This official is so weak

UhWXsUnUdIwFLyZTable of Contents

Chapter 7

Ning Rushen moistened his lips. How should he respond?yHJggEIQdcchhHfQAAYhhPvfaloYxg

HTCswuxwsmuCVKB

Seeing Li Wuting still standing in place, he took a half step to the side and gently issued an invitation, “Please, take a seat.” Seize the warmth.mFCNZcjFlVgaUGizhGraDgsGdtunBe

uEiDtfcoZmTquCh

Only then did Yan Min and Xinglan belatedly recognize De Quan, immediately dropping to the ground in shock, “Your Majesty!”dMWMwsVZwUSWWfZctOVqcEdeNJeAIn

WNYkRtpWCguZibd

Xinglan was especially terrified, her pupils trembling, and she kept muttering the sentence that spelled doom: “Lord Geng and the dog, Lord Geng and the dog…”BzsHPFPOJyBbuAGCmkYbDVOIaYKfeF

suvZSLUsCkTxTpw

Ning Rushen caught a glimpse of this unfortunate child, “…”zAmDknIfrfnhNMHiGMrdxOLMGGqihd

CybQLJkBpKhUSZY

Fortunately, Li Wuting had no intention of making things difficult for them, saying “At ease” before stopping in front of Ning Rushen.okZdtubqEILVSFlDwDoqJGrCtEitPP

XyinuLFkfqisNOv

He then noticed the person in front of him, not only with cheeks flushed from eating but also with lips so red and lustrous, shining brightly against the red mole on his ear in this dim, elegantly simple courtyard. It was a vivid and lively beauty he had never seen in his memories.FreVllQvfZKndSyLuxGsIeVGoDCXgA

DGztwFSBhMQjraZ

Facing that silent scrutiny, Ning Rushen nervously pursed his lips:aZXkXhzzpMcuOwDJghZKCoTdPoRKBE

LcDixQWGeoANAdh

He quietly licked his upper lip: Hmm…not sticky..rDZWpisdTeVQAnuKwIyYwDOFKpBsbU

TTNthyTjTEPsFui

(Kipzi – no food on his lips. Doesn’t know why the emperor is staring lol)hOyCqwxPEfSQyjoCjamMtvNTvGnIlL

jcyHQcpWNuMDDUN

Before Ning Rushen could retract his tongue, the person before him moved. Instinctively leaning back, his lower back hit the cold, hard edge of the table.IJVDLrbzzPUMwqFVHcRZpOtadqlAlt

iTCkBkKBYurKtsQ

But then he saw Li Wuting move past him and sit down, lifting his robe.zJiaulCpDvBnAOTVNFdDhrUNVjmTie

mCagSgzDoqPSyrU

In the smoky twilight, Li Wuting, dressed in a low-key deep teal uniform with dark raven patterns along the edges, sat by the stone table, his whole being exuding a clear and noble aura.OqytsYJHWdnjWkOtKOCAnmVFrShhBN

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Only when he lifted his eyes did a sharpness leak out, like a gentleman concealing a blade.ZYhVjsIbGUtNLygGFLscKnFKxbgjXu

VhekgFduzxAlSmN

Until a soft voice said, “Everyone, please sit.”vCldbvAySpVKCKkDlUVVONvnPtrZOF

qfMsjuZWUdwyHIQ

He slowed his breathing and sat down with Geng Yan, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”ZpBgdPRzCIGyUDmdrdnaomfowUPHaa

bZCPzDwwAXQllyz

Geng Yan had been trying to make himself as small as possible since the beginning, and even after sitting down, he couldn’t muster a word. Ning Rushen couldn’t rely on him and had to break the silence himself,iiLmDcauNGxGrqtTzeKJVfCyFUsCLh

iIhWFvWWxCIOCgn

“Your Majesty, what brings you here so suddenly? The servants didn’t even announce your arrival.”MsHxwHVRvBhWnAHAHpRFDPhxKcprGv

ZakVPOyVbNNKYJc

Li Wuting almost smiled, “Don’t blame them; they’re all busy.”aEmqiIyeopwYTdtLaBxDWkMtaFjzCa

sTejPjHrtjUBlIE

Ning Rushen thought of the servants busy pulling at white cloths: …QviZhvKEhDDltZwaynybQaCOeZkeRF

AXYhFYFvhxXxwtW

After speaking, he took the opportunity to send Yan Min out to stand guard and sent the terrified Xinglan away, “Go to the kitchen and bring a bowl of soup for His Majesty.”JGZPgcIeVgvrFcEgCbGQpfMnVjSSKw

ylyCTFOpEVbrigu

Li Wuting frowned, “No need…”mmbIitDyBhILJBrpmfRtOTsOuZHNjR

oEjQACpdsMmXlrj

But Xinglan had already darted off like a rabbit.bRHXDPokBBmNJhZNgmlLHCuQIkyIku

iGRFGmbnlgZWKrq

“…”JdHeKmMpKKvFlsZaIKcuXNNVAIklLp

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The bowl of soup was quickly brought over.yoYaeZtiBcBygYwupxpyHZijHUxEfS

GaSlvyoaWRSTxpC

It was the original broth used for hotpot, stewed until it was milky and rich, with tender, flavorful meat and bones floating in it.PeZvgoVXYcGslXRLQUNyMwHeDKRoEQ

hZLbzefgynfslpb

Ning Rushen pushed the bowl towards Li Wuting: Go ahead and eat. Once you do, you’ll have no ground to criticize me.cXXFzDtQlRfsXAckMGMXxcFUovJBGY

rQqaTyWbbctqqNX

Li Wuting glanced at it but didn’t move. As the emperor, he couldn’t be careless about what he consumed.RqxLvFRlzbsOVPhjvZGJhRSALSKQeE

RFrZIpBxWAqQkqM

He asked casually, “What soup is this?”MrZHPeMQLRRnlvtFIosCbrfNyYXxkW

ZqyoXjbhlFQfBBI

Ning Rushen replied, “Soup stewed from ten pounds of bones.”tjkrCqSABQAVFSXiapBZuwzpSiODde

IbqMkIutDIxhIjd

Li Wuting chuckled coolly, “Oh. If I take another sip, will it cause Ning to grow a couple of ribs less?”sHTMlDggUNBQajXEDCTFrOmtvukfUq

zXIZFssfmQatvou

(Kipzi – he’s saying he’s too skinny.)PSguJyKDNuJVyEFIYoJjlcdsfcdpZV

KBJifmSzAiVsGXj

Ning Rushen, “…”gyGCSPCkqcyWUWPETVRmTjKBqYHHch

uFMSOFzvCUDZTje

What’s going on? Why has Li Wuting been giving off such a strange vibe since earlier? Did I offend him somehow?vhRiNmXbGYwKARGPQQiNntYKQQVSmz

ubQsPSoyFxktQxv

He touched his ribs, “No harm done. I’ve had it twice and nearly grew armor.”oQJFwXuTYCaCbRGZzFzZRlcaEZSCkj

VvrpOSMkqNNhaCI

Li Wuting, “…”UTimUWTVzHyvdAVnmyFZvbIObkxxgI

jWZdqoHZlhAixjS

De Quan, sweating profusely on the side, thought to himself:yUuTOlmuFwRBrAyrWljtOuaGmSaZEK

yhbGqTOkRHNMZsM

Oh dear, Li Wuting, could you hold back a bit? It’s those rumors about you that got His Majesty all mixed up, leading him to make this special trip!GYZnfMGzIPrRvDvUhCvKVkCjImLDlP

HQXCxioGWlNoeap

As Ning Rushen was rubbing his ribs under Li Wuting’s silent gaze, De Quan cleared his throat, “Li Wuting, actually—”dgvdjaXuNkjbmrvZfMJabluiTeocEW

PmnZheBYerQyRUj

“Li Wuting!”YJNqzYXFRZAAWaXwmYaMACrVFHSOGc

OMCVifEzIcHLCkX

Yan Min’s voice suddenly came from outside, interrupting De Quan.ZhcYUfIEaUSRPJAdHHIngwMzGrtEfi

mCoFNtHkoPpjmSq

Ning Rushen: Hm? Actually, what??AbzAUaplQGqVLtPHpRTHRTkZaWaVUL

VRdndySRWfsUywr

In a flash, Yan Min had run inside, “Great… uh, no, Your Majesty!”BSZSLrhQPXYdvfdpFijCWcklbgQYIi

JmFvjnAXelEQfqu

Li Wuting lowered his eyes, “What’s the matter?”TZHnLgYaJEyCfTBBQhcEPyrcfvOmoE

IKAwhaLZiyhowJE

Yan Min reported, “Meng Fu Cheng has sent a visiting card, and he’s waiting at the entrance!”DAaaEqRqSAWzSNygHYmEWDRuWuGEwM

NGdspfvIXNZwVKY

Ning Rushen was shocked: Why is someone coming over in the middle of the night!YFcfYKwHkbuVOwLsbVOyneQxHbAqoN

mtslRwxUGmITguX

All he wanted was to enjoy a hotpot meal!IuvRNYLPLUdzMHtQAiyOtWdrdwdqys

UFayDeStZodSHDD

He was momentarily confused, “Who’s that now?”MxGLoKkHgoiCtnVDRftOmjgXtfTkNI

WsrDQuKcHmfnzmQ

Li Wuting glanced at him, his expression inscrutable.aSuADsWxjCHOUCfpHmSfSuqhFxRYzc

LfAkiRJIyHdqscP

After a moment, he moved his lips and finally answered, “The Prefect of the Zhanshi Prefecture, Meng Ke Bao, a relative by marriage under the Cui family.”bsuARHArSyxLJYGCSiXroyLCcWhYuF

bdqlWwNgRDPDnGV

Ning Rushen suddenly understood.zvxJVoIZZCQjpvobcvyINqifsuiHLd

wajdcBMbWYljbBQ

The King of Hell hasn’t arrived, but a lesser demon has shown up first.qAsbAjbIBjswEWKkvGgsuCogpOKral

cgkefSdMXmgczrQ

He glanced at the bubbling hotpot on the table and then looked around at those present: himself, Li Wuting, Geng Yan, and outside, waiting, a relative by marriage from the Cui family.zKZmrsbZXNdLfwHNLSitZYOYkYQhDb

hIOuvYRLQOgXjKX

—All the people who shouldn’t be together were gathered.RoqXOxtMMTBAzyiLkUFqpBXsxIGqzU

RSUtQljTDfhniqo

He took the visiting card, “Should I meet him then?”TZruTEoKPzMSErktmGIqSWsFDWLzqX

gGOZxVHpIZOojjP

Li Wuting gave him a look that left no room for doubt.IGtiEWHFsTRpZOlKbTGhGltSVfcAUx

igHnTmaPeuRHANK

Ning Rushen stood up, flicking the card in his hand, “Very well. It’s decided then, Pokémon!”CzyHxyLuSPILrmTEzbPJXoPwgejKQS

LWWlqrLlKQnIgJH

“…Li Wuting,” Yan Min said quietly, “his name is Meng Ke Bao.”eIEBoTvszXNjXWSVeEMHvsjyxQIIfw

hDVJLXrQsWHdaeV

·ievwZHViCsXcqFavPGeMorGIeVdmpO

ojnrLDUkFGglxOU

Ning Rushen delayed under the pretense of “lingering illness.”sisbRDoWYBjqcHfqJgjcpGEzQLwYJH

xjecAEKAyymQdMD

De Quan and Yan Min took the opportunity to have someone clean up the hotpot in the main courtyard.TYidSzkqecItUSqfZSLZMgfWxIFbmV

OCXNYVgAptsKjRz

Geng Yan went to another courtyard to avoid the situation.UsxfyAnVzcDzgadLHRWgqnqorYVwAW

reepdtjXusahZBf

Probably thinking of the Cui family, his exit was as dramatic as a storm, more resentful than any vengeful spirit.CninhxONCOSvHoFhVgBYPzByeQwdUk

aOdcdGOdPbktHSF

Li Wuting withdrew his gaze, “Ning hasn’t exaggerated.”KYdzqNyfrwSUkOaxGgCJOCwwTcdhnU

shwVlxRYwwkWMPs

Indeed, the behavior was wild, akin to madness.OCUUGUVAfBHrnhpYYAwprzjZGrKulD

zWiFGiRjKdFumAU

“I never deceive my sovereign.” Ning Rushen shamelessly claimed, preparing to go inside and feign illness, “Won’t Your Majesty consider stepping aside?”EEDakpsqEVwpFrofDNWgSbVzXnZGIM

pjjbqbWvzuXQsQk

Li Wuting’s gaze shifted towards his main house, suddenly asking, “Is Ning’s room spacious enough?”SHZopIxfGPDFBGeStCYCnGbduYBIny

RtAzQfwGKUqOHhK

Ning Rushen felt a warning bell in his heart, “What?”KUBXIWajuckGboPJayLEqfKHyaTKHZ

KyoyKuCmWkOZcnl

“It looks spacious enough to me.” Li Wuting didn’t wait for his response, continuing on his own and then lightly laughing, “I’ve never personally heard someone plot in front of me. It sounds interesting.”ypTLBtztzyxwzwMZGwdcVqjXUMjRZF

zzPcxvwJpfpadqq

Ning Rushen: …FgcnyXWuSBPYIjvsaBeXMkzrEzSTcQ

xiqblwRNQmQNCbw

What kind of interest is this?WQxHTAdFDdhZhIGMNKGiHkvKIXsrIU

spcnkoSSbJYErmi

Li Wuting gestured to him, “Let’s go, Ning.”WGyjHWcTGzaTJoPbPIHgEhbGwIfQwg

qLksKpwIfuFQfGQ

mxROXNAJrphYNXczvmjtHXyzSZUtkl

aBKQbralzkrOgco

The main room was divided by a large, opaque screen, with only a few carved openings in the wooden frame allowing those behind it to clearly see into the room.RqwVkTaxJeVdAZrrWHPmvkKFBFQGpZ

ltoJvcsTglClSAW

Li Wuting, with De Quan in tow, moved behind the screen.ZNvfCenzvRkFfBEAAgfYbFkmgmoXei

SgxGjZOgvzLZoyt

Ning Rushen, seeing the screen effectively concealed them, felt slightly more at ease. He turned and instructed Yan Min to light a lamp by the bed and incense in the room.TwhxEPFMjihspiBnpzfRpoKCIxVUtK

QPbZXUNqvzxMkNi

Soon, white smoke swirled around, enveloping the bed’s canopy and casting the interior light in a dim, yellow haze.EvpFtKkYSHYLTzdmWDKiqdPvCVkFaJ

tDMYnXOsZmSqsGR

Ning Rushen, satisfied, commanded his servant, “Go invite them in.”SDHauTspQBsWdGNzEGhhWUOMVQbWWw

IeOqhlmpqTjJlCg

“Yes, Li Wuting.”vXyKBBqTrFyLeGhtAWSvnCLvZxBNgA

EhUZDqAWOWrLYxe

Yan Min, anxious, hurried him, “Li Wuting, you should go lie down now.”AvQltWsKvTxArDVSYvmocQNhrwCjXU

nRpicdzdzguUqlG

“Alright, alright, I know.”DHsYlpgFNbOyuWEPTpSTaXszxUxvMu

tEyebWJMNBZsjHI

As Ning Rushen spoke, he started to untie his sash and casually began to remove his pants.EfktJdUtIXfMoMkrXGflpXEAUmvlqo

iBSOqVUZvgfaHyr

Yan Min, suddenly remembering the Emperor was still in the room, hastily intervened, “Li Wuting…don’t! Just cover with the blanket, no one will see.” There’s no need to undress!SjtfCLFxdFtZUeVVAYJxbzQUpmuBQX

ILkKciWhykGlgLW

Ning Rushen was shocked: His words made it sound as if he was stripping for no reason!zMKWcyofsoerGfpyEiCzchZOdJEYfM

hRYnECWkoJuGEjg

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t planning on putting on a show.”gQqpbxjlfdkMcTrYCrnTtSqrnamvPY

chOwEFJJhhUzmms

“It’s not that I…”oTWRaODqUVpQHfVofrPSyRgFZZADks

CstkZjjcaWmIKtI

“There’s no time, we have to commit to the act.” Ning Rushen stopped him, sliding his pants off and tossing them onto a stool, then lifting his legs to flip onto the bed.tLYoTCpmeTsyargnPMfWRXQonCeLED

oesSeffNTADpteI

His crimson robe wrapped around his frost-white undergarments.RdVmAeodXOoLixFxzRQgWCiLNuCpMw

TvCBQQnvsBCvZFj

In the misty canopy, he flashed by, the candlelight flickering and bending with the wind, casting a swaying shadow into the tent.BLnQXuhXuoAKvbgwBCgpHNkJWtKFqz

MDzoUwsGXUFTItn

Yan Min was utterly at a loss for words.JRjfMbeVGTzxypxqXdQUXeMIWblDme

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NYtedBKiJmuNavkxOxomDMLtKMPghU

FVQZLSvUUYHFbBC

Behind the screen, De Quan buried his head into his chest.tzlIEpVQRHIBubVwJwULKnxTPAvdRi

fxzhtoWuyrnpqKm

Slivers of light and shadow fell through the carved openings, but he dared not look around carelessly, much less steal a glance at the Emperor beside him.AetPHREFCKLfjDEKlABqkIUyiIhXfk

skeleovzGfGhwQb

In his peripheral vision, he could see the Emperor’s hand, with its distinct knuckles, remaining motionless at his side. De Quan wondered if the Emperor was…IyurXvkoXbtEsWwwxvyoFMwPUuUqZZ

BBwsTHxVQsyqFAn

His heart skipped a beat, cursing himself internally:SccxSTitnMKTyAjnKlLVDjtCpfonth

KOHroaAMKgPnEUA

Are you trying to get yourself killed, daring to speculate about the Emperor!gyTLufzbsYwWFfXXiPBfllBofOvaBB

NLFmTUlHQuZHPiu

Who is the Emperor?JeGHqfLIBRzFHmZDqraxtbuvevPMBQ

KotOJGNlJfYJJfX

He is the sovereign above ten thousand people, a gentleman who restrains himself. Whether he saw or not, he would maintain a calm demeanor.pXhvoxldlwNTUWYWuQHyCkCCyluHqv

cjqcZtfXithQxiR

De Quan quickly reined in his thoughts, bowing his head in silent wait.cWuPOSQDDKelZSaBEibjvGxDmExftD

bccUNTwEWdsNnHp

·xoskcKiWHRRhgmlPiwpLWlBIBNfjSx

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Just as Ning Rushen settled into position on the bed, the visitor arrived.sHonCeoygNaXGVOvbQnAjOjXfDUYzV

WHMQBhkrZEFoqtU

Half his face buried in the pillow, he saw a man in his forties being led in by a servant. Dressed in luxurious attire, his body was lean and thin, like a mannequin from a clothing store.llJXyREtUqjuMoNHIBjdrfSKSXVYHG

BvPDPdcQqnbyqmB

As soon as the man entered, his eyes started darting around, clearly harboring many thoughts.TepBdqjEoOAQKKZTJNHODrNEnEcAKG

aLyaTdNKIgghOrk

Ning Rushen coughed discreetly into his sleeve.FUaNcYOCUbUdddvCkMXxVlxFvaigAk

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Meng Ke Bao then shifted his attention back to Ning Rushen, adopting a worried expression, “Ah, Lord Ning, how is your health? I heard you were punished and I was so concerned that I came to visit immediately.”GplunGKMqUMhCxEHQYDbCpIFgOhGBm

NIuZWClRXPxLjGV

He didn’t forget to stir the pot a bit, “Why is it so quiet here? Didn’t any of your colleagues come?”PgaDHQcXtGXBFxvWtdHfnmbAEAGynI

GzZCxNueQsBPXOE

Ning Rushen shook his head, “Not even a dog came.”dGWdWcVpjbcZAEeYwvxpcWPgauCjNk

XtVOZsmlDkbABVO

Meng Ke Bao: …HeThbKKSACGHPVJnHFpvFeikyLArBg

tfAEaXUUkTWAJkK

Behind the screen: …zMrrWCYBPbREuuvXrclMovksoJtSja

UkBBPbRldlMcDPs

Meng Ke Bao forced a smile, “It shows who your true friends are during tough times.”tbssGiTJnXZYSohHjauClBJDmaBqNF

BVaYZiBYaZsaJkB

Ning Rushen went along with him, looking moved as he lifted his head, “Indeed, it’s only you, Lord Bao, who treats me well.”YzJxyiorxLmWuXuOPUnViAybjrHtVW

kobobJiPTzcFhzg

Meng Ke Bao’s smile almost faltered, “My surname is Meng.”mwOYeoseeJddGIyRbbnJLmQfQHEWkg

XVykouSorLTLmLy

Ning Rushen corrected himself, “Sorry, Lord Meng.”clYmDrjmNwumADyjVWOJBjWgkaqyLh

ShFGrqTmbkEwaKI

They exchanged pleasantries back and forth for a while.OMpucseoJvtdBmmwENEmHIKwAVquCS

FMAtlEjhEhrrjag

Just when Ning Rushen was about to doze off from the monotony, the person in front of him finally got to the point—JYIpryADKadULUyLQqCjzVbZLPLJtk

WorDUeZvHoYjkAv

“I heard Li Wuting punished Lord Ning for pleading on behalf of Secretary Geng, which angered the Emperor?” Meng Ke Bao sized him up tentatively, “Do you know any inside information, Lord?”wzfWXnrfTsDiWbmLogVbIpZeTubaix

vimWELCXGkZmflm

Finally, the conversation took a turn; otherwise, Ning Rushen was about to fall asleep.pDvSQgtpGkkBOorZfXNZqUmrExTvfj

JjXYPjZoojPsHMh

Ning Rushen slightly propped himself up, feigning a hesitant demeanor.ODehSvrLlFTrcxaGVdaYMoBryovWUW

tyeodcnuYleGWvZ

Meng Ke Bao narrowed his eyes, his tone caring yet meaningful, “Lord Ning, you’re too naive and easily used by others. As for the current Emperor… he’s still impulsive, urgently needing a chicken to warn the monkeys.”YVseVeYzxGiigHegdnFGQeGkLVFfuX

BArEpbfxVzDxFZX

Ning Rushen appeared to be struck with realization, stunned.RbPgBTTxeJYmrAtvWOISQIhdrvdFpX

wPRorViOWqUjaor

Meng Ke Bao inwardly pleased, pretended to lament, “After all, you were personally selected by the previous Emperor, the top scorer of the imperial examination. Now, you’ve become a victim of power struggles, with your life and honor hanging on the Emperor’s words… I truly feel for you.”pxacChkGtAEdUayOGYhWwZfazrDuvj

suZGUWUfLCvtmqt

Ning Rushen was internally stirred:ssnolGIJLopNhklyTzuZvtNqXmxpUv

xxSMzHIDaDJaONa

The instigation, the undermining, the empathy, the timely assistance!hculApkoARyheHdMYcuOzsQxwSgzEJ

PmNXfRkBcrGozXk

He finally understood Li Wuting’s interest. Listening to someone babble all this in person was indeed quite fascinating.xFvBahbZJqGobyLgXHLGwBfynirxpX

EvrisSidySExUsY

Ning Rushen eagerly asked, “Then what do you suggest, Lord… Meng?”jyxcmrsRmxXZBxHAMtgWcFkebLWvHc

zfJDpGyrDDqBuoO

“Well…” Meng Ke Bao’s eyes darted around, seemingly concocting a plan. Then he lowered his voice, “If you’re willing, why not visit my residence the day after tomorrow?”jqvgkymtxNhOFODkwBImcthrkBTjnf

xKuhklNvoWOsgNV

He straightened up and coughed pretentiously, “It so happens I have a renowned doctor who could examine you.”QuaIRXpgalozWRSUGMmoPZyBIAKhzC

FyBBwZTgAjbadxe

Ning Rushen was profusely grateful, “Thank you, Lord Meng!”mVhgvPcCohlGfTXnsrksdGlICGAOhG

ErmAgJkbpfHDYPH

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Mission accomplished, Meng Ke Bao staggered out with a shake of his head.ITQZFKJXpXdVmqlgYhabtaeMjdeNBC

jahkTLvPlVwOEia

Standing guard outside, Yan Min entered, and Ning Rushen peeked out from the bedside, “Has he left?”SetYVXhqqYPKsGHgfHLPvdQqgepznf

GPHNDVPRyhvpIHT

“He has.” Yan Min glanced nervously at the motionless screen, “Sir, you should get dressed first…”vZPmYldYxZpqWFQiPomBcFMWjeOyon

TpeTPKvckeIoFDY

Bang! A sudden wail from outside faintly reached them.DgcpsfSwauvQfQFsiMomvIlTaZctOj

VSpKtwKIXgrVDbz

The conversation was interrupted. Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Uncle Yan, go see what happened.”xeZxCOikccQVyekunFqvFfxrGuOHEN

fUGxgTBurfNUGiW

“Yes, sir.”AqdGWorarhXMgMTwAoyTpNtFisaTLq

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Just as Yan Min turned around, he saw a familiar figure whirl into the room like a gust of wind, closing the door behind him—xcktOwMwIDZitFyhEfYdhfPXZvHphD

gIwczKpzyKCDhUT

Geng Yan stood panting in front of Ning Rushen’s bed, clothes slightly disheveled, with a lingering excitement, “Hey.”gKolllBRiBUVwxfLxBKujGZweQDmZW

UjgCdIpjUckctpn

Ning Rushen had a bad feeling, “…What happened to you? What was that noise?”BGzbUOsGborgdaqKRCXDtEMPLElxmt

KmzghineKGWLCWD

Geng Yan wiped the mud off his hands, “I was lying on the wall of the neighboring courtyard. Seeing that no-good dog stirred my anger, I couldn’t help myself and flipped a tile at him as he passed by. Probably hit him square on.”bswvaCFvIqJPOGxNzvPjTzltdkUAPg

ZeeniTBXuUBETtM

Ning Rushen’s mouth fell open: ……………vhfZeeIyBiOSFAUzQdHIDcQrHqFvgU

jvtHrFQgPPGEamT

Then he slammed the bed in anger, “Why are you causing trouble in my house!”PRMCdpsSjqAVwxuoAXKADcrjoJYVJB

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Geng Yan retorted angrily, “I told you, I couldn’t hold back! Just pretend the tile fell on its own!”zmJRcsneOFizebgnRIPWWcCOTsqNxq

nnulDotzgBrpkPD

Ning Rushen exclaimed in disbelief, “Can tiles just fall on their own!”CTCeMRUYinPXeIbyPNtXwrzsnNzrzT

xtFkwYzmgwVJRVx

“Are the tiles on your house not under your control?”HLIoKNpXDMRDMVoswNTVgSKKXlSTXV

KkXmMDpxpVtIMGY

As they were arguing, they heard Meng Ke Bao’s wails getting closer, “Hiss! Ouch, Lord Ning—”bXBmqXeEridNGfoRQczJaUTdDOHbiY

LDcYAipXlPjMYxh

“Let’s not talk about this now, let me hide.” Geng Yan dropped a line and darted behind the screen.QVGdHYbnDYpBLdIJTyNVrimzZTJDQZ

UTUoiyaRPrxBbEL

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to warn him, “Wait…”lxOJhGUagSMHaernWLaEYvWoWpXLrI

bVXTUCqxWORbqDx

The figure disappeared behind the screen.QyTsHCKKvRfAGZWceGhUPBXdTIjRIx

OadBLOlhzFDDStN

The next second, a startled hiccup was heard, “Hic—”IYfVDgiOKdJnbiFTVMjKLWTKtlafCi

aOjdfvWAwTSZEdU

Ning Rushen: …YSsYWjSvOUvRvDcJisQQxfrMvelaLd

gCeCEaeexhThcgc

He was about to mention that Li Wuting was behind there, but it was too late to listen.ktyKirVKfjAsFwOEdUOHEYUumNjqqQ

ipRCxouVSiRYgup

But soon the door was pushed open with a bang.mCwGFpSgGRxrbiLDAXZhAfTwFGJpaZ

OlzoLKIIvFeukfH

Meng Ke Bao entered, holding his head covered in blood, abandoning the pretense he had maintained earlier and almost glaring with suppressed anger.tyEVFpstgbgxDCHPtKBqKQLpxLlmjQ

EzYjEZhrvWNGqwu

“Lord Ning, how did a tile suddenly fall from your wall? It cracked my head open. Could it be someone did it on purpose?”VAPWmXgaqKTOEPqDDOvFVKwCIIGiQK

mLNICDGSGUSlolB

Ning Rushen showed surprise, then coughed weakly, “How could that be? Cough cough cough… All the servants in my house are in the front yard, it must have been the tile that fell on its own.”NpiZlRdudwOqRVyrKFwnvTPYcFHWzD

varfTplVyFIbGoK

Meng Ke Bao shrieked, “Can tiles just fall on their own!”CJcHGlfIsWrvPxtzLyUZnUeGDTjJbZ

nGHoUwUllgcsUzG

“A thief broke into the house a few days ago, loosened the wall top.”CRexFkqDUaQVdmeavKhjCVYcSppitm

VoYWDgDeNXuoXKi

“………”IHBvXShledYOOzwfyckpXMtrnfvjgP

OlxcJOAnJlBNTEi

The two looked at each other for a while, one standing, one sitting, as the room filled with the scent of the medicinal burner, Meng Ke Bao’s blood loss made his head start to spin.NGvYaqbjUdmalomVcpLYyXptvVKMsO

HfufGCSfnjAdrTJ

Ning Rushen still stared at him with a pair of clear, bright eyes, repeatedly saying “Are you okay?” but without any intention of having someone bandage him up or call a doctor.jfckTUOiMiudVvaTGYKFrmYyRXVXzr

cTguKLAaeUadKcy

Meng Ke Bao felt a surge of frustration, silently cursing: Truly clueless! Deserves to be used as a pawn.KzUgpCYWWeBLHNPVMtaEHgFptZhLOy

PckPpUqsHTUyDpB

“Then, I will return to my residence and await your visit tomorrow.”FcKiOJplNpTlQycPdCuOhEbvPSKbII

hImMWPyGeZsEcDL

After saying this, he turned around and slammed the door shut!VXaUsImfKMMyIrwGMFKSmrmwZXzPUi

dPEMjmJelPflFeI

·PBRTuqWzIJDpVvBoIJzijrHEZfzidD

aStGMcxDoPmHTAA

Once sure the person had completely left, Ning Rushen stood up and got dressed.tYQyFPVQoGyiqvzxRKQUwZGTGALQpe

iDgQJFZycYiukks

There was a slight movement behind the screen.xwsNxqckshqnwaqBLsfTUHqbXcuTpD

QlOtBdQEPUChzuk

Li Wuting then stepped out, followed by De Quan with his head bowed and Geng Yan with his tail between his legs.SROtwPHNciKExejpokfjCIDsqbVoec

CVvrWbginIhEZNi

Ning Rushen was tying his sash and turned around, his crimson robe loosely draped over his shoulders, his black hair cascading down around his collar.JiwgreVQhRaCAXumshcFVYXZbNjwCG

wyWvlkWlGrymMmN

Li Wuting hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting away from him.aaCDLQHTHocSwhoNnXyMcmezZlVhfE

QBhpUyJmDgJXDFg

Geng Yan then knelt to admit his fault.OCOsfOwoqkAERiklaroqPcBnuunKkl

ZLDIsgCUDmJBMsU

“You go back first.” Li Wuting glanced over him, paused, then added, “In the coming days, Geng Shangshu might have to endure some discomfort.”lVSYnwTKVHFordJpSZACcMuPmadqhn

CbVcwJhBNPlNMER

Geng Yan was startled, quickly realizing the implication, and kowtowed in thanks.GqsCCDKeHtxRtBWSBaPtRPaQRKBhac

HDJiCqoghnoygPH

Ning Rushen watched Li Wuting’s expression from the side.nsiuvvmlIeGkynHOhQLYRKXFttsFad

elKHRZgkOFOSUNs

Under the warm yellow candlelight, that cool and handsome profile seemed much softer than usual. Judging by the tone, his attitude towards Geng Shangshu seemed quite favorable?iGAGmGLypJlCXUkwMVvvKdJNxOmbVX

hLXwUbslXiXbvTG

Ning Rushen suddenly froze:oudyXiLlHcuJaqFnOUzTbnbVwOPaMl

DUXzyvZWUlhzbgd

Could it be that from the beginning, Li Wuting never intended to let Geng Shangshu take the blame…HbBCYAqIkWipCxbjRKFrBvfLMoQqcU

DtfRaPjEfkigmhc

In the imperial study, was all that just a ruse?WFzibBPjmerVUNHlFKIHRYxrbQntzR

iIFaOOtzGZzMPuu

As he pondered, the person in his line of sight turned to him, “And you—”TZRTZpoGapAsxVKkCzUFRajQYcQHQT

RHpyUChSYtltFjI

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, responding to Li Wuting with a bewildered “Hmm?”JvexxLBYuvJvhcGBmCQTnTSqkFvBtq

lTiJVkSPsPaYpof

Li Wuting slammed his hand on the desk with a “bang,” his voice stern, “The way you treated people just now was utterly reckless! Reflect on your actions for a couple of days.”hXJCKJPMfwcQaREtPpaaCWbHnHnOuK

lEmEmqrWHUogplS

After saying that, he swept out of the room with a flourish of his robe.RcrErqtLrytKIhabbcrdhDDZHyxjPi

hbNCcTfALpgqvzs

Ning Rushen hadn’t even recovered when he saw De Quan following behind, smiling cheekily at him and flicking his finger in a teasing gesture, “Lord Ning, that was quite reckless~”VvYFFsdZdTOnkeSymccPJdCIsekFcS

eluymvKzBxcXxEj

After speaking, he too left the room.oANXawaPBpORYxOEJPOoisjNgBywma

ZfWpoJTsdQvHhNr

Ning Rushen: ??????HDdiGhloMkGkvsNolADsYrYNwwzidv

owfSGSuZHAfiNiJ

After everyone had left, he stood there for a moment. Suddenly, his gaze flickered, and in the dim candlelight on the desk, he noticed an object.bscImcoOizHUJBBGCwMjIcGkYAKxHG

qVecjYYLdJjyQgd

Approaching, he saw it was a jade ring of pure white.uopPkwqGNybizeUMjrioCaWQlqEqgi

LtphrRuZhEVnSfS

De Quan’s suggestive winking before leaving suddenly came to mind.YVeNophxOqpqRBVEPEYMwpKrpRWqxh

aYETEKpmIzdyvnk

Ning Rushen, holding the jade ring at the desk, was silent for a long time:RwlrzinGYPDkQnCYrZodqViVBGVSXk

KQEiBPCRRWFpjmf

Could Li Wuting’s “recklessness” actually mean “you’ve handled this matter well”…?TMzoWRJsGEKPTNlsqixRwKQcsnYZjX

NEIPyaakwRZaQkh
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