Chapter 7
Ning Rushen moistened his lips. How should he respond?yHJggEIQdcchhHfQAAYhhPvfaloYxg
HTCswuxwsmuCVKBSeeing 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
uEiDtfcoZmTquChOnly then did Yan Min and Xinglan belatedly recognize De Quan, immediately dropping to the ground in shock, “Your Majesty!”dMWMwsVZwUSWWfZctOVqcEdeNJeAIn
WNYkRtpWCguZibdXinglan 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
suvZSLUsCkTxTpwNing Rushen caught a glimpse of this unfortunate child, “…”zAmDknIfrfnhNMHiGMrdxOLMGGqihd
CybQLJkBpKhUSZYFortunately, Li Wuting had no intention of making things difficult for them, saying “At ease” before stopping in front of Ning Rushen.okZdtubqEILVSFlDwDoqJGrCtEitPP
XyinuLFkfqisNOvHe 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
DGztwFSBhMQjraZFacing that silent scrutiny, Ning Rushen nervously pursed his lips:aZXkXhzzpMcuOwDJghZKCoTdPoRKBE
LcDixQWGeoANAdhHe 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
jcyHQcpWNuMDDUNBefore 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
iTCkBkKBYurKtsQBut then he saw Li Wuting move past him and sit down, lifting his robe.zJiaulCpDvBnAOTVNFdDhrUNVjmTie
mCagSgzDoqPSyrUIn 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
SJACSzoOMVvJvKsOnly when he lifted his eyes did a sharpness leak out, like a gentleman concealing a blade.ZYhVjsIbGUtNLygGFLscKnFKxbgjXu
VhekgFduzxAlSmNUntil a soft voice said, “Everyone, please sit.”vCldbvAySpVKCKkDlUVVONvnPtrZOF
qfMsjuZWUdwyHIQHe slowed his breathing and sat down with Geng Yan, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”ZpBgdPRzCIGyUDmdrdnaomfowUPHaa
bZCPzDwwAXQllyzGeng 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
ZakVPOyVbNNKYJcLi Wuting almost smiled, “Don’t blame them; they’re all busy.”aEmqiIyeopwYTdtLaBxDWkMtaFjzCa
sTejPjHrtjUBlIENing Rushen thought of the servants busy pulling at white cloths: …QviZhvKEhDDltZwaynybQaCOeZkeRF
AXYhFYFvhxXxwtWAfter 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
ylyCTFOpEVbriguLi Wuting frowned, “No need…”mmbIitDyBhILJBrpmfRtOTsOuZHNjR
oEjQACpdsMmXlrjBut Xinglan had already darted off like a rabbit.bRHXDPokBBmNJhZNgmlLHCuQIkyIku
iGRFGmbnlgZWKrq“…”JdHeKmMpKKvFlsZaIKcuXNNVAIklLp
AwQOkdYhGQEOpWLThe bowl of soup was quickly brought over.yoYaeZtiBcBygYwupxpyHZijHUxEfS
GaSlvyoaWRSTxpCIt was the original broth used for hotpot, stewed until it was milky and rich, with tender, flavorful meat and bones floating in it.PeZvgoVXYcGslXRLQUNyMwHeDKRoEQ
hZLbzefgynfslpbNing Rushen pushed the bowl towards Li Wuting: Go ahead and eat. Once you do, you’ll have no ground to criticize me.cXXFzDtQlRfsXAckMGMXxcFUovJBGY
rQqaTyWbbctqqNXLi Wuting glanced at it but didn’t move. As the emperor, he couldn’t be careless about what he consumed.RqxLvFRlzbsOVPhjvZGJhRSALSKQeE
RFrZIpBxWAqQkqMHe asked casually, “What soup is this?”MrZHPeMQLRRnlvtFIosCbrfNyYXxkW
ZqyoXjbhlFQfBBINing Rushen replied, “Soup stewed from ten pounds of bones.”tjkrCqSABQAVFSXiapBZuwzpSiODde
IbqMkIutDIxhIjdLi 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
KBJifmSzAiVsGXjNing Rushen, “…”gyGCSPCkqcyWUWPETVRmTjKBqYHHch
uFMSOFzvCUDZTjeWhat’s going on? Why has Li Wuting been giving off such a strange vibe since earlier? Did I offend him somehow?vhRiNmXbGYwKARGPQQiNntYKQQVSmz
ubQsPSoyFxktQxvHe touched his ribs, “No harm done. I’ve had it twice and nearly grew armor.”oQJFwXuTYCaCbRGZzFzZRlcaEZSCkj
VvrpOSMkqNNhaCILi Wuting, “…”UTimUWTVzHyvdAVnmyFZvbIObkxxgI
jWZdqoHZlhAixjSDe Quan, sweating profusely on the side, thought to himself:yUuTOlmuFwRBrAyrWljtOuaGmSaZEK
yhbGqTOkRHNMZsMOh 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
HQXCxioGWlNoeapAs 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
OMCVifEzIcHLCkXYan Min’s voice suddenly came from outside, interrupting De Quan.ZhcYUfIEaUSRPJAdHHIngwMzGrtEfi
mCoFNtHkoPpjmSqNing Rushen: Hm? Actually, what??AbzAUaplQGqVLtPHpRTHRTkZaWaVUL
VRdndySRWfsUywrIn a flash, Yan Min had run inside, “Great… uh, no, Your Majesty!”BSZSLrhQPXYdvfdpFijCWcklbgQYIi
JmFvjnAXelEQfquLi Wuting lowered his eyes, “What’s the matter?”TZHnLgYaJEyCfTBBQhcEPyrcfvOmoE
IKAwhaLZiyhowJEYan Min reported, “Meng Fu Cheng has sent a visiting card, and he’s waiting at the entrance!”DAaaEqRqSAWzSNygHYmEWDRuWuGEwM
NGdspfvIXNZwVKYNing Rushen was shocked: Why is someone coming over in the middle of the night!YFcfYKwHkbuVOwLsbVOyneQxHbAqoN
mtslRwxUGmITguXAll he wanted was to enjoy a hotpot meal!IuvRNYLPLUdzMHtQAiyOtWdrdwdqys
UFayDeStZodSHDDHe was momentarily confused, “Who’s that now?”MxGLoKkHgoiCtnVDRftOmjgXtfTkNI
WsrDQuKcHmfnzmQLi Wuting glanced at him, his expression inscrutable.aSuADsWxjCHOUCfpHmSfSuqhFxRYzc
LfAkiRJIyHdqscPAfter 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
bdqlWwNgRDPDnGVNing Rushen suddenly understood.zvxJVoIZZCQjpvobcvyINqifsuiHLd
wajdcBMbWYljbBQThe King of Hell hasn’t arrived, but a lesser demon has shown up first.qAsbAjbIBjswEWKkvGgsuCogpOKral
cgkefSdMXmgczrQHe 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
RSUtQljTDfhniqoHe took the visiting card, “Should I meet him then?”TZruTEoKPzMSErktmGIqSWsFDWLzqX
gGOZxVHpIZOojjPLi Wuting gave him a look that left no room for doubt.IGtiEWHFsTRpZOlKbTGhGltSVfcAUx
igHnTmaPeuRHANKNing 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
ojnrLDUkFGglxOUNing Rushen delayed under the pretense of “lingering illness.”sisbRDoWYBjqcHfqJgjcpGEzQLwYJH
xjecAEKAyymQdMDDe Quan and Yan Min took the opportunity to have someone clean up the hotpot in the main courtyard.TYidSzkqecItUSqfZSLZMgfWxIFbmV
OCXNYVgAptsKjRzGeng Yan went to another courtyard to avoid the situation.UsxfyAnVzcDzgadLHRWgqnqorYVwAW
reepdtjXusahZBfProbably thinking of the Cui family, his exit was as dramatic as a storm, more resentful than any vengeful spirit.CninhxONCOSvHoFhVgBYPzByeQwdUk
aOdcdGOdPbktHSFLi Wuting withdrew his gaze, “Ning hasn’t exaggerated.”KYdzqNyfrwSUkOaxGgCJOCwwTcdhnU
shwVlxRYwwkWMPsIndeed, 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
pjjbqbWvzuXQsQkLi Wuting’s gaze shifted towards his main house, suddenly asking, “Is Ning’s room spacious enough?”SHZopIxfGPDFBGeStCYCnGbduYBIny
RtAzQfwGKUqOHhKNing 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
zzPcxvwJpfpadqqNing Rushen: …FgcnyXWuSBPYIjvsaBeXMkzrEzSTcQ
xiqblwRNQmQNCbwWhat kind of interest is this?WQxHTAdFDdhZhIGMNKGiHkvKIXsrIU
spcnkoSSbJYErmiLi Wuting gestured to him, “Let’s go, Ning.”WGyjHWcTGzaTJoPbPIHgEhbGwIfQwg
qLksKpwIfuFQfGQ…mxROXNAJrphYNXczvmjtHXyzSZUtkl
aBKQbralzkrOgcoThe 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
ltoJvcsTglClSAWLi Wuting, with De Quan in tow, moved behind the screen.ZNvfCenzvRkFfBEAAgfYbFkmgmoXei
SgxGjZOgvzLZoytNing 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
QPbZXUNqvzxMkNiSoon, white smoke swirled around, enveloping the bed’s canopy and casting the interior light in a dim, yellow haze.EvpFtKkYSHYLTzdmWDKiqdPvCVkFaJ
tDMYnXOsZmSqsGRNing Rushen, satisfied, commanded his servant, “Go invite them in.”SDHauTspQBsWdGNzEGhhWUOMVQbWWw
IeOqhlmpqTjJlCg“Yes, Li Wuting.”vXyKBBqTrFyLeGhtAWSvnCLvZxBNgA
EhUZDqAWOWrLYxeYan Min, anxious, hurried him, “Li Wuting, you should go lie down now.”AvQltWsKvTxArDVSYvmocQNhrwCjXU
nRpicdzdzguUqlG“Alright, alright, I know.”DHsYlpgFNbOyuWEPTpSTaXszxUxvMu
tEyebWJMNBZsjHIAs Ning Rushen spoke, he started to untie his sash and casually began to remove his pants.EfktJdUtIXfMoMkrXGflpXEAUmvlqo
iBSOqVUZvgfaHyrYan 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
ILkKciWhykGlgLWNing 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
oesSeffNTADpteIHis crimson robe wrapped around his frost-white undergarments.RdVmAeodXOoLixFxzRQgWCiLNuCpMw
TvCBQQnvsBCvZFjIn the misty canopy, he flashed by, the candlelight flickering and bending with the wind, casting a swaying shadow into the tent.BLnQXuhXuoAKvbgwBCgpHNkJWtKFqz
MDzoUwsGXUFTItnYan Min was utterly at a loss for words.JRjfMbeVGTzxypxqXdQUXeMIWblDme
LUhQGmWTSIVgaAH…NYtedBKiJmuNavkxOxomDMLtKMPghU
FVQZLSvUUYHFbBCBehind the screen, De Quan buried his head into his chest.tzlIEpVQRHIBubVwJwULKnxTPAvdRi
fxzhtoWuyrnpqKmSlivers 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
skeleovzGfGhwQbIn 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
BBwsTHxVQsyqFAnHis heart skipped a beat, cursing himself internally:SccxSTitnMKTyAjnKlLVDjtCpfonth
KOHroaAMKgPnEUAAre you trying to get yourself killed, daring to speculate about the Emperor!gyTLufzbsYwWFfXXiPBfllBofOvaBB
NLFmTUlHQuZHPiuWho is the Emperor?JeGHqfLIBRzFHmZDqraxtbuvevPMBQ
KotOJGNlJfYJJfXHe is the sovereign above ten thousand people, a gentleman who restrains himself. Whether he saw or not, he would maintain a calm demeanor.pXhvoxldlwNTUWYWuQHyCkCCyluHqv
cjqcZtfXithQxiRDe Quan quickly reined in his thoughts, bowing his head in silent wait.cWuPOSQDDKelZSaBEibjvGxDmExftD
bccUNTwEWdsNnHp·xoskcKiWHRRhgmlPiwpLWlBIBNfjSx
EwaWqTOeKQncxoIJust as Ning Rushen settled into position on the bed, the visitor arrived.sHonCeoygNaXGVOvbQnAjOjXfDUYzV
WHMQBhkrZEFoqtUHalf 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
BvPDPdcQqnbyqmBAs soon as the man entered, his eyes started darting around, clearly harboring many thoughts.TepBdqjEoOAQKKZTJNHODrNEnEcAKG
aLyaTdNKIgghOrkNing Rushen coughed discreetly into his sleeve.FUaNcYOCUbUdddvCkMXxVlxFvaigAk
mUJihYkgpYaMpzhMeng 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
NIuZWClRXPxLjGVHe didn’t forget to stir the pot a bit, “Why is it so quiet here? Didn’t any of your colleagues come?”PgaDHQcXtGXBFxvWtdHfnmbAEAGynI
GzZCxNueQsBPXOENing Rushen shook his head, “Not even a dog came.”dGWdWcVpjbcZAEeYwvxpcWPgauCjNk
XtVOZsmlDkbABVOMeng Ke Bao: …HeThbKKSACGHPVJnHFpvFeikyLArBg
tfAEaXUUkTWAJkKBehind the screen: …zMrrWCYBPbREuuvXrclMovksoJtSja
UkBBPbRldlMcDPsMeng Ke Bao forced a smile, “It shows who your true friends are during tough times.”tbssGiTJnXZYSohHjauClBJDmaBqNF
BVaYZiBYaZsaJkBNing Rushen went along with him, looking moved as he lifted his head, “Indeed, it’s only you, Lord Bao, who treats me well.”YzJxyiorxLmWuXuOPUnViAybjrHtVW
kobobJiPTzcFhzgMeng Ke Bao’s smile almost faltered, “My surname is Meng.”mwOYeoseeJddGIyRbbnJLmQfQHEWkg
XVykouSorLTLmLyNing Rushen corrected himself, “Sorry, Lord Meng.”clYmDrjmNwumADyjVWOJBjWgkaqyLh
ShFGrqTmbkEwaKIThey exchanged pleasantries back and forth for a while.OMpucseoJvtdBmmwENEmHIKwAVquCS
FMAtlEjhEhrrjagJust 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
vimWELCXGkZmflmFinally, the conversation took a turn; otherwise, Ning Rushen was about to fall asleep.pDvSQgtpGkkBOorZfXNZqUmrExTvfj
JjXYPjZoojPsHMhNing Rushen slightly propped himself up, feigning a hesitant demeanor.ODehSvrLlFTrcxaGVdaYMoBryovWUW
tyeodcnuYleGWvZMeng 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
BArEpbfxVzDxFZXNing Rushen appeared to be struck with realization, stunned.RbPgBTTxeJYmrAtvWOISQIhdrvdFpX
wPRorViOWqUjaorMeng 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
suZGUWUfLCvtmqtNing Rushen was internally stirred:ssnolGIJLopNhklyTzuZvtNqXmxpUv
xxSMzHIDaDJaONaThe instigation, the undermining, the empathy, the timely assistance!hculApkoARyheHdMYcuOzsQxwSgzEJ
PmNXfRkBcrGozXkHe finally understood Li Wuting’s interest. Listening to someone babble all this in person was indeed quite fascinating.xFvBahbZJqGobyLgXHLGwBfynirxpX
EvrisSidySExUsYNing 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
xKuhklNvoWOsgNVHe straightened up and coughed pretentiously, “It so happens I have a renowned doctor who could examine you.”QuaIRXpgalozWRSUGMmoPZyBIAKhzC
FyBBwZTgAjbadxeNing Rushen was profusely grateful, “Thank you, Lord Meng!”mVhgvPcCohlGfTXnsrksdGlICGAOhG
ErmAgJkbpfHDYPH…eTBmjODkhQtAuyNCOROgAOrivyPVqU
WCrcpOQCEYsBPHVMission accomplished, Meng Ke Bao staggered out with a shake of his head.ITQZFKJXpXdVmqlgYhabtaeMjdeNBC
jahkTLvPlVwOEiaStanding 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
TpeTPKvckeIoFDYBang! A sudden wail from outside faintly reached them.DgcpsfSwauvQfQFsiMomvIlTaZctOj
VSpKtwKIXgrVDbzThe conversation was interrupted. Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Uncle Yan, go see what happened.”xeZxCOikccQVyekunFqvFfxrGuOHEN
fUGxgTBurfNUGiW“Yes, sir.”AqdGWorarhXMgMTwAoyTpNtFisaTLq
kRzRFvhjLWRiUdmJust 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
gIwczKpzyKCDhUTGeng Yan stood panting in front of Ning Rushen’s bed, clothes slightly disheveled, with a lingering excitement, “Hey.”gKolllBRiBUVwxfLxBKujGZweQDmZW
UjgCdIpjUckctpnNing Rushen had a bad feeling, “…What happened to you? What was that noise?”BGzbUOsGborgdaqKRCXDtEMPLElxmt
KmzghineKGWLCWDGeng 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
ZeeniTBXuUBETtMNing Rushen’s mouth fell open: ……………vhfZeeIyBiOSFAUzQdHIDcQrHqFvgU
jvtHrFQgPPGEamTThen he slammed the bed in anger, “Why are you causing trouble in my house!”PRMCdpsSjqAVwxuoAXKADcrjoJYVJB
opubenCJDSOxNMNGeng Yan retorted angrily, “I told you, I couldn’t hold back! Just pretend the tile fell on its own!”zmJRcsneOFizebgnRIPWWcCOTsqNxq
nnulDotzgBrpkPDNing Rushen exclaimed in disbelief, “Can tiles just fall on their own!”CTCeMRUYinPXeIbyPNtXwrzsnNzrzT
xtFkwYzmgwVJRVx“Are the tiles on your house not under your control?”HLIoKNpXDMRDMVoswNTVgSKKXlSTXV
KkXmMDpxpVtIMGYAs 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
UTUoiyaRPrxBbELNing Rushen didn’t have time to warn him, “Wait…”lxOJhGUagSMHaernWLaEYvWoWpXLrI
bVXTUCqxWORbqDxThe figure disappeared behind the screen.QyTsHCKKvRfAGZWceGhUPBXdTIjRIx
OadBLOlhzFDDStNThe next second, a startled hiccup was heard, “Hic—”IYfVDgiOKdJnbiFTVMjKLWTKtlafCi
aOjdfvWAwTSZEdUNing Rushen: …YSsYWjSvOUvRvDcJisQQxfrMvelaLd
gCeCEaeexhThcgcHe was about to mention that Li Wuting was behind there, but it was too late to listen.ktyKirVKfjAsFwOEdUOHEYUumNjqqQ
ipRCxouVSiRYgupBut soon the door was pushed open with a bang.mCwGFpSgGRxrbiLDAXZhAfTwFGJpaZ
OlzoLKIIvFeukfHMeng 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
mLNICDGSGUSlolBNing 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
varfTplVyFIbGoKMeng 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
OlxcJOAnJlBNTEiThe 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
HfufGCSfnjAdrTJNing 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
cTguKLAaeUadKcyMeng 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
hImMWPyGeZsEcDLAfter saying this, he turned around and slammed the door shut!VXaUsImfKMMyIrwGMFKSmrmwZXzPUi
dPEMjmJelPflFeI·PBRTuqWzIJDpVvBoIJzijrHEZfzidD
aStGMcxDoPmHTAAOnce sure the person had completely left, Ning Rushen stood up and got dressed.tYQyFPVQoGyiqvzxRKQUwZGTGALQpe
iDgQJFZycYiukksThere was a slight movement behind the screen.xwsNxqckshqnwaqBLsfTUHqbXcuTpD
QlOtBdQEPUChzukLi Wuting then stepped out, followed by De Quan with his head bowed and Geng Yan with his tail between his legs.SROtwPHNciKExejpokfjCIDsqbVoec
CVvrWbginIhEZNiNing 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
wyWvlkWlGrymMmNLi Wuting hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting away from him.aaCDLQHTHocSwhoNnXyMcmezZlVhfE
QBhpUyJmDgJXDFgGeng 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
CbVcwJhBNPlNMERGeng Yan was startled, quickly realizing the implication, and kowtowed in thanks.GqsCCDKeHtxRtBWSBaPtRPaQRKBhac
HDJiCqoghnoygPHNing Rushen watched Li Wuting’s expression from the side.nsiuvvmlIeGkynHOhQLYRKXFttsFad
elKHRZgkOFOSUNsUnder 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
hLXwUbslXiXbvTGNing Rushen suddenly froze:oudyXiLlHcuJaqFnOUzTbnbVwOPaMl
DUXzyvZWUlhzbgdCould it be that from the beginning, Li Wuting never intended to let Geng Shangshu take the blame…HbBCYAqIkWipCxbjRKFrBvfLMoQqcU
DtfRaPjEfkigmhcIn the imperial study, was all that just a ruse?WFzibBPjmerVUNHlFKIHRYxrbQntzR
iIFaOOtzGZzMPuuAs he pondered, the person in his line of sight turned to him, “And you—”TZRTZpoGapAsxVKkCzUFRajQYcQHQT
RHpyUChSYtltFjINing Rushen snapped back to reality, responding to Li Wuting with a bewildered “Hmm?”JvexxLBYuvJvhcGBmCQTnTSqkFvBtq
lTiJVkSPsPaYpofLi 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
lEmEmqrWHUogplSAfter saying that, he swept out of the room with a flourish of his robe.RcrErqtLrytKIhabbcrdhDDZHyxjPi
hbNCcTfALpgqvzsNing 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
eluymvKzBxcXxEjAfter speaking, he too left the room.oANXawaPBpORYxOEJPOoisjNgBywma
ZfWpoJTsdQvHhNrNing Rushen: ??????HDdiGhloMkGkvsNolADsYrYNwwzidv
owfSGSuZHAfiNiJAfter 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
qVecjYYLdJjyQgdApproaching, he saw it was a jade ring of pure white.uopPkwqGNybizeUMjrioCaWQlqEqgi
LtphrRuZhEVnSfSDe Quan’s suggestive winking before leaving suddenly came to mind.YVeNophxOqpqRBVEPEYMwpKrpRWqxh
aYETEKpmIzdyvnkNing Rushen, holding the jade ring at the desk, was silent for a long time:RwlrzinGYPDkQnCYrZodqViVBGVSXk
KQEiBPCRRWFpjmfCould Li Wuting’s “recklessness” actually mean “you’ve handled this matter well”…?TMzoWRJsGEKPTNlsqixRwKQcsnYZjX
NEIPyaakwRZaQkhBdhXIMmoRWgGyLXlBSKnbtThWczPFg