlzgZzWFHYma

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.HTnlMNAvgcXGbRdRbGgHRdryQmNvxS

oDFKRrCoPHZCsim

The treasury is indeed full.tCUOGKtquLYDwEVovtgekfvPGCQNoM

xQiQbXydIOvtwOG

Geng Yan’s expression became somewhat embarrassed.UuCIERKugUeVmmQEDlcHqegfeTGXSo

OCUAoiRJrvoTRGB

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.AkikMMyIrNwmfQflimHzekWrQLkops

pwWbzMXIzoQOaUG

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

TIoIcoXybFoEsEs

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

HljvEdnuxHVTNAz

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

HWnuwtHdHrSSEKP

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?”xaxIzEzXSpnHtlNUjniewlcJGkkSIw

jpOfhlRGLXopJfq

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

YTfUIdnCexsTtne

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.LGgtDvPDPgyEfcqeaUaqMYJXzfPmiE

BNlBrdavwYMiFzu

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.JnRIpSItDojhsCWeWqNZIPTcEHSdbv

tQzAJGkgJqXDZJu

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

vFTPDZCRtBzKHKa

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

oriOsnpwFHnwTlh

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

oSqysXoTCIFwCHF

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

uYBdgMhMuejtxHf

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.”EvYvcjQMAIsepLhlSGpYPnHVaWydEe

MPLrRsIGYFmaOHc

Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves and sighed.FrQtykprfdPgbaUVEMuAskJXKzJUwL

PhwpDksrxzOrYjH

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.jgYGGqfVxbtuWsmgvqGBYhpvLZHFQz

OstabodvOKcAilF

Moreover, 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

LEqDUjJKZEOjzWA

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

ThSXXbfIoPMzyaZ

The 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

YqZQwHcFKUscaWa

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

CyZruSIgPrBevPa

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.vpwwrJwySCjspeEvJTOAzPCJrMizLN

CemdGQMKvUzGubO

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

WHiwqOserwpindY

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

TazJMrTWUAIUCnV

Confiscation and exile.ZINQlQazRBHiZdIZnMqnUNudiUdRVg

FfZHdxBhvdfmSAM

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

KhXDkUDxozTrUXg

His entire family faced relocation to the south.nUNWilYaPzYHSxjGVbPCqtuNVageVf

ZdGJLzRnmfemGux

Yet 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

siETkUIjtCnbCUv

Ning Rushen tensed up.oedQsWQjKlBXvqOIyYvwZXAJOiLILD

gZMBADfnUlcLakc

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

JqLQOnylKIlJboU

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

OROcLGcTCmrpOUx

“…?”ogQabnrEfLczRBdcYiKdyifFQoYxij

NVLQyvUKcCuygSQ

Ning Rushen diverted his gaze.hNGpzBtjZeqwVLWPeJmfEgxDybQYnS

EKWUbeRTfOrQPmD

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

PCzRRCSdExJggDx

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—NLafIBowPrsZBczoOSKdQgANdLnOOH

puvIclaSEebTGXS

In 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

CYUmhbtglWBTcGo

Geng 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

tilxZgWDKuoffBW

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

azUgLHbjtCwYHOi

Ning Rushen smiled.WrKAppAcbaEjlkHvbfTbbWPfBLkdtE

xamrkNKEGmtxxYb

He had made up his mind.CaFWSluUwvQmsWJrAeiHZKGjXzeLmA

FmkUHzGIoAkTIBS

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.”cWXRpYuiUlLxxtFFsiVSPsuOZIcazo

CBedeukaUwNKNRP

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

mBVkwuKsjSsjXFR

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

izTcXrbcrZTSYUp

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.QjTcpwbGPYlKaecPHaFxvflQaoaswM

jqyBiQNXVAVaast

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

JaZlVBhFejepwlV

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.”KQHNwjMXHxVFetZiNkfBrOEEKJimNJ

KdtmGIuTlgYDcXm

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

yQvDfrfjxKpiciS

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.rivhdTcTEjOttWDxOhaWUgKpmcRVuU

giatMecaxdlncRW

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

zjTuegqlqOqsxyh

Li Wuting glanced at him.amhrkkbssLdmrgxemijnvQwINwusAQ

QkLehTVjXPEujgr

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.RrkKeSWkQxdKUpDyqSEZAgNsRLSNPe

DUvITRSpAQTRUJD

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.gCxyXehiMSFRCHDsiPBETDqppFXCVi

ilaKHPqImztxRGy

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…”heshwXaDlWfaAsjmqcxdEgIiYEdHiT

IdqUoxuuulsIhgF

De Quan silently trailed behind them.yNeMdGuMTLmmPnloVzPoYCMjPoYzgf

UAMojXYFPjSJcRi

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.phaTbovWcVScaPtVbRlashxQTIlUoO

vpCRLkHJMDeKeMB

The study was as warm as an early spring.bMjNhGCPlfWasvOpsEiqWXJlBMJOpS

fEeipkSICVcRvIG

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

szQSSvyMnPZBSpc

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

DTiqrShoYLVrRyX

The sound of water stopped.WLZPedpsetfNWbinUNqSJjTkGeoyUv

EQgqwdjPiKPhHKz

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

GmsCspbqOJVpbeQ

Ning Rushen: …?XDhZHeCuCWkQExqXtaZcgTPtTatdyn

CcuxDHvWOsLxKvz

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

HzzSbOJWufoemUf

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.aFtZkBPoatoeTXpDPyWsBgmCAVAwJn

FkHesXtrQhYWuhy

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

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

zpfMOCQTIykIVKt

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

nEjZlOOFpthWzDt

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

lqXltNDZLHHMBnQ

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

fHGoUpcsERDsAHp

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

CVHBgMaIJwTPxsc

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.mHfLZlVVkYsJsPtaKXodddDPBqVCDn

OQEBhZouqGjvrAV

Click, a soft sound.DjegmjnZbfccNEAPcySxGrhDXZZyEh

cXNbonAiPAtbJvf

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

XFgHyekVefyLvwE

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

UpgztCbFJojafyd

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

RpXXijbNZvhcnqq

Ning Rushen: ?fUdsueuFeDSSZGdViwdtEXDaSbjSyl

PwqTQBAyrusbpmG

He 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

dagsMBjIcsIUVxu

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

fEANryEdzRZYZtu

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.”nkkkaqCEScwZfTPlXDINbBIdDmMPxQ

pUTJtaljRcWyOmd

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.”eswMzSgVPRXXeHVSUbunPwFHLqltpn

sMlJsAbSAvSeenX

“?”DfgdnViHMLFwgBBcLFLCQdATgVYSTK

AxVdQqdCBoHzIeH

The troublesome topic was subtly bypassed.HfaTFufMFOCsNrxedtWysZKqOzEjgM

vINQLAyVQnoMUFC

Ning Rushen blinked, “Yes.”CXdhLAZVCgvJRLhteaaDCmLAqspgxe

dPmPMmqFrOmJQjr

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.GcLeBocGXwFYHYJzEvIPJcXVZUdbBB

LeszjqEUFCoNFpL

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

nEOQtENLaaQLJXH

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.ApbZivXKFEkOYjkrUmpLAtFyCExMzp

vgsdWQafBqgkZjv

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

fLLQcMnXrnBRJNn

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.yDGzBwNBDmGzJdBZQmWdiHYPxzZVZB

QQWBWQWSMyqCdWc

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

DDhVnXofBQAUyTg

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

SUuwuufwHRxFSHA

Indeed, it was a severe impeachment.xwVOyeVHIDiBriZopTGOUvbuKJpFfn

JUigwFuwkSYAstZ

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…TGEemzZpPOIHhVrqTTFzqHuVMpSYDa

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

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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.KBcUUvvKvGWokSqpXkKxHwQovnNGvJ

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

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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!qqDtFIYMbsWWYtoJheKnJuwRWovaYV

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

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

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

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Silence ensued across the room.IvZZTwtamaxBkXCxAOPdyvkmmpFvzT

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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.RSxfhtSJDVGggrAnxlupqQtxsKNtDV

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

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Ning Rushen looked up, “Your Majesty?”AnNlVLfeadquVYZPcnnQXysKgDxaVX

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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.”YwBeKdjcTMFtPprCxMJHOBtAPxTqOF

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A sense of alarm rose within Ning Rushen:MaZJPZTSyPGCdyslppXzQoVUELTlhe

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

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

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“Look.”MQRkHGLZuIUWfgvnJMknjwCJKULpwW

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”QjLTDQcOnlkOPJirLvtJclwpElmJqV

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Fine, since you insist.CGVRODWtzSuotyRKDFijohruwqaEbD

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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.WBJkfBsGdRGEApPaXGPRqbEMAVxRka

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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—SwlOQepbRZCAdCOnPqSfNRJjEDpLTV

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

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

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

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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.NpEoJMdgDumPJNFEImnBkOxbtBGEuU

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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.xlOayPUBMTdtIzhCPFGPfmcknkxJOH

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

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

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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…”OUWasdIGtNMhskjMozOKyHnNhUOcRD

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

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

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“…”JbqFuvEZSWujJpSAUQuzGcmKFmEACz

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