This official is so weak

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

aOnyKKFOqsFWlsK

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.QMVesesxWWkJyeKdVghnBakRKxvlHq

SYYqOhNTYmxosqE

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

TDgPpwnmZWvMpUe

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…”hlztbOFPxFKJCRTzTjLtLbbdfaOFrx

CZrhvVruECEVXws

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

EXJVqQoZGnInIZl

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

ignxKWTwQAauncz

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.wkfyjxONKMYjOLodKRekVVdpalNKjk

nxAFmjWpNjMaDZg

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

sQZNbKHWgrmLLEs

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

RoArUNZhrtXYOIq

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

LmkfbgTjOEMKoes

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.UOnJhDNoafwrcXusjtuOhYHGCqFmWe

HIoDdZZsFJMFTIx

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

XKEmWcdRviIHiRf

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.QAjmdcwXwCBruCycrohQjIQWyxYLSY

xWSArQLEJElKevz

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

YKyuXSszWXiPMsT

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

olTbQCyjqAOBcGo

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

AtXvcJXGOQqOiaT

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,DnsLuULrxRZDFLDKSECZOZeuyAfgYM

UBWfiaTROTDqLNj

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

waMkkPSVcYFDOQd

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

ynqEBCRxrdXCKbD

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

UOzBDADNBfmXndg

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.”ezoOeNVwnziflYFhFNldcKygGLweUq

XGlSyboKBlevlep

Li Wuting frowned, “No need…”ScxrqKpRcFUiooylqSLUxmGpIbSEFr

UmvubbhxAHFMlid

But Xinglan had already darted off like a rabbit.OAjHJHewljAuUFerpwexPhkqBKoDqR

bUsUkbiOQvbyBed

“…”fbILnMmrStZYidJBcHlWqCjRoPYFKM

hXikewVLEDfgvGv

The bowl of soup was quickly brought over.aVoKtHaZdTkYZKXdRosIEzXcFOGEiu

DYDZpiyIiBOjbhJ

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

YkPzGytYGnDfsuf

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

lOqNZEmUKZhZfwG

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

QTXCYFtzWsYQFJS

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

qInTaMhxgrVICNt

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

NBwCwBHySeMjNnb

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

DnNzumHMtXQzjvE

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

kgWvPvUFWCpwGnf

Ning Rushen, “…”FFRuWjYGxWTplVwfHKtNTBnHaZmmku

OBpSonktsTNZKGa

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

mqypGBceHHApTTr

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

MhUyEedCXmtAfNy

Li Wuting, “…”qwIudAtjoDBmgOjDOpiaAuWWYMuCSP

iNTIAhFbJbRVeVC

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

DykIOPsZSATzRvc

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!WKfoVzAWxBVcVPAPKtGiAOnepoTGMN

pfdYvBZxFzMlVTG

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

bnFzLJjeuAVniRl

“Li Wuting!”YVsRQaFHCPKcjhPyenpUjLCTuiQQGY

IRDadUZNbcvuCLc

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

pjBEsqdcklixigx

Ning Rushen: Hm? Actually, what??qbxZaEayClRlDWcWdpbgIkgTqXYmfL

rBVfVednWvKJXhC

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

qSPpaBRMbCWkxCi

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

BQFvOogCGLXbODe

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

vcjayVSytotUjqz

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

DYtAyntGfYfYZTM

All he wanted was to enjoy a hotpot meal!vMiYFGYTtjspBQjlliXDDmFxQkCUoP

xAafEpkCZJheiht

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

sIGlbmYgDWdsiEU

Li Wuting glanced at him, his expression inscrutable.HXOWtLhixlZqjeTYcUipvROSDMRdYY

zgpeLAVSvcXwWeL

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.”mWGauEYAeAaoykZafANcmnIJhsVIRL

GMJncJzEKRpbRAJ

Ning Rushen suddenly understood.ADmEFctckNNzgoeUzyjjljhkWgwTps

UaOmNGkUQuwcEqM

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

geKZvrTcxtiNuZA

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.jEwZfBdYPcsUJwfNvOKcQGyuXOvJyr

ElesXDcVxwevrni

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

iOfVtzARbvSAywP

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

erICmdOzXYckyHP

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

cCrNEVqsfeoOldl

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

nPfRtwOpZhfCEho

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

QLOMnOXYXEMmQtS

·xtVSCSkjsHwxNQoUNULsXFWSRIAUwe

ukBEQBetszKMtOa

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

KEClzTkqdyQHAcM

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

kjNiKayuwCnbSwo

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

WBTMFnaYZgMkZZZ

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

rbiGpXGmupKCyzG

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

vhvGiwympbwdcon

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

UHrZQZUFGGkERQR

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

UbeRVeezwfJTAzT

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

bSHsBjJkZvvDsxp

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

fEqQENjgmYIAlbC

“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.”MzHoczYZfyxtEDuTkqFyfeEyuNFaej

IlEeohuARbBhsom

Ning Rushen: …txQqnrjNwfgnJnNWGEUpYuUxUTwfJf

PNGxojviqprMLrD

What kind of interest is this?AHVSBQMBmwHEjrCXBkLnJcttJWTJqz

MxdxMHqvdWGtfjI

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

qyWeAxrIeSrjZMm

…zEHogRcLYYKVaimEGdUoZzoBivbYUq

TevPAFnnUlcsQfn

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.AVJLCiwWpqBbbtykvglKjJfvyNvRJe

HYFKBOBJEceJcJv

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

YaBmBoReYbHQyTQ

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.FKWrrefuDvbGKXASgCWprqNcQapVYT

TbYJOYVUyLWIINX

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

rRzCPZHDMFDnYBc

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

zQrUBqOhJRxhNon

“Yes, Li Wuting.”lllbWYCkFTTnqWJwhgQYuyJeOqMJqb

auNYtCXnhZSOcvZ

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

hzxLKoATTWHIQwS

“Alright, alright, I know.”kLIkCRBWrXKArEocGVPKBSAnimDqAF

WXMQpNNcSumwuDJ

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

fJLnrlVYqRAiewV

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!tDpjDxFoeGYsIFoNrSNQVJAkavFwMS

mSheVnhjIMZfumo

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

MmtPBuHEbzGlxsE

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

xOCOPORPLxlQsOD

“It’s not that I…”fkpjNLVFJgTzfVSFjwjdbjpJrllPpk

urYbdFzQPIRyqge

“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.myLNGwIIYJTAjgGluaOwBUuaOGPHjs

KsdoxVvAtRMaRbx

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

NThsfGnMvwCIJAY

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

wVXZOQIxByHNkyE

Yan Min was utterly at a loss for words.ZnxSOTchCELGIgnBYwHxcjpVFWBqaY

gHuxQWzZvubpyhy

…IqXVqdIoKOVFlWychVYLHylHGwduRu

XwIFypheITaBvBy

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

bFyqgXqugSNEnIZ

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.rJhPUbAPtxZJjEFxrGJmEHHztGSAor

jesJsitxhSlddax

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…EdyFhebLDhsyPEBzUAvyeXonERkWji

mHNIcRgBUQCiTxP

His heart skipped a beat, cursing himself internally:RteSbQKFaYuCLSSRLafgWuKQogAdfC

LciZQAnVyyPKCiQ

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

zKmLgIIBPzNgZFS

Who is the Emperor?GfFgpYiGzTSmCmzDavdliUkWuaucPS

rmUdzEetOBxRrpw

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

YGTFjcGsxUVCApe

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

GjBzjGqLHEBSxwt

·YFaebEkITmXGwVIekrMJbMuRZRXrgo

KcYfqbaRIpmwCFP

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

htsaeUabKUCxSPS

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.CuOKPmexoYoYHJlEOSWdACwKEagzQZ

KmdjUajXzYAOomW

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

FvayDacJUrMciyk

Ning Rushen coughed discreetly into his sleeve.miCfhsupHdzrwGHdxRFTzMXArzLwNx

lkmqQDGpQvGeDTi

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.”kTbYprAgsphLGGxZSzBkdhfNlEuPml

yAktPikhgdHBmRW

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

lHRSraCuyGkjsxq

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

RsTtyFPGeBMHrgU

Meng Ke Bao: …aMWQmTUXRHVfhfGcjwoBWkmUdPlymP

gZkEzLXPNShGmGK

Behind the screen: …eeGaeefXOAdMxPpjSxIpbKBEkelgDf

iyEwhtmSDMOEhpr

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

XtleRbMKqKIotZm

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

pJxKWtJzXeBtdhO

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

sobHJcZMLVCVRyw

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

HcLSEoUDKfmrOhq

They exchanged pleasantries back and forth for a while.xdpeZsRDhvFgvKrFzdonzlcrJpDXYX

CpVVALJVtlPtMAG

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

IyllJLObDCFqBDO

“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?”ANyOHZlUUbQnTsiROklaSwjXpZGSZE

FaLMLeyrIUdAKqn

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

UzXvQhOXZOXvrdN

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

CsodAmRGfRMTuzB

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.”NUPTzudlAzkjYRyNPKlPHVKJYajrJu

lonMoPGLAhHteiR

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

ZekNsRCcgpDQiGr

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.”pjlCdXqZmgsDNLZxMFaCazWYksfVhO

bsvLlIGZrajGlse

Ning Rushen was internally stirred:moxLXuASifvFbqAMudBOjhTRyaGTBE

EsQhAlUJnfZertk

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

JgZDbNtOkTSZOxj

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

KBhxDpYltaDYImy

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

VatUeRvKXFyWlTY

“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?”GibIaSeAHjNfBhlLdUDkFjbStbSKDI

nyRqWKHTeTqkgSR

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

kmLYKpyVjpGqYaC

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

ThMaYGjeMDWAKjG

…OSBiEAuvhuIIPZrswMmAUAYBvotpyZ

IkhsTwjaWsMWAbm

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

APPWXosyxrzniiB

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

xGPxRuBXejUyXpD

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

RJQyPcvrBYVvXGn

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

UPwYjXXyOfgDvsN

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

zZgUFwIHYZfMagT

“Yes, sir.”cnmyplkaScDCDNHCkYXaMdjRUmnBGl

BePfHbcFzUVMyBn

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—FprxfKpUCpCDmURTMBhyxhPsJePinT

oeRuLjvvPaTMpVN

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

YPuExkbtAFhDvgu

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

UlkgOiKVBLtOldS

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.”pnnnKPkHcjurBiNaPGPGtchCBrbYkc

qPruabKhFcBlDkE

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

MtLTtmIznxXSPzr

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

yqvHZmpmbIWUNAX

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

IGKQgLqjmqfrFVQ

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

HbTkxpuJIZeeDHt

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

heBLUxMFhYQxlWh

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

hEAPGnViKVAKfqa

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

laZlJSgFiZTqUxo

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

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The figure disappeared behind the screen.abLJpPNwFpVxpmeeUqZQVPxRlaUIBo

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

qaeuVpuZgnbrRKT

Ning Rushen: …yMpTbBiXuiydiVBEfXQEXQMNqkEoDx

OmVWeWPVRGngTlC

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

lxtaGAbBbdLSZpJ

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

unUZCTqmOVPCnso

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

oOpKacxXyivvtFc

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

VbmWyRvHXikZLux

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.”iVDbdKaJgtChMwaobEPhgdahZLZbhb

MDvEGXPSNoDDifW

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

BQCMjyUwzkEoSAW

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

mxbxnHarkBFdePf

“………”qmDhiyemBdyTqxVsABgPenRScaeJoi

aRUqVcRyAGWWGJF

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.VfmShbRYIoPlOwlVjzpDtzEXKCdEdL

RUcusTrwOpGTwrT

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.txeRLrawSGHvPZpQvMJsZemzXRxBlz

LTbpvUFHCFrJymP

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

NftYnHooAVVVrHA

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

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

qUEkzGbHkiFrPyQ

·WODjXKZaWiJgVKMLLSOKtaWJXJJeMN

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

qKdjqWlfefIRBjp

There was a slight movement behind the screen.XFHdiVRpeiBorqZkLTjMAdzxGxjtOe

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

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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.igKqIOxvEgqcXIirHcaPjKbcsuorMx

kvDvQJrTqNcUsbD

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

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Geng Yan then knelt to admit his fault.XeEsXAItttsSHXTBahlcKqszxipmbL

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

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

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

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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?PLGrqirlFrYlzRylPGPtrLRADjCKlN

ugzDaYfKLWKIwlv

Ning Rushen suddenly froze:dILPojhhzwPJcHVFXnCiODPhynKKZQ

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

OWsSLhziOKylvQj

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

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

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

SOFDwyzracnjFov

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.”TjxPJcZwRzhcTXdlrxXMUlOiDovmnz

FIajAkspRpWSEJV

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

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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~”hXFxrvdpBNInPSAWNkFJYbcTRkDtgv

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After speaking, he too left the room.zmTxyCdJdckIoRdfggMvCHlchvLMdm

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Ning Rushen: ??????avfHgRpQogXuGhkGQcXCMvOvWSTVee

NkOceZrwQmgaMSD

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.TzIDsoFMnxxjuekWRkCJRdGvPvoonZ

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

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

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

nvnpYndJcvUFpRt

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

jqNWeqKsFziWGwb