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
YwGcahRpDyWnAUxIf he answered this question poorly, he and the Geng family would be done for.zhkPVFsFIYJJWuXKnlIwbgUSgTyvHG
PgzvXCBfKgHvmVOHesitating, rumors he had heard during the palace banquet suddenly came to mind. Ning Ruchen steadied his nerves and decided to take a gamble—OhBxihQMmZsMhlPxHevxpJsBuGqiHl
XXbIUnLGqMpJveyHis 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
sCYOVQrEAPbAvgCLi 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
ZQZUjPIHdOaXAKhNing Ruchen almost tore a hole in the blanket: I’ve never seen you hold me in such regard before.cEmevDRFgYrqRpSwLOpgSScEGmAnos
lFDLZSTWHMJlMKUHe took another deep breath, “I meant, those who are ‘greedy and pervert the law’ should be immediately punished.”PMnTDghbYsDnGnijApugwRRoiAOJqP
IrBAcStRyFFiMxVOnly De Quan, drenched in cold sweat and trembling like a sieve, remained, his whole being screaming: We’re done for!txOIiOHmUkYlOtpdLqZOhKZPvFZRXl
EgWvPqVCkHaXOLwEveryone else was sent away.aiRGKpcbomvDrwYjJZaVlIyhFuvhme
nbhblxOXOUWhCwVLi 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
NoLWnGZNRwJHUIUHe asked softly, “What rumors have you been listening to?”uRQnRLQIsoROxTmXsldVCGpIlbVNUN
yVyoSxfljrsdYygNing Ruchen’s heart raced, silently confirming his guess was right.caRIXDAmzbzZVSvNWgOuggLhgateKM
pJXlPoVpQmSCgRVLi 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
zfMDcYsYKvqMGNkWith 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
RXiRSTGwuzYfEObBut if Consort Xian really was harmed by Queen Cui…hryozguaimjUmOysogKdxlAMhCwmAM
cGwUWMZSoefUOUPNing 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
BXuxgdnEJOyazviNing Ruchen took a moment to gather his thoughts, then straightened up to reply, “Actually, I heard the ravings of Minister Geng…”vuNXSVjYglCyAFUAwtjzvpZPAwfFnR
WEDQDUbXLqIxWQCLi Wuting, “…”TpDtHOkSdIwfJSkHmnnrHTAxXJDRjB
iqfNhxxQStveVLgNing 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
EPmwPdhusCqXxByHe finished in one breath, quickly calculating in his mind.kuAzuZpTuIyaUHnWyFsLtWsgTmgmQZ
CsVkDdqHUDTaxukSeventy-four words to turn the tables.GdauCglhDrhWCOlYkVxHWAdBJFkLMt
EQXOwazKktgHtLtAs he was silently calculating, he suddenly heard Li Wuting speak, “It seems I have misunderstood Minister Ning.”oNPneLhxGXOQbDBBpepxEJKlQVDdxi
IgOSCTHZYriDKajNing Ruchen looked up, filled with hope: He’s not pursuing it further?OGgfXgfmNtRthljjLCBeGmpMMbxCxJ
VBCpNSPlDwVgBSOLi Wuting remarked, “It seems your personal relationship with Minister Geng is quite poor.”DXjQOvRypHAkncAsJdjNKhHMuuzZtj
eJWoIiuihGfovCk“…” Ning Ruchen’s lips quivered: Is that important?!lLFXnmysSCZlIuxjzlRoZZqQAlVkST
NJPauHAovipGciyAmidst the surge of emotions within him, the emperor before him withdrew his gaze.GnIKzpqKkmylMMFgifcAJhjJApMCWa
zbtRMcXnaofeIYMA 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
WkYqENGpmSGmxRQNing Ruchen’s breath hitched.ljDxJxgPAOAWtZioAznWthWmnRHhMq
uBFJHbSeSUssFlfAfter 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
rAhgvcqfaCkIlpcDe Quan, with sweat beading on his forehead, hurriedly followed: Finally, a turn of the page, scared him to death…kiXNqxuWGcSJttliUUZjzwiGnGfDqz
AqnzCcbTQsSGebuAs 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
XxkCDjVsYvlFpjALi Wuting stopped in his tracks and looked down.FCeTZnIemlJtuBVbHzwuXPwmYwkABU
SEJvymTreaLcArkDe Quan almost knelt down: Oh no, what now?!ZpjbCuANbJQiOdurkBjkBNlblcHrwQ
zibIzuwALSIQEgyNing 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
LHMqLynpfIeOLHMHe exhaled, meeting those penetrating eyes, “It may be troublesome… but I am willing to be Your Majesty’s blade.”aQsifdIlneYvbXQKVoIzHQOFrSIpms
OeKrwIBiKAXhHXgLi 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
opCQeQHNQgXjmAHAfter a moment of silence, “Let go.”ojqZXDjGAyZdYyDudVIqQisKxFGDOT
SCXyaeOzPmCxuKvWith a crash, the sound of a cup shattering echoed from the imperial study.kUqNiyxRHlJDEsyhfGXHOqjfNTtjcD
nKgWZwKLVRkOlwxImmediately 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
ECwSKbowOEnlLUuThe palace attendants were terrified into silence.oMOALBRhfEvRfyIgypuBHwxIjstiky
WsredRdyRPXtyRKThey couldn’t fathom how Lord Ning, who always enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, had managed to enrage His Majesty.FMmiztjiQvUDQDRCGDSyJwxIHsUqbt
nczhGHUBISAiYGzTwo teams of the imperial guards were ordered to come forward. Soon, chilling thuds resonated through the courtyard:BMEUZvjxlumeXXeUmEwssATnXUKUsu
xVlVZeZPsGSAdiaThud, thud, thud…WEScfvXTyyTjjBsocTpsAUvXachwvB
ksHUKdzjHpFALZt·uWEKcJoVAJUSVBUdDoiytSlyNKdkpE
YgDThSaWYyxnbcyIn the brightly lit courtyard.yuzoAZxZJqOPyYnwfYnwaURGiYyofd
RwoOEhpUXinIgxrA 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
szIEaKaTevdMjgBNing Ruchen, wrapped in his cloak, sat not far away, sipping tea delicately, the very picture of fragility.qkwnZqLbbAPfjqTZRIOdiQLNIchIon
UnykLWDavoGeGtpThough it was a ruse of self-inflicted injury…FGWZfVmoQfXKfQDPdntaDitpPpiamx
SeuGPaNeAMWogPlBut to find such a substitute for him, was this some kind of veiled message?pBqgfyzbOkpRShFdcLHBeaoAMFvFzq
yDVuMRytrqGMUMAHe glanced sideways at Li Wuting.LXVhczCbZlnEQxGoOoEuyYAdtHiwCM
JcwIpaIFFMKirUiLi Wuting’s face was expressionless, “This is the first time I’ve used such a fragile blade.”YJiqFKCqXSHOCzPTbHORUfcZwMYMnh
CYQTgoIQMQaJVxGNing Ruchen, embarrassed, replied, “Assassins are all high offense, low defense…”lCYEKxWzNwjIUsQltjEhSkqnDBVeId
vwVDRCQPicdyrQVHe 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
rXsTupTPXAHZHfpLi Wuting’s lips twitched slightly, as if on alert.agUaRRzvJUOrttCMIqNdwCLWcnnoIL
vkHEahwlXdSixWjNing Ruchen had already put down his teacup and started, “Hiss… Ah… Ahhh…”YttXdLFYCDzgNWIFdmsBMasixqZPNR
JcmeXglAzqamnpU“Ah… Your Majesty, spare my life…!”shFxwsqBSQplZYSbrPSJSCfgYBZHkI
YpHAqCItlTuSIqdHe cried out very earnestly, while De Quan beside him grew anxious.bvdwymvbjOSjqMdoUmUSVIkuifRrOW
hxEyMNtqgYNJQMgLi Wuting’s forehead twitched, unable to bear it any longer, “Shut up.”vBtxBtHXqMAOmrwctaeMBupYdYoJCT
UONndjLzWrDWAHl“…Ah.”QusHGWbfHpXjDigzSxYwLQICvwTjHX
jkCnPHTPhfHzBtENing Ruchen ended with a whisper, then obediently closed his mouth and lowered his head to drink tea.wBcHjFyyOObkyyQUwFKzYRtCMUWDMP
zbprIVbpTWAQXigHe actually felt pretty good about his performance, emotions and all.kCvKddJbaIRWdvutLganCQCwLNoJqV
imjkOrdCfVqeNzcThe thirty lashes were soon over.SMQYmbVvcQqFShOwybfHiztYgAutmm
zyHbwyQAgthpiptThe imperial guards, rumored to kill without shedding blood, were tidily packing up the pork on the bench.JAvqgJuBGNOxziYEEDlQkmcHShXTLJ
UIPlQGKKgXHtoYANing Ruchen praised yet felt ashamed, “They’ve been wronged.”xnglinutYqaaFDYLkXANjJfsNmRyra
flSylvtwFaogpuJForcing 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
CHTCNulyAiMLNxLAs 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
PuXbGlgrnMSiTRzNing 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
NYeaJjgzKLAkeCCHe gripped his teacup tighter, the warmth seeping from his fingertips straight to his heart.fzvpMcQzmlvckcLxgvrDMAvqhVDMYm
WFxqqWuWeLXayJE“I will give it my all.”YbftIjxqbnOaIodRnQpTXqFUZzCQCn
oqDfMpjgADmhIXv…JoiURSxhcSyWRAOPRsunJmrpucqqus
OcqlNyqbFmEtCStBack at Ning Residence.RwxKuNUDXeNOMZexNbMfDIfchCaFMi
GjWWlMugTMlUXeDAs soon as Ning Ruchen entered, he instructed Xinglan to bring him paper and ink, and then he began to write furiously.JAVTxMpmnOstORRBPLYfccdQrEzdxr
XvcgzkkhhJzdKgNYan Min leaned in, “My lord, what are you doing?”rDZfSbNVkcWYclKlcdDpjZDcCdSyaD
SEBBXrZYSgBdBxgNing Ruchen didn’t look up, “I am giving it my all.”uHkdSSvmojTkVUXbYxPQioPNIbZtgz
jDbxqgBNiXmLtfVYan Min: ??wtIYkJEleMiyyzuTsywNyoZXIBSVdS
nDeEjEUVEnCVbaASoon, the paper was filled with item after item.POLuisQrdKKNpSeCHRJelQXtyfnZVc
lsNhfeyfSuyJchmNing 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
krcmpuoMkdANQaYThe bodyguards bowed in unison, “Yes, my lord!”VMKlCOfkFkQQCgySdIWhSLvsGubkmY
HJhHbqNYPamEBohOnce a group of formidable figures disappeared outside the courtyard, Yan Min approached, “What did you send them to buy, my lord?”ITYQbaYYobWiSYurPTDTnzXNOzMLhx
uzkGNnUcmheeiscNing Ruchen gracefully handed over the note, displaying the eloquently written list—BPzjgAaHkpRiddKqrxnKKYmBfaMOYG
SHSCKdtSdHgwQxGYan Min looked down:PKLvUuBelAuNsQnnRmGbyMOKDnjktt
NxXHYDOzzUWQmBjBuy incense burners in the eastern market, marrow bones in the western market;RQxCXhwLHtAbAZStqlKFBihAbyBHup
wktrtpKBDoyaMjlSeek a physician in the southern market, tear white cloth in the northern market.BvSKqmUkrfHGDcpcAgHskHVAnaBVtl
zhRXtjULJhTMKWG“……”ejtFuabuXXLrErJDZcnTqfjSCTzmGq
DgqtYzovGssqSUjNing Ruchen asked with anticipation, “What are your thoughts?”EFvQdLdHGOzkeYTvdSmdfEivfpamku
VJfRIYhGZSRDVLuYan Min, “I dare not even think it.”YUDuvGOqmuCbMvQqwKyDtNxjTdCytO
SPavgSEBfHeHfNZ·wzQXXSpaCrYrPVLRboilsMXJKBHewN
AMMZGYScPzdCWYwIn just a day, rumors spread far and wide—EqrFadZPeyHKMsdmCbHaBlAAxFDJrd
sToAuvGgUQqindUNing Ruchen lay on a soft couch in the courtyard, squinting his eyes in the sunset, “What are they saying outside now?”NvfyeTeCMjRATFTuPmmmhnYinAtMgn
TFXZvqIUIUAtyDIYan 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
DFiZRljWSnnPzNbHe gazed leisurely into the distance, “Ah, it must be dazzling.”MtTXFBOnaMuwhaVpbTlKUuJaQYseSW
yLTcfjblnNeADyg…pkLhdLjglznOxXRJTIIOEhCfaJHqlv
AcaLUZUkxlKOCebMeanwhile, in the Yangxin Hall.nLYaVNkUdXlAegWRmxkPCZKZwodplR
RGbWyQTjcGvNbcQLi Wuting rubbed his temples in confusion, “Say that again, what is he doing?”qunBLxwjaCnAXtoiAYqkuezkinPkOn
fiVYXzUKZvevwgpDe Quan bowed, “Your Majesty, it’s said that Ning Residence has started tearing white cloth, preparing to hang mourning banners.”iOkCqmfrMNOsVuMDuObwqwLeDjGnpW
ZzxzPrrDeFpEpYa“……”xTQWyyeDBymGoURVYHAHEuVYSYjvKL
eqcBTEHVwzjwiEuDe 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
OJeoGWonDHxhyMaAfter his remark, the hall remained silent.oharDsGGiIjCPkTObWnOHMJpFEVQHF
YwqFgPFBNcultYXAfter a long pause, Li Wuting suddenly spoke, “That day, I indeed did not hit him, right?”gnIqZJcGzrfMldWucnkQzqVhannXSK
fedoQFDrAXIJzdaDe Quan looked up in shock, “Your Majesty?”BfzPtOHIJkJxaVLSahvVkPckofOKAp
xjWgdXKfHHBuCCrLi 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
HPJIEGDwGoJozjUDe Quan was initially certain, but upon being questioned, suddenly became unsure himself: Lord Ning’s frail condition was indeed hard to clarify.DpLcpUfkWNROfAIfUKWAnfVYqNlEcq
vKpSWVfUmUFGhRIHe kneeled down with a thump, “This servant, this servant can’t remember clearly either…”OaBtZXnOXnVJOEpfyAnefHqIWkkgDy
ANWypBFAcbAyxXjLi Wuting felt his head ache from all the rumors.pGIlEumNkIJyxqelJKyIehuOOtUBFG
FIPArSMdWilmrGeEver since his rebirth, many things had taken a bizarre turn, almost like living in a dream.PaHxLYYYDjUiPgHTuWcmrALOZfrJpT
vgITnXzYTEPIZoW“Shiyi.”OcveEdVFpewAUHAhlSFxHkoCqlCdCf
juMhYveKPmUurvsA 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
XZAdwLZjvGuSuybShiyi silently bowed and disappeared.MzkxfjjQzypHCgAnJjTAELxhLZuVHX
kxZDIlRTDGSzMuzAfter 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
NyWDVwtHsRncWfQHe wanted to see if he was delusional.dHKzpSPKJyzUCkoYcvYnGQCKCmCBXl
VPWGfLDIVEsPmyl·sMhuYWmJiqkfkqiyOfmBqcoGJwWPbO
KJtXudoVXnyObQMWhile 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
fAWWLimzTAKaQvGThe only visitor was Geng Yan.uPekDrVUXQqLKtZKuoNkuAaoHkRgPn
IEIeEDOjlWSWMocWhen 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
AYyCBCViMeergrCThe servants were all busy hanging white cloth, so much so that there wasn’t even anyone to announce his arrival.WBIQnlKLlIMrpFFtlUeOvRAoCsuBuH
bUKqRqWWeHnXINuHis heart skipped a beat, and he headed straight for the main courtyard, “Ning Chen!”CyxRMILbdZYCWNNorMeOlxzIiDJVAs
lteVCchGipGLnhvHe rushed through the front courtyard and into the main one, greeted by a cloud of white smoke.GcAtsRRiwsLzhCHMBAXAQTCeQtnjnY
NRiEFKhpwUWnnZCAs 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
UUKFgbTwGyhZWZBIt looked utterly harmonious and festive.zLvaeZJvkKWWuKImFBZHETutgvxAwA
jmuLPdbfKqGkbmFGeng 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
OzhLUzIUQhcCiXxGeng Yan stared at him, his lips trembling.oblqreTaCwkjwfCqeBPORsgjAGOHgw
bBwAQscsHjfWUTEAs if he was about to unleash a string of expletives.VkzshbKXhhJthvUhaERXYoVdKBWXuC
ZgmJHfXgEbzXggiAfter 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
OhGXjGwLWsXvCwmYan Min promptly went forward to take the generous gift, placing it inside.HtCovIDCqCXLWDStyXuzdwkwkImMen
yLqiZdVJqOpcEEeFinally snapping out of it, Geng Yan asked, “Is this… your last burst of energy?”XSLXnMZLAuUSGRaDfiVnXxgJEPVTDK
kgEaDSECgYNFwyCNing Ruchen marveled, “Do you talk like this when you visit the sick at other houses?”UUMzNkyDOgrGcuJWzfugVNtZHyCCCh
MxzNjOziXJfrgorBathed in his gentle gaze.kTwrlnQMHJzCzvYEXpcFqzPzWLXFoM
rNaMBeFsfqPeuhOGeng Yan had a sudden realization, fully waking up.mJgAqMzirHtlFnoPeWYbwzIMPquVsp
rHmgvOydIOqkyZK…gBTcNIobEOLTYZMKTohzLqylCwoDZk
VkXvQxEFUeYHDVmA quarter of an hour later, an extra set of bowl and chopsticks was added to the table.ipxfqkZdwFryXAPnSPjlxevTBIWhlE
iegHluxkNDQKJIAAfter hearing the whole story, Geng Yan began to contemplate the possibility of taking his generous gift back.WIilnvDWgBqoifntkGGAtIgzGQPbXw
YrMCTVJlKhOJichReading 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
KpCMWZquTQYEibbGeng Yan swallowed, “Oh…”wlNjjIdUvnUrOSWSpEjEMLEkHoYKhd
RvSIsRJWWaqmTdwNing 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
qbXJHWcdaMXOXyFHe didn’t mention taking the gifts back anymore.WuuMAKNBAoRiKZckcmuDaCwYtjlDop
zqihDKvXCoWVcLCNing Ruchen contentedly went back to enjoying the hot pot.IoqpsfjRTlxVPOGMsZgtKqoUtClCir
UPuETCiADumnNtaGeng 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
vVHDSnihUYwIhwZAfter his remark, Ning Ruchen noticed Geng Yan’s expression and quickly added, “Except for you.”PXLoPMxIWLNRzPThnSiIlKEionQoDf
BhoWclWVPjnavGrGeng Yan’s expression twisted even more.nEdaImojMVUoLbkqWNBzGtbApzyffg
KvWRRlGfWxSekaHAs 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
kfYBFgdpMGsjyhmNing Ruchen: ?aljvaHJurGFQhgRkJIZMyBIIUiUqqo
ZFcmkyNxjxpwEOHGeng Yan: ??? What does this mean?dOocPwHlGKDUdxMLqsqwFkixFSADrm
VqXhRIXNGGnDVbtBoth 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
BFOovEbHWCWqqpRThe dim twilight mixed with the smoke obscured the visitor’s face.xCTGmyzzQxBfzKvNuoPDEpTfpaSvMS
EPsyLsNOFellGntOnly 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
pivaXElvTnbgScc“Minister Ning seems to be enjoying himself.”FQreFlFjHmcTwvmNAOZkGAAuzUvtLC
nyZcilwsZjOWtJYNing Ruchen’s breath hitched, feeling dizzy:wPbNQwByaHkLXFFxjlnoHzhFsVwfTy
RqEglZASCygWTFpWhy was Li Wuting here!PIasboHpvTofZhRYJqgAOnNQOjTBjJ
KpOMoLMySYKUJNK“You…” Just as he started to speak, a figure beside him suddenly moved.JQSXtyddGqbJfLrUNIsGrzWimBKjRi
UBKvlyMyQlQYLtjYan 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
DHTTLFAzhCDIGvrA gust of night wind blew through, dispersing the smoke.GoDYnkCpzvQHsCnOAFmVGhIhISvDbA
LukUWmRirHRXUGtHe 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
ovLMgQbnogYHSiyLi Wuting observed his flushed face.YWyziJLcQyOmZWvVVhUyoyhZJTmuHs
UbiJAaVfACAbsJMA cold laugh fell, “Hmph.”DKrvqgffNCwuAEusWSbbNWXBoQmRdA
hGcDaDcnZlKpUtwBakqegZGsSepeUjchgFXCHdLQzfgCO