This official is so weak

JcELxmQRljyJUCuTable of Contents

Chapter 6

Ning Ruchen took a deep breath: What good intentions could Li Wuting possibly have? He was just looking to set a trap for him.beUwkrhoBpEjlhcEctawWztnjoKfrq

YwGcahRpDyWnAUx

If he answered this question poorly, he and the Geng family would be done for.zhkPVFsFIYJJWuXKnlIwbgUSgTyvHG

PgzvXCBfKgHvmVO

Hesitating, rumors he had heard during the palace banquet suddenly came to mind. Ning Ruchen steadied his nerves and decided to take a gamble—OhBxihQMmZsMhlPxHevxpJsBuGqiHl

XXbIUnLGqMpJvey

His spine, visible beneath his court attire, was as straight as a pine, “I believe that those who are greedy, pervert the law, and harm the livelihood of the people, such calamities to the country and disasters to the people, should have their families confiscated and be exiled, with their entire clans bearing the same guilt!”cwuHqRDOyNuVwSPkoOSYZIabTOghYc

sCYOVQrEAPbAvgC

Li Wuting seemed surprised for a moment, then added a touch of scorn, “Minister Ning cuts off relations for justice, clearly distinguishing between public and private interests, admirable for your integrity…”TEwILuIXIaxGgObkALmCqNhvVfuAlo

uEsIpkoKqVnohti

“Then, as Minister Ning suggests, let’s convict and exile the Geng family.”NJmPKNXBWWfmHlvSGRCkMCNBLwtuZM

ZQZUjPIHdOaXAKh

Ning Ruchen almost tore a hole in the blanket: I’ve never seen you hold me in such regard before.cEmevDRFgYrqRpSwLOpgSScEGmAnos

lFDLZSTWHMJlMKU

He took another deep breath, “I meant, those who are ‘greedy and pervert the law’ should be immediately punished.”PMnTDghbYsDnGnijApugwRRoiAOJqP

IrBAcStRyFFiMxV

Only De Quan, drenched in cold sweat and trembling like a sieve, remained, his whole being screaming: We’re done for!txOIiOHmUkYlOtpdLqZOhKZPvFZRXl

EgWvPqVCkHaXOLw

Everyone else was sent away.aiRGKpcbomvDrwYjJZaVlIyhFuvhme

nbhblxOXOUWhCwV

Li Wuting stood up and walked over to Ning Ruchen, his dark eyes clouding over like an approaching storm, brewing with emotion, “Who gave you the courage to speculate on my thoughts?”UHcwfzkfqjXRxlEyaRuMLNmyMknnmR

NoLWnGZNRwJHUIU

He asked softly, “What rumors have you been listening to?”uRQnRLQIsoROxTmXsldVCGpIlbVNUN

yVyoSxfljrsdYyg

Ning Ruchen’s heart raced, silently confirming his guess was right.caRIXDAmzbzZVSvNWgOuggLhgateKM

pJXlPoVpQmSCgRV

Li Wuting indeed knew that the backers were from the former Crown Prince’s faction. The remaining question was how he planned to deal with the Cui family.OFTWcLtBhMjUYUREWthZLmABspKDNt

zfMDcYsYKvqMGNk

With the new emperor’s foundation not yet stable, now wasn’t the best time to take down the Cui family in anyone’s eyes.IMienMCANSQnXBpsBBMWbgVjxzpujG

RXiRSTGwuzYfEOb

But if Consort Xian really was harmed by Queen Cui…hryozguaimjUmOysogKdxlAMhCwmAM

cGwUWMZSoefUOUP

Ning Ruchen thought: If he were Li Wuting, he’d definitely want to deal with them immediately, day and night.wXYWbiMpyVkcclGlZRksLkoPdbtNXt

HIIQXwLMzjgzpdk

“Answer me,” the voice from above demanded again.ewGljSvnyLOCMCMkvNNlYcoyMiCfeb

BXuxgdnEJOyazvi

Ning Ruchen took a moment to gather his thoughts, then straightened up to reply, “Actually, I heard the ravings of Minister Geng…”vuNXSVjYglCyAFUAwtjzvpZPAwfFnR

WEDQDUbXLqIxWQC

Li Wuting, “…”TpDtHOkSdIwfJSkHmnnrHTAxXJDRjB

iqfNhxxQStveVLg

Ning Ruchen continued, “Saying that the treasury’s money has all been taken by the Cui family. Seeing him speak with such frenzy, in utter disarray, his fists clenched red and grinding his teeth, his expression seemed genuine—so I took the liberty of reporting to Your Majesty, hoping to uncover the truth and severely punish the chief culprit!”XtAFmDSZyDeuuTWsmfTqTmKDZFtilh

EPmwPdhusCqXxBy

He finished in one breath, quickly calculating in his mind.kuAzuZpTuIyaUHnWyFsLtWsgTmgmQZ

CsVkDdqHUDTaxuk

Seventy-four words to turn the tables.GdauCglhDrhWCOlYkVxHWAdBJFkLMt

EQXOwazKktgHtLt

As he was silently calculating, he suddenly heard Li Wuting speak, “It seems I have misunderstood Minister Ning.”oNPneLhxGXOQbDBBpepxEJKlQVDdxi

IgOSCTHZYriDKaj

Ning Ruchen looked up, filled with hope: He’s not pursuing it further?OGgfXgfmNtRthljjLCBeGmpMMbxCxJ

VBCpNSPlDwVgBSO

Li Wuting remarked, “It seems your personal relationship with Minister Geng is quite poor.”DXjQOvRypHAkncAsJdjNKhHMuuzZtj

eJWoIiuihGfovCk

“…” Ning Ruchen’s lips quivered: Is that important?!lLFXnmysSCZlIuxjzlRoZZqQAlVkST

NJPauHAovipGciy

Amidst the surge of emotions within him, the emperor before him withdrew his gaze.GnIKzpqKkmylMMFgifcAJhjJApMCWa

zbtRMcXnaofeIYM

A light voice fell, “Minister Ning, do you realize how much more troublesome it is to deal with the Cui family compared to handling a Minister like Geng?”gpcpjjjrwRQlZwefMIUfpEOPVuIEAf

WkYqENGpmSGmxRQ

Ning Ruchen’s breath hitched.ljDxJxgPAOAWtZioAznWthWmnRHhMq

uBFJHbSeSUssFlf

After Li Wuting finished speaking, he stepped towards the exit of the imperial study, “Consider today’s words unsaid. Go back, you are no longer needed for duty here.”eARooOBPltVpomIeBGjkqlbTSnhWwC

rAhgvcqfaCkIlpc

De Quan, with sweat beading on his forehead, hurriedly followed: Finally, a turn of the page, scared him to death…kiXNqxuWGcSJttliUUZjzwiGnGfDqz

AqnzCcbTQsSGebu

As the dark fabric of the emperor’s robes brushed past Ning Ruchen’s crimson official robe, Ning Ruchen suddenly reached out and grabbed the hem of the emperor’s garment—YniDEhldsJMZEWLTVOYpwrruwFctAp

XxkCDjVsYvlFpjA

Li Wuting stopped in his tracks and looked down.FCeTZnIemlJtuBVbHzwuXPwmYwkABU

SEJvymTreaLcArk

De Quan almost knelt down: Oh no, what now?!ZpjbCuANbJQiOdurkBjkBNlblcHrwQ

zibIzuwALSIQEgy

Ning Ruchen’s heart was drumming, but he still tightened his grip on Li Wuting’s robe. Having decided to take this step, he was committed to seeing it through.pmXkcutiyfbVxAAxYvTeNLCUaRnoxc

LHMqLynpfIeOLHM

He exhaled, meeting those penetrating eyes, “It may be troublesome… but I am willing to be Your Majesty’s blade.”aQsifdIlneYvbXQKVoIzHQOFrSIpms

OeKrwIBiKAXhHXg

Li Wuting’s gaze followed Ning Ruchen’s arm up to the face looking up at him, his slender hand stark against the dark fabric of his robes, fragile as if it could not withstand a single fold.GcIoFTgGqAYiuKmhhLDZzIgXOUijmp

opCQeQHNQgXjmAH

After a moment of silence, “Let go.”ojqZXDjGAyZdYyDudVIqQisKxFGDOT

SCXyaeOzPmCxuKv

With a crash, the sound of a cup shattering echoed from the imperial study.kUqNiyxRHlJDEsyhfGXHOqjfNTtjcD

nKgWZwKLVRkOlwx

Immediately after, the palace attendants outside heard the Emperor’s wrath, fierce as thunder:hnTAKWBVqpscwhgMOQwUoeZqTQdtpa

hlZuPHIZEaMZcYW

“Ning Chen’s conduct is outrageous, drag him out, and administer thirty lashes!”QemRHijWRRqnSzztsSSwUtLWTTWyWE

ECwSKbowOEnlLUu

The palace attendants were terrified into silence.oMOALBRhfEvRfyIgypuBHwxIjstiky

WsredRdyRPXtyRK

They couldn’t fathom how Lord Ning, who always enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, had managed to enrage His Majesty.FMmiztjiQvUDQDRCGDSyJwxIHsUqbt

nczhGHUBISAiYGz

Two teams of the imperial guards were ordered to come forward. Soon, chilling thuds resonated through the courtyard:BMEUZvjxlumeXXeUmEwssATnXUKUsu

xVlVZeZPsGSAdia

Thud, thud, thud…WEScfvXTyyTjjBsocTpsAUvXachwvB

ksHUKdzjHpFALZt

·uWEKcJoVAJUSVBUdDoiytSlyNKdkpE

YgDThSaWYyxnbcy

In the brightly lit courtyard.yuzoAZxZJqOPyYnwfYnwaURGiYyofd

RwoOEhpUXinIgxr

A large piece of pork was firmly tied to a wooden bench, and two imperial guards wielding rods dutifully struck the pork buttocks: Thud, thud, thud!iAAwwfjGTUxVICVXADoxlekkakxJgT

szIEaKaTevdMjgB

Ning Ruchen, wrapped in his cloak, sat not far away, sipping tea delicately, the very picture of fragility.qkwnZqLbbAPfjqTZRIOdiQLNIchIon

UnykLWDavoGeGtp

Though it was a ruse of self-inflicted injury…FGWZfVmoQfXKfQDPdntaDitpPpiamx

SeuGPaNeAMWogPl

But to find such a substitute for him, was this some kind of veiled message?pBqgfyzbOkpRShFdcLHBeaoAMFvFzq

yDVuMRytrqGMUMA

He glanced sideways at Li Wuting.LXVhczCbZlnEQxGoOoEuyYAdtHiwCM

JcwIpaIFFMKirUi

Li Wuting’s face was expressionless, “This is the first time I’ve used such a fragile blade.”YJiqFKCqXSHOCzPTbHORUfcZwMYMnh

CYQTgoIQMQaJVxG

Ning Ruchen, embarrassed, replied, “Assassins are all high offense, low defense…”lCYEKxWzNwjIUsQltjEhSkqnDBVeId

vwVDRCQPicdyrQV

He didn’t wait to see if Li Wuting understood, turning to others with a grin, showing off his teeth, “Should I make it more realistic?”DBeEvUQNHxcYqdahTmRcnVdJUJdNWP

rXsTupTPXAHZHfp

Li Wuting’s lips twitched slightly, as if on alert.agUaRRzvJUOrttCMIqNdwCLWcnnoIL

vkHEahwlXdSixWj

Ning Ruchen had already put down his teacup and started, “Hiss… Ah… Ahhh…”YttXdLFYCDzgNWIFdmsBMasixqZPNR

JcmeXglAzqamnpU

“Ah… Your Majesty, spare my life…!”shFxwsqBSQplZYSbrPSJSCfgYBZHkI

YpHAqCItlTuSIqd

He cried out very earnestly, while De Quan beside him grew anxious.bvdwymvbjOSjqMdoUmUSVIkuifRrOW

hxEyMNtqgYNJQMg

Li Wuting’s forehead twitched, unable to bear it any longer, “Shut up.”vBtxBtHXqMAOmrwctaeMBupYdYoJCT

UONndjLzWrDWAHl

“…Ah.”QusHGWbfHpXjDigzSxYwLQICvwTjHX

jkCnPHTPhfHzBtE

Ning Ruchen ended with a whisper, then obediently closed his mouth and lowered his head to drink tea.wBcHjFyyOObkyyQUwFKzYRtCMUWDMP

zbprIVbpTWAQXig

He actually felt pretty good about his performance, emotions and all.kCvKddJbaIRWdvutLganCQCwLNoJqV

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The thirty lashes were soon over.SMQYmbVvcQqFShOwybfHiztYgAutmm

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The imperial guards, rumored to kill without shedding blood, were tidily packing up the pork on the bench.JAvqgJuBGNOxziYEEDlQkmcHShXTLJ

UIPlQGKKgXHtoYA

Ning Ruchen praised yet felt ashamed, “They’ve been wronged.”xnglinutYqaaFDYLkXANjJfsNmRyra

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Forcing the emperor’s personal secret service to perform such tasks was indeed his fault.SMDUtywvyRTZEylAsybNjsrzycDKfO

dayGNiJRTKGogmf

“If you are to be my blade, you must be prepared to do anything,” Li Wuting said indifferently.abSxmFImeRrIkNCeqVzBegoyGFNfui

CHTCNulyAiMLNxL

As they spoke, the imperial guards walked past Ning Ruchen, carrying the pork. He glanced at it; after thirty lashes, the whole piece was battered and torn.nCYqNqgRUnpsRZXadICBcOXJSXaKtB

nFJMQMSUxBfzpWp

“Minister Ning.” A voice drew his attention back.ieJILnAgbbgyXvdkRovYwJrIDVTuzp

PuXbGlgrnMSiTRz

Ning Ruchen turned his head and saw Li Wuting’s distinct profile against the grey-white wall of the courtyard, his gaze distant, “I am giving you this opportunity, do not disappoint me.”VelDpJnUGyzpDOzKpmMeujjRhYSMUa

NYeaJjgzKLAkeCC

He gripped his teacup tighter, the warmth seeping from his fingertips straight to his heart.fzvpMcQzmlvckcLxgvrDMAvqhVDMYm

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“I will give it my all.”YbftIjxqbnOaIodRnQpTXqFUZzCQCn

oqDfMpjgADmhIXv

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Back at Ning Residence.RwxKuNUDXeNOMZexNbMfDIfchCaFMi

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As soon as Ning Ruchen entered, he instructed Xinglan to bring him paper and ink, and then he began to write furiously.JAVTxMpmnOstORRBPLYfccdQrEzdxr

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Yan Min leaned in, “My lord, what are you doing?”rDZfSbNVkcWYclKlcdDpjZDcCdSyaD

SEBBXrZYSgBdBxg

Ning Ruchen didn’t look up, “I am giving it my all.”uHkdSSvmojTkVUXbYxPQioPNIbZtgz

jDbxqgBNiXmLtfV

Yan Min: ??wtIYkJEleMiyyzuTsywNyoZXIBSVdS

nDeEjEUVEnCVbaA

Soon, the paper was filled with item after item.POLuisQrdKKNpSeCHRJelQXtyfnZVc

lsNhfeyfSuyJchm

Ning Ruchen reviewed the list, satisfied there were no oversights, and confidently stepped out to summon ten of his bodyguards.WUYsUUAUitMKCPIJNLsPNToVAcuWne

VAIjhcRUBKlufop

“From now on, you’ll follow the instructions on my note, make a bit of a scene—put your clothes on! I don’t mean that kind of scene… Be louder, got it?”AcCJSBjgbtfHLCWgbSxxAVJqbUygPL

krcmpuoMkdANQaY

The bodyguards bowed in unison, “Yes, my lord!”VMKlCOfkFkQQCgySdIWhSLvsGubkmY

HJhHbqNYPamEBoh

Once a group of formidable figures disappeared outside the courtyard, Yan Min approached, “What did you send them to buy, my lord?”ITYQbaYYobWiSYurPTDTnzXNOzMLhx

uzkGNnUcmheeisc

Ning Ruchen gracefully handed over the note, displaying the eloquently written list—BPzjgAaHkpRiddKqrxnKKYmBfaMOYG

SHSCKdtSdHgwQxG

Yan Min looked down:PKLvUuBelAuNsQnnRmGbyMOKDnjktt

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Buy incense burners in the eastern market, marrow bones in the western market;RQxCXhwLHtAbAZStqlKFBihAbyBHup

wktrtpKBDoyaMjl

Seek a physician in the southern market, tear white cloth in the northern market.BvSKqmUkrfHGDcpcAgHskHVAnaBVtl

zhRXtjULJhTMKWG

“……”ejtFuabuXXLrErJDZcnTqfjSCTzmGq

DgqtYzovGssqSUj

Ning Ruchen asked with anticipation, “What are your thoughts?”EFvQdLdHGOzkeYTvdSmdfEivfpamku

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Yan Min, “I dare not even think it.”YUDuvGOqmuCbMvQqwKyDtNxjTdCytO

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·wzQXXSpaCrYrPVLRboilsMXJKBHewN

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In just a day, rumors spread far and wide—EqrFadZPeyHKMsdmCbHaBlAAxFDJrd

sToAuvGgUQqindU

Ning Ruchen lay on a soft couch in the courtyard, squinting his eyes in the sunset, “What are they saying outside now?”NvfyeTeCMjRATFTuPmmmhnYinAtMgn

TFXZvqIUIUAtyDI

Yan Min reported truthfully, “Everyone in the court says that you’ve fallen out of favor for speaking up for Minister Geng and angered His Majesty, resulting in thirty lashes. They say you were unable to stand right after and were carried back to Ning Residence covered in a white cloth.”AodxAjYbnHUQpOwKhTlFDxQJIeCugh

wMyqpLnSDMkvMFM

“Do they believe it?”DDSotcBnLjSbHcETNJFAtoybfhdBFe

SqEpHkzIprvSsRU

“They do. Everyone knows you broke eight ribs, and the house bought ten jin of marrow bones to nourish you back to health. They’ve also rounded up all the physicians in the capital and brought in two carts of medicinal herbs to save your life.”egrzwBKIQwXEgossxJdzVwWQCCZUbP

ikjoLFwaqPikATw

“And those white silks…” Yan Min paused, seeming hesitant, “Uh, my lord, isn’t this a bit exaggerated?”bOBDhLhzdBUahyYSUNMuDosJvIRJKY

gBXPNaFYtmhgsbm

“It’s precisely the ambiguity between truth and fiction that we aim for.” Ning Ruchen slightly opened his eyes, his long eyelashes catching the thin gold of the sunset, “To deceive the enemy, one must first deceive oneself.”NMaGjaMxlZLcHfOnFNeCYoaUjQEUBq

DFiZRljWSnnPzNb

He gazed leisurely into the distance, “Ah, it must be dazzling.”MtTXFBOnaMuwhaVpbTlKUuJaQYseSW

yLTcfjblnNeADyg

pkLhdLjglznOxXRJTIIOEhCfaJHqlv

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Meanwhile, in the Yangxin Hall.nLYaVNkUdXlAegWRmxkPCZKZwodplR

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Li Wuting rubbed his temples in confusion, “Say that again, what is he doing?”qunBLxwjaCnAXtoiAYqkuezkinPkOn

fiVYXzUKZvevwgp

De Quan bowed, “Your Majesty, it’s said that Ning Residence has started tearing white cloth, preparing to hang mourning banners.”iOkCqmfrMNOsVuMDuObwqwLeDjGnpW

ZzxzPrrDeFpEpYa

“……”xTQWyyeDBymGoURVYHAHEuVYSYjvKL

eqcBTEHVwzjwiEu

De Quan cautiously gauged the emperor’s expression, attempting to lighten the mood, “Although it’s a self-inflicted strategy, Lord Ning might have made it too convincing, even I almost believed it.”SwRPPKrVhVOTlMyapbeKjxGFVIOMvy

OJeoGWonDHxhyMa

After his remark, the hall remained silent.oharDsGGiIjCPkTObWnOHMJpFEVQHF

YwqFgPFBNcultYX

After a long pause, Li Wuting suddenly spoke, “That day, I indeed did not hit him, right?”gnIqZJcGzrfMldWucnkQzqVhannXSK

fedoQFDrAXIJzda

De Quan looked up in shock, “Your Majesty?”BfzPtOHIJkJxaVLSahvVkPckofOKAp

xjWgdXKfHHBuCCr

Li Wuting’s brows were deeply furrowed, a sense of bewilderment overtaking him, “Nor did I punish him in any other way? That teacup… it didn’t touch him?”tgPrbtUyWfeYtyfKPazUDmPzpovlkM

PyaNcjswCrJxfCs

“That would be—”loPxVKsiLCHpqZMzQvjiowgNASVrIm

HPJIEGDwGoJozjU

De Quan was initially certain, but upon being questioned, suddenly became unsure himself: Lord Ning’s frail condition was indeed hard to clarify.DpLcpUfkWNROfAIfUKWAnfVYqNlEcq

vKpSWVfUmUFGhRI

He kneeled down with a thump, “This servant, this servant can’t remember clearly either…”OaBtZXnOXnVJOEpfyAnefHqIWkkgDy

ANWypBFAcbAyxXj

Li Wuting felt his head ache from all the rumors.pGIlEumNkIJyxqelJKyIehuOOtUBFG

FIPArSMdWilmrGe

Ever since his rebirth, many things had taken a bizarre turn, almost like living in a dream.PaHxLYYYDjUiPgHTuWcmrALOZfrJpT

vgITnXzYTEPIZoW

“Shiyi.”OcveEdVFpewAUHAhlSFxHkoCqlCdCf

juMhYveKPmUurvs

A figure silently kneeled in the hall.TknlQSzopcQtPLYMubXjyHIRXBfZsV

rjVXYXsdJdXPDxo

“Go see if he’s feigning illness or—” Mid-sentence, Li Wuting seemed to remember something and stopped, “Never mind, you’re dismissed.”IxxFXphHMJEwxUEzSluJrugQtMTeor

XZAdwLZjvGuSuyb

Shiyi silently bowed and disappeared.MzkxfjjQzypHCgAnJjTAELxhLZuVHX

kxZDIlRTDGSzMuz

After a moment, Li Wuting stood up, looking towards the sky outside the hall, already tinged with a hint of dusk, “There’s nothing urgent today, I’ll leave the palace.”bKxKFnRwilmVdxDgXDvZquOPnhurru

NyWDVwtHsRncWfQ

He wanted to see if he was delusional.dHKzpSPKJyzUCkoYcvYnGQCKCmCBXl

VPWGfLDIVEsPmyl

·sMhuYWmJiqkfkqiyOfmBqcoGJwWPbO

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While Ning Ruchen was “seriously ill” at home, the front of Ning Residence was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling scene of colleagues visiting last time.DZkffjjsJazyCKvmXVmDhiSDQhgWtr

fAWWLimzTAKaQvG

The only visitor was Geng Yan.uPekDrVUXQqLKtZKuoNkuAaoHkRgPn

IEIeEDOjlWSWMoc

When Geng Yan entered the residence, carrying generous gifts, he saw the entire estate enveloped in a heavy scent of medicinal herbs, with smoke curling up from the main courtyard, making it seem as if the master’s life was hanging by a thread.RYqWcBofwSIiztGoXDqUgldviTrvlf

AYyCBCViMeergrC

The servants were all busy hanging white cloth, so much so that there wasn’t even anyone to announce his arrival.WBIQnlKLlIMrpFFtlUeOvRAoCsuBuH

bUKqRqWWeHnXINu

His heart skipped a beat, and he headed straight for the main courtyard, “Ning Chen!”CyxRMILbdZYCWNNorMeOlxzIiDJVAs

lteVCchGipGLnhv

He rushed through the front courtyard and into the main one, greeted by a cloud of white smoke.GcAtsRRiwsLzhCHMBAXAQTCeQtnjnY

NRiEFKhpwUWnnZC

As the smoke dissipated, he saw Ning Ruchen, Yan Min, and Xinglan gathered around a small table, enjoying hot pot, their faces flushed with warmth and joy.BxULqvToDCFGsLCBDeixUjuYuPcDWx

UUKFgbTwGyhZWZB

It looked utterly harmonious and festive.zLvaeZJvkKWWuKImFBZHETutgvxAwA

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Geng Yan was stunned on the spot.YClcOUSpfVdbGFbOIQBRhErQDTauXT

AbkOBWDdvOAKMXC

“Add some more pork belly…” Ning Ruchen was enjoying himself when he turned his head to see Geng Yan standing at the courtyard entrance, “What brings you here?”ptdXWchZvRGaUJvKYsoyUnOdDvUfUM

OzhLUzIUQhcCiXx

Geng Yan stared at him, his lips trembling.oblqreTaCwkjwfCqeBPORsgjAGOHgw

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As if he was about to unleash a string of expletives.VkzshbKXhhJthvUhaERXYoVdKBWXuC

ZgmJHfXgEbzXggi

After speaking, Ning Ruchen noticed the gift box in the other’s hands and hurriedly put down his chopsticks, awkwardly calling out, “Ah, you’re here already, what did you bring… Uncle Yan, go help him with that, it looks heavy.”AxurSoOkPPzlSszrKAllRjlnyWKAbm

OhGXjGwLWsXvCwm

Yan Min promptly went forward to take the generous gift, placing it inside.HtCovIDCqCXLWDStyXuzdwkwkImMen

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Finally snapping out of it, Geng Yan asked, “Is this… your last burst of energy?”XSLXnMZLAuUSGRaDfiVnXxgJEPVTDK

kgEaDSECgYNFwyC

Ning Ruchen marveled, “Do you talk like this when you visit the sick at other houses?”UUMzNkyDOgrGcuJWzfugVNtZHyCCCh

MxzNjOziXJfrgor

Bathed in his gentle gaze.kTwrlnQMHJzCzvYEXpcFqzPzWLXFoM

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Geng Yan had a sudden realization, fully waking up.mJgAqMzirHtlFnoPeWYbwzIMPquVsp

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gBTcNIobEOLTYZMKTohzLqylCwoDZk

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A quarter of an hour later, an extra set of bowl and chopsticks was added to the table.ipxfqkZdwFryXAPnSPjlxevTBIWhlE

iegHluxkNDQKJIA

After hearing the whole story, Geng Yan began to contemplate the possibility of taking his generous gift back.WIilnvDWgBqoifntkGGAtIgzGQPbXw

YrMCTVJlKhOJich

Reading his expression, Ning Ruchen casually mentioned, “Oh, by the way, that teacup just brushed past my shoulder and flew out. With a bang! The shards scattered high.”oXnLdGSWNfgjyuTwoNZEJdSvuGFAVr

KpCMWZquTQYEibb

Geng Yan swallowed, “Oh…”wlNjjIdUvnUrOSWSpEjEMLEkHoYKhd

RvSIsRJWWaqmTdw

Ning Ruchen continued to cook the pork belly, “The board used to beat the pork—so long. When the imperial guards carried that piece of battered flesh past me, His Majesty whispered to me: ‘Minister Ning, do not disappoint me…'”CUkgRXLyTtnVlgkyoqCxGxBrhDrpgK

ZfbplRrtSHRuXdk

“Alright, alright!” Geng Yan, feeling his scalp tingle, almost dropped his chopsticks, “You’ve suffered enough, let’s not talk about it.”TQiUEElKgPUYpbnEARJdiJnPwFLgSZ

qbXJHWcdaMXOXyF

He didn’t mention taking the gifts back anymore.WuuMAKNBAoRiKZckcmuDaCwYtjlDop

zqihDKvXCoWVcLC

Ning Ruchen contentedly went back to enjoying the hot pot.IoqpsfjRTlxVPOGMsZgtKqoUtClCir

UPuETCiADumnNta

Geng Yan found it hard to eat, “You’re supposed to be ‘critically ill’, shouldn’t you at least act a bit more like it? If others find out…”LdBFiObLqvbkmkdjwpsbAChpcgpJYh

aRtzDlvILHqYZnL

“Don’t worry.” Ning Ruchen said with ease, “Right now, not even a dog comes to our house.”lNZdhPqfotaRUnmvggpDxcVHSHVxkM

vVHDSnihUYwIhwZ

After his remark, Ning Ruchen noticed Geng Yan’s expression and quickly added, “Except for you.”PXLoPMxIWLNRzPThnSiIlKEionQoDf

BhoWclWVPjnavGr

Geng Yan’s expression twisted even more.nEdaImojMVUoLbkqWNBzGtbApzyffg

KvWRRlGfWxSekaH

As the two were vigorously battling with their chopsticks in the pot, Xinglan suddenly exclaimed towards the courtyard entrance, “My lord! Besides Master Geng and dogs, someone else has arrived!”BXcIqDREwbWrBsCPFIGyDgqkUKwHOF

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Ning Ruchen: ?aljvaHJurGFQhgRkJIZMyBIIUiUqqo

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Geng Yan: ??? What does this mean?dOocPwHlGKDUdxMLqsqwFkixFSADrm

VqXhRIXNGGnDVbt

Both turned their heads towards the direction of the courtyard door, and through the misty white smoke, they were suddenly confronted with the figure standing quietly at the entrance.GsLJnZngaOzpCvKlymqMefewRgHWZe

fVITQxjzPodVnbK

“…” Ning Ruchen’s heart skipped a beat.TndHzUDMgRzMNGyJeKXSZICqEShsNK

BFOovEbHWCWqqpR

The dim twilight mixed with the smoke obscured the visitor’s face.xCTGmyzzQxBfzKvNuoPDEpTfpaSvMS

EPsyLsNOFellGnt

Only the tall and upright figure, and a “servant” who seemed to be burying his head into his chest beside him, were discernible. A voice as cool and clear as jade cut through the haze:bYlNBjcuLdhdEbtRLWAuejMiwbyGFP

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“Minister Ning seems to be enjoying himself.”FQreFlFjHmcTwvmNAOZkGAAuzUvtLC

nyZcilwsZjOWtJY

Ning Ruchen’s breath hitched, feeling dizzy:wPbNQwByaHkLXFFxjlnoHzhFsVwfTy

RqEglZASCygWTFp

Why was Li Wuting here!PIasboHpvTofZhRYJqgAOnNQOjTBjJ

KpOMoLMySYKUJNK

“You…” Just as he started to speak, a figure beside him suddenly moved.JQSXtyddGqbJfLrUNIsGrzWimBKjRi

UBKvlyMyQlQYLtj

Yan Min had already stood up, intending to repeat the gesture of receiving the heavy gift from De Quan’s hands, “You’re here—”gwXkGUYMJPASFvDOJnyjVEBKnrKjXA

JyneyREuvvPWHyH

“Stop…!” Ning Ruchen quickly pulled Yan Min back.fpnUivfZnDksVKejKPwgsMcipDGAIG

DHTTLFAzhCDIGvr

A gust of night wind blew through, dispersing the smoke.GoDYnkCpzvQHsCnOAFmVGhIhISvDbA

LukUWmRirHRXUGt

He faced Li Wuting’s gaze, deeper than the twilight, across half the courtyard. Swallowing hard, he then stood up and brushed off a stone bench as if to welcome him, “Please, take a seat, as if you’re in your own home.”IqPXcPeWRnKfxMNNGLfbIluevSKoXV

ovLMgQbnogYHSiy

Li Wuting observed his flushed face.YWyziJLcQyOmZWvVVhUyoyhZJTmuHs

UbiJAaVfACAbsJM

A cold laugh fell, “Hmph.”DKrvqgffNCwuAEusWSbbNWXBoQmRdA

hGcDaDcnZlKpUtw
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