Chapter 8
In seeking leniency for Geng Yue, Ning Rushen inadvertently attracted the emperor’s wrath. Amid the whispers circulating the court, there was a loud call for the dismissal and punishment of Secretary Geng.CifMFfNduztEgbmUOKVKveQfScqlLg
FQvynNDsbQSCwvFHeeding the clamor, Emperor Li Wuting sanctioned the order to imprison Geng Yue for a trial.OXpSbIhjkWiMjhrTVSvttPVTVXSeLV
OuljMrmPirdYVGMThe following day, under the bright and serene sky, Ning Rushen set out to meet Meng Ke Bao. He dressed simply in a vermilion robe with unadorned elegance, his black hair casually tied back, embodying the appearance of someone recovering from illness. Tucked at his waist was a jade ring gifted by Emperor Li Wuting—a ring too large for him to wear and too precious to leave at home for fear of theft. Thus, he had Xing Lan attach a string to it so he could carry it with him.LHfBZjGsPqQtYthVpLgtPxLOrykrbE
sVUQjOFRIEjdpofWrapping his cloak tighter around him, he declared, “Let’s go to the Bao residence.”oHAkTLhxUgAYPWSFBQzEIqCjPQZLTn
gDfMiVxmKeOuPeqSilence ensued, followed by a snap! Yan Min confidently took the reins, steering the carriage towards the Meng residence.PIkNvjWwXWtFwBACUatQnREkIOEtof
QWBKVTHcfkbpXOFTwo quarters of an hour later, the carriage halted at the back entrance of the Meng residence. Meng Ke Bao had earlier implored Ning Rushen to keep their meeting a secret, advising him to proceed with caution and discretion.RWzoFYgpbgvaxuJNuNZbpqohIGHbos
NscbYkvMGuqgvCaStepping down from the carriage with Yan Min’s assistance, Ning Rushen glanced at the deserted alley and quipped, “So discreet that if one were buried here, no soul would notice.”ozwSXHJuxRxumeSJTKMUGLPMIbYARq
VYcTYXFCNgWnLKUYan Min responded with a mix of alarm and irritation, “Psh! My lord, what nonsense!”xCtuUqJGIrOFPiclwkCHaLVsOqOmHV
etEsXLDIEIhrZYnHe leaned in to whisper, “Besides, the Emperor knows, doesn’t he?”WmTglImvxBNOQierDifpxsXUacJiBH
DijVuGxlRivuFZjAfter knocking, a servant promptly came to guide them in. As Ning Rushen followed through the backyard, he couldn’t help but marvel at the lavish landscape, vastly more luxurious than his own estate. He pondered silently on the potential for such wealth to improve flood defenses…svsllPdrICyuJvvmeyzgpOCoNTFkay
PStLykrPSngYJdkTheir party quickly arrived at the main hall, where Meng Ke Bao awaited with a smile, despite the bandages wrapped around his head.stbJGDUKHHNaRmKvnLEgOSAttgXkzE
qbwLQutJPFJCZKI“Lord Ning, you’ve arrived.”TjJUHhVCpkOOcQKsNDGWxuRWEbRpFH
bhZakYBMUAmzjfANing Rushen, eyeing his bandaged forehead, asked as if he had forgotten, “What happened to you, Lord Meng?”flQGwMDJuqcBnOkReFEDapKuzpDoVR
GufhzOTxIJCdbSnMeng Ke Bao’s smile faltered, nearly gritting his teeth as he reminded, “I tripped… over the courtyard wall—Lord Ning, truly a man of great fortune tends to forget.”GYgviDYyvHUYYxQOQFRsywWgPoDnhf
SlWsEVCmaewSTOQRealization dawned on Ning Rushen, “Oh right, my estate was burgled.”ptFOsDuALuYlyhnPSmWNdCsYJrwdAm
FpyrDQaBQKOBPLkMeng Ke Bao was nearly faint with frustration: Who cares about that?!jzjemvKnTAAzOyyoWumhfwSmUUZWoe
shkYiOPcKqXHyaNAs confusion reigned, Ning Rushen had already made himself at home, instructing the servants to fetch him a cushion:coVMUQrnUgRJDiAHyyJoFriNvTCHbM
nkJQaFLGfUddeREHaving been subjected to corporal punishment, he couldn’t endure sitting on the hard surface.AaMmEmjgejTCjeheOrlanaAXTWAoaJ
slnUdtbXBeYXTvROnce the cushion was placed, Ning Rushen and the now composed Meng Ke Bao took their seats. With a weak cough, Ning Rushen cut to the chase, “About what Lord Meng mentioned the other day…”ddegDoaUvHkQHLgNQPYHQqUyAubcKC
paAKBqmGWsCEzQV“Oh, yes, yes… That’s what we were here to discuss.”aiszmVuAMgbzsOzXLoKIEGUCjaHJfp
UwxDsslZSyZkGDhMeng Ke Bao dismissed the servants and had his trusted aides guard the door before clearing his throat and beginning, “I sympathize with Lord Ning, unable to bear seeing a pearl covered in dust. I have specially pointed out a clear path for you.”RczHaivZBupNbwSKDapcDYwKbOuDMJ
HMQTSxjpSlueSshNing Rushen listened intently, “Please, Lord Meng, go on.”ZrurqtPTYEMsENlRnJtceMCkqtHpsH
PKGhOisMIKrBobU“At present, you’ve fallen out of the emperor’s favor. There’s only one person in the court who can help you regain your esteemed position…”qwWfGHyapwiOoYJobtqWaLJfFImlfx
hScPyjuJjHVOjNF“And who might that be, Lord Meng?”VvSGjQpFuNNCFxvWXMLmHEsjwxLzEJ
yuwOrPOpmVAxdmgMeng Ke Bao looked at him intently, “Naturally, it’s the Prime Minister.”xTpZZmgOknMYKNPjUYyYUAtCSCyerD
jbokPnJeHaavpkANing Rushen was slightly taken aback, “Chancellor Cui?”kheIFtOQGKkvtouSisAdzPTGITuLNA
kZkyoLMGIqaVsaA“Exactly. With the Chancellor’s guidance from behind, I’m certain you can quickly regain the emperor’s grace,” Meng Ke Bao confidently lifted his teacup, “Of course, if you return to the emperor’s side, you must remember to repay the Chancellor’s kindness.”dVLKBvFEpygBpKKgJqkfaJyuDQVFcO
wJmAcddAjtWCTJWNing Rushen was astounded. It was the first time he’d heard someone describe “placing a pawn” in such a noble and righteous manner.nBpdloBGvRQIRvGKasatcQsodUEdpP
rjcMztncVIwDLPr“May I ask, Lord Meng, is this the Chancellor’s own suggestion?”KlLqzmjVQUdSUhOeIuQDotuvPwFYQy
tuDtmabFYBBVTlsMeng Ke Bao averted his gaze, “With me speaking on your behalf, the Chancellor will surely agree.”sGjPcCfyMsSsNxJtTuHIIufYuDQUAc
WPIGNzinYplaOnwNing Rushen was speechless: It turned out Meng Ke Bao wanted to use him to curry favor with Chancellor Cui.bgpvVscfyLHyNzsKlYBSjnMQJRZzbq
OKQPWdFIDYaNiLtPretending to be troubled, Ning Rushen hesitated, “This…”JSNckoLcvQNqdZqlkxtkXaCcvUBcyT
RdJGxePvGcirjHaPerhaps sensing his hesitation, Meng Ke Bao emphasized, “Lord Ning, think carefully. By pleading on behalf of Secretary Geng, you’re already seen as one of his allies by the emperor.”asccrjiXntvScJJmrUOolLenvuMBhg
esJTAqdNehCQVnBHe narrowed his eyes, “Now that Secretary Geng is imprisoned, who do you think will be next?”yJhhGKbbAvPABFzxPhDOrRoUqgphOD
FVqGjvkHPhPABHvNing Rushen thought to himself that the next one would probably be their Prime Minister.faEJwrHVgvgIgAHxATQVPTJyAQIKhT
ySxFFEKgkCEOUbnHe noticed Meng Ke Bao shifting impatiently and decided to remain silent, staring into the void, “Hmm…”JsEtdeqCtneWFPdRupAznoFaZhxRai
oSxsxmAHhNJXAyBLet’s see how long this can go on.fubgAJlfuUZZnDUzGmUoODOpVrMsrg
FHGXGzrSQqbHUqm·iUAFAmVkkegsqVpynzmOfRqQOxsLVS
QWHxFKOgqodLfbcNing Rushen spent the afternoon in the main hall, dodging and weaving through conversation without giving a straight answer.ZLJyrsmLkHUMrNaHyXzCEtpGnwGcEE
SIeLIYVMKdRjRjRFinally, Meng Ke Bao couldn’t take it anymore and stood up, slamming his hand on the table:LvVwgRyXFVMWwUaKTQlDzmgSVYzBAf
ACaoUctVyqmDKnU“Lord Ning, enough is enough! There’s a clear path right in front of you, and yet you hesitate. Do you wish to be caught in the middle?”HicSQEixkDKcldpMcLcLoQUfuooVex
wpyFOhTgEwXpbTHNing Rushen clutched his chest, feigning frailty, “Ah… I can’t take such loud noises.”PRivJgoQvQDmzAunfnsNfGbbilLGSy
iKZljwxvSjLXmchIt was Meng Ke Bao who truly couldn’t take it anymore!nlUnRQAuabNfSwQDQMjiPQYlqvmgwA
kqxbMSIMsVKlZNQHis gaze sweeping from left to right, two of Meng Ke Bao’s trusted men promptly stepped forward.rMYvEEAvQonxPvvoocXRsauwtglAaS
BHOYyjPKmAaqijpSeeing the situation turning unfavorable, Yan Min attempted to position himself in front of Ning Rushen but was quickly restrained by the strong arms of two guards. He shouted in alarm, “What do you intend to do to my lord!”bTMfxEqxkCjsAunDCbJiKkmpakpCSI
CBDsjtTVDCLqAttMeng Ke Bao snorted coldly, “Rest assured, I intend to do nothing. I’m merely providing the lord ample time to contemplate alone.”jwlsJwQTqanRfJgPwfcpIgzXjawMDo
xknJaooshaaldPvWith a wave of his hand, he ordered the furiously protesting Yan Min to be taken away.eShCGFyoOVpLIYuBywbpOShQLRKHzA
wrZvCNcQbHRbqeMNow, Ning Rushen was left alone in the hall.OxHDQrSPMuJZUopnXsZYifBsVYiKfT
XpakstIIndFZxdaLeaning against the chair, coughing pitifully, he looked up with an angry gaze, “What is the meaning of this, my lord?”WoGDyaKiNblOVZFrvCkfUfyFCzIYPu
ClpBaXFUZpMkrryMeng Ke Bao stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at him.OkLLwSCztpdlmSrRCePKzEHUnGCZJm
UduqZzcmZjGwebWThe figure before him, frail and delicate in a bright crimson robe, could not conceal his sickly appearance, his veins visible on his wrists.QvnDFhKMFucuGWghiLAtFsjHnWXpOV
wgLidpfsGTnRMvQSuch a feeble body seemed all too easy to control.QPLRDgYUDMqiVxyyqHFPEtMHeioxXZ
RwBcPGxiwRnWTcuMeng Ke Bao felt reassured, but before leaving, he turned to look at Ning Rushen once more, threatening and tempting, “Lord Ning, don’t be unwise. Otherwise, this pitiable appearance of yours might not find any admirers.”WOaNIBAWdJKzLncfzysvhccgyMhmTk
bJYpkUhxxAJdBQxThe door slammed shut!PQmiIWEmqUKAXsmbQFarnabSVTWeTi
uBSHbHEtnniBEMq…UHrTpkcrJhQAvAsmAuaSaPkYebuOgA
eZROdYUfGyRAwDfOutside, Meng Ke Bao strode away, his sleeve flicking with his movement.NfiZguHACUoyQZUaXCKKxppStlDIyR
FSEZOAnlCrqQQaZHis aide followed closely, hesitance on his face, “My lord, that’s a court official you’ve imprisoned. Is it really wise to keep him confined?”eyCVSjnvErMjqsEvFDreqweBMUNqqT
lwAZxJaXXEBbesgMeng Ke Bao laughed scornfully, “What’s there to fear? If we can’t win him over, then it’s simpler to eliminate him and remove a future threat.”BxxmSzWnVuntoPxVCvxIlYOkxMALuL
ffEsKQnilEHkrtRThe aide was shocked, “But if someone finds out—”POVjVFJViuEExmqBmiwpLOFALXIsHV
NUslnuNKMefvDff“Idiot! With his frail body, just one day without food or water will finish him off, leaving no trace. We can return him under the cover of night, then blame it on the new Emperor…”fVlcjThNIOzbeGhrWCzWwKelccbGQH
QsGpylHyUrZimZDMeng Ke Bao was proud: This could perfectly sow discord between the new Emperor and his officials.XRLBKGcGqCoyiZusGtDRmpdseUIYfm
VFTqLjODRbmACWL“Keep a close watch on him, see if he loosens his lips.”gHFieVJRmATYGNRKxFusDFQgvIuYMp
aXexvRYlWNJHRgzThough, by now, he was more inclined towards eliminating Ning Rushen.UPqWmjQzlDtZQmjeFksznMKWZLxmAD
mTkUlqjeGDVpxEAMeng Ke Bao rubbed the back of his head, wincing: Ah, that hurts…lHkaFuHLNYQJNohvhzUkZbOOJuFBuk
BxIGHveFrvCmDrdThat damned Ning Rushen, perhaps it was intentional!MyCoTtvaqYiQuPUxRFdqojVloMHVtX
XiCchXMMavLNOBW·tLPjIUEHHkKPePMfFfxyAkaGFiJryY
bvKVpoUCuakpwrrIn the hall, Ning Rushen found a more comfortable position to recline in.daRFXiFJkGgSaSbKJJKWQpIHDDJPhx
QwZefsCFmyhpezTNo wonder Meng Ke Bao had been so insistent on him visiting the Meng residence.vaojSJoXAZUcEoHMIxKyVPvksievnt
ulgmPpaCyoLbYHvThis was his plan all along.JlnuFtrRtIaFvabNlEBNUlVdAnxGLw
BZeOyppfeTAUtjLNing Rushen wasn’t worried about Yan Min. With Meng Ke Bao’s focus on himself, as long as he refrained from giving a straight answer, Yan Min would be safe.AavapYBxKjqjVXYzcHTmGTvITbuKOu
rmtMCzhwshHOZYyNing Rushen turned over and looked up at the ceiling, tapping his abdomen thoughtfully.WFlIIDlbRjAcCuPAwnmVyAGLGOUXAW
oLNxLVqhLWgDqBvHaving been successfully cornered by Meng Ke Bao, he pondered on his next move…tBeaFVRHvSWgzWGLiMoJyqGWTVpDwA
XthqiVwcYvPTXGJLost in thought, he was suddenly jolted back to reality by a familiar sound— a drip.hIPBaPVToxGSYlEVnmwzWrgAuJLMiW
jgQzYznZCePuBsaNing Rushen sat up, perplexed: ?????FmpWbRQqKoxEBHvwmdyaBmPAjDKslY
cuUjtJGdWXKzKIeA small stone fell to his feet. Ning Rushen remained silent for a moment before looking up at the beam above him. Suddenly, a pair of eyes peeked out from behind the beam, observing him in the dark.MYCEEVRwwvofHVAhEigDphvvWdaYmI
guBiNVVbrghxJwtThe two exchanged glances for a while.QrwChqbloGOQjmBPCHTzqmwEcaaySf
prrQwBPLxwQiqfPShi Yi was pondering how to start the conversation when Ning Rushen, with a complex tone, sighed lightly, “Why are you everywhere stealing?”tRgQnJLZlBKvVWvqMKrjNdfQqAyegf
gthhvJMRBMFbSKaShi Yi was momentarily speechless.NwnXfRgQHYjCjJCOSeZisuJUHzfejq
hzUbcqKnYFwGUGKCaught between dignity and mission, Shi Yi chose the latter after two seconds and deftly flipped down, dressed in light black clothing that partially covered his face.bkErYyBqVWCwInRPCbamWRliFFwnRs
JAZxDmuggWgTkUHUp close, Ning Rushen noticed the young eyes of the man before him, not more than twenty years old, and shook his head:KbzglMRMJEmXkFlSAwuPCXHApbCJjn
YZmSTNcqBCRjOxzSo young, yet in this line of work…GRpwzPeRFpkXXMaMTAXHqAyDzPctCJ
ZPDpNqgScHNFsWJ“This isn’t my home; take whatever you want.”kxuBnYTnwGfvWJzwoNxXITvCpNCBUu
ByQlLgWIGPOVqNL“Come with me.”CyeFwwEDgvlszWVipPFZEFfhypQKRY
vPSSHgvhRVEDkmABoth voiced their thoughts simultaneously.yWAyUgPlTcNcAshvfuFDrtbPLEbCEH
mSEakxeAeHSgANgNing Rushen pretended not to hear clearly, “What?”OELDkXaXnRQViFoUOiMAvixMDBsVct
kNauGPJkAiFLWlVShi Yi, unsure how to explain, simply repeated, “Come with me, I’ll take you out.”ofIhDfftkYSquOvZBbcXOJQtUuhGRe
zbhGXHfDcayLruGNing Rushen eyed him skeptically, narrowing his eyes.NoPpSpDSRASUlJmGBKXcxXmosAJcRm
IuwhbwZoqwhvEPtAfter a brief standoff, Ning Rushen lay back on the cushion, leisurely refusing, “I’m not going. How do I know if you’re a good or bad person?”CzDpWgKEGXbbcxJlYnRsaOUJdquQhX
RQjfnUnzUqsSWuFShi Yi became anxious, “I am a good person, of course!”pyFWlpgVCYqkFEhfBWlxiUhJPAcpxy
nypvFndvIFuSVEINing Rushen mocked, “A good person covering his face in broad daylight.”WExFkCrBSHnaGFfiNpoYHXbHqYDEug
XbLtHKebysqyGMTShi Yi, disregarding decorum, reached out to pull him.SscuhOfBBlwnXvffHqhNzjFDCRHpmP
zGDVJigOZjlFEQbNing Rushen, with sleeves gathered, warned, “I’m going to call for help!”GsijjsYEvfUkTSQqHGXuxgOtCnerKi
vmHCodUAPdhWGJmCall for the bad guys outside to save you? Shi Yi was so frantic that sweat beaded on his forehead, wanting to drag him yet daring not to, “You… hurry and come with me, I won’t harm you!”guSsrTcyQZsoOalGxsnSHPxDrxvyIJ
CytcahNquejyNiDNing Rushen stood firm, “Unless you explain, I won’t move!”aYjlWQtFgBQwTYpPljinmcAjKLfsdh
SpplVrTRBILkGFzShi Yi clenched his teeth, “Don’t push me! I would die before betraying His Majesty!”NtkXEprZKOZEIrHyRyyTKEemNVVUxR
IzGEYiEbymTZrBaSilence followed.yPjkIVDnbgJcRMMMQKSXpbXXYfkCKE
TegruETljgfAxknIndeed.puxMxVZDuLegcJPwwztFwgHerExcwE
jcKjAeICulIgJToAfter a brief pause, Ning Rushen genuinely admired, “His Majesty is fortunate to have such a steadfast subordinate like you.”xafJrFMRqeDZkQbXKspbJWKXCvvGrd
OddcGkEOKcaMtqFShi Yi slumped to the ground, heart heavy with defeat.ugaWLebamKBJvmLmKgBsPLbQGFlnkT
pKzUwwPIjhYWRbLNing Rushen sighed, unable to bear seeing him so disheartened, and gently patted the curled-up Shi Yi, “Don’t worry, I can pretend I don’t know anything and won’t speak of this.”aTDjnCZEtqUStwwvvOiopXNgSMPERg
SilIPRkJjLliYJmShi Yi looked up, revealing his melancholic eyes.CwtxFCbdxUxLJFwEWYbDhfkeMfcvaZ
VoguKnoIPPMTqWKNing Rushen stood, rolling up his sleeves, “Let’s go, aren’t you supposed to take me out?”PpNyTgpCbeYBAvFhsILbFgoNGoZvtA
JChVuvAeqVNvHujAfter a mental struggle, Shi Yi turned and crouched down, accepting this feigned ignorance proposal.bNagXmoagqMaPQxIJuNzuTYnrLpxSp
bigqpbvaIRMVKBTNing Rushen lay on his back. As he was being helped up, an idea struck him, and he tapped Shi Yi’s shoulder, “Throw me into the Prime Minister’s mansion.”WSqUQVmnwHrtOKhLmnSTsAFAPrxfDf
mwabXAgTrxIZowEThe person ahead turned in confusion.pkPzKJfhGbQCOlYcCxrKDJccwuEQhv
HJOCqiCNunofCLKNing Rushen continued plotting, “Then find a secluded room and tie me up.”EuUKxjbDzvLrMcLMqYEwTWamywJsnu
njZMPbRokwdbQLCShi Yi’s pupils dilated slightly but he hesitantly responded, “The late Emperor decreed that, except for treason, the Imperial Forest Army and the Brocade Guards are not allowed to enter the Prime Minister’s residence…”ckXbwxTpoFMVEvhUkVNzqpqNGybSbv
pemuBUvxZJJbyjSNing Rushen was at a loss for words.ILUissCxikqjJgleIpeZoHfMXLZmhA
JsrlVpydyZYJtlQSo, there was no way to raid the house for evidence?lGglgLdTuVFJWxWkOpMavtVpisxMWb
GfzFRYJqrFoZSlJNo wonder Li Wuting found dealing with the Cui family so tricky; it was a pit his own father had dug.XJswjdSCDSbcofrOOIVsTFQjJWuryC
mRccnwouNIWrgZUHe asked, “The Imperial Forest Army and the Brocade Guards can’t enter the Prime Minister’s residence, but what does that have to do with you, a thief?”VfcQuomDQWALSYdwUuCNQUuGDqPALD
boePeQwUjyQopaQShi Yi was choked up for a long while, bowing his head under the weight of humiliation, “You’re right.”xOlInmsDDGVYJnESpHWaOGqLFTRbFY
sjHPEGORPvijfTDA quarter of an hour later.mrPZlhpMcPMpNvivrdZNjtzvVJgOmY
QWwojzrhTtqvHIzNing Rushen was securely perched on Shi Yi’s back, watching as rooftops and narrow alleyways swiftly passed by, his long hair and sleeves fluttering in the wind.aruIpwrfprgqMISsODjKHmYCgGRGXf
LYuFuoxGImeSytAHe tapped Shi Yi on the shoulder, “Oh, about the steward of my mansion…”rZEIhFvuJsfWkVDjAUETApoXGpTDNb
HkcyBHKiQVDBuPD“There will be someone to take care of it.”NUtdRZBWSutaCnKzRiVAFWeNPTBuIL
BfwWZqbIElEWBKLShi Yi spoke smoothly, and after his words, a brief silence followed between them.iPJuNECqOUdCLAEvaWuYnYeuzviFLl
PGGtXtRnJnpRgypNing Rushen suddenly remembered Emperor Li Wuting’s indifferent words from that day in the court, “If you are to be my sword, you must be prepared to do anything.” He couldn’t help but remark, “You really do everything.”mMvEvmeRRsRXgzZrgJhKuRGyURmFaF
fgLmrKCxjsqGsRtEven playing the role of a thief.rXsKPvbkPzyWnuaDrJRFOLWMWwnRsB
lbNXuDzLoYiuvnSThe figure below him jolted suddenly.kFDnntKEZAxUTnPfqdmcDQpeEJLkLi
OpuOItcSexSkkwUNing Rushen teased, “What, do you experience turbulence when you hit an air current?”qXwRpEzcqDEgXsRVRXXDQufaEKrXDf
nKXOWxMCGXPJkRSShi Yi was puzzled.wKNzEbKCFFCFoYlYnWVpELYUoznmSq
wcZbfaVZoXhZcTW·EsBCLMYGqVeSjGFhvEHHblCpSvJSFq
ezaRudCUZSEAZSQThe Prime Minister’s mansion was located in the most bustling area of the capital city.TsmMozIxbFtOsYzlwSPMqQGofKXdYw
cQBsrLsAZqJAzrYThe estate was vast and heavily guarded, with every corner displaying opulence through its golden tiles and green eaves, surrounded by mountainous corridors and rock ponds.kAHeNHXToDwpjuAtwjyEtEgolOWJVd
JpzgoOujtpRMbFlShi Yi, carrying Ning Rushen, silently leaped into a secluded courtyard and found an empty room to place him in.mPJRsdEuBvLveLLvVAyCuzVDJOgmLB
LZYFTrUWNGldjkqOnce inside, Ning Rushen closed the door.CggLioYHfUtjygJVhJvOAKGXGYbUHb
ZHhWcWBmdHUdqgILooking around, he saw the room was filled with seldom-used clutter and a few bundles of inferior firewood against the wall. Daylight seeped through the door, casting shadows and illuminating the floating dust particles in the air.DNHItHhrJkVarJHWTBEWEpKKIUiTWX
HtqZQmmZOcaMVmbIt appeared that people rarely visited this place.lApwiGRQQkTVfcFjhwQPaxfYNNQNPA
BrrILXZfPIYgEgqShi Yi stood with his hands behind his back, silently observing.iCtqOLNRiqltEkAsZcXybjzwpmkhjH
xKyqeJVIXMgnjNKNing Rushen untied a bundle of firewood and called Shi Yi over, “Quick, tie me up.”sboqDJtYVwAwxHZQYBDYNKlEyoasym
CyIkqqWSKVZUUvKShi Yi approached and did as instructed, binding Ning Rushen’s hands behind his back.RLHTTLQkQsHdPnhfuAlVXeXXaxaqgM
awvRtjASxIoaNtTAfter being tied up, Ning Rushen examined himself and then suggested, “Now help me tear my clothes, tear them into strips, make it look somewhat…”JmJyRgGLOORYgMFoGPpXbIZfpZOkDe
sHmGsmnutLLiXshShi Yi, unsure of what “somewhat” meant, found himself unable to comply with such a request due to his principles. Instead, he untied Ning Rushen, “Perhaps, my lord, you could do it yourself.”jiNrZJSNNLDRbDCEAWkLckxKMAYGos
TROqyyIiHDEFcOhNing Rushen, left to his own devices, tore his clothing.iRaFOksygxjpATWuQubOSZGjmRphiN
UeDNUtgcYdAmOusHe had Shi Yi rebind him and then sat down comfortably against the pile of firewood. Looking around to ensure there was nothing left to do, he told Shi Yi, “You can go now.”swyNGJijPyNYzcrYMcVQjVTLpHBEuL
BZiJAXFhwWJqAQFAfter saying this, he closed his eyes and tilted his head.odqMxejBGfRHJGFksqcFXTQBByFrqQ
ZMDXnUNxWVoXeKZShi Yi was speechless.EWpowESbVUaFOSqJJcQzWwAWNEFMUO
DDpVkuroEXwzVcqAs Shi Yi turned to leave, Ning Rushen suddenly opened his eyes again.UclmzDdrkzaOGLfcAiYqXQzmVjfyuH
JGPWiSpaTQjAAOYHe looked at Shi Yi and reminded him, “Remember, you know how to describe this situation to His Majesty… your leader, right?”svrVLhXgPPvsluhmQzWbPMqUACkeOo
CbvRXuYEDuhTVQbWith Emperor Li Wuting’s intelligence, he should understand Ning Rushen’s intentions.WgdVxjdHbTYsYnSQVpRMGFGDYsCLvx
CxhLobEOzcaKdhyShi Yi carefully observed the scene before him, nodding in acknowledgment.ECFEqGXZSvpVbEWsBEIHKZBMzqOYCr
rVrYBWRfHJfGrBYNing Rushen, reassured, closed his eyes once more and let his head loll to the side.GydlWQkBYIANNYqImTCNPxmmifRsmd
eVCYPtOqOdQBuzoWith a slight movement of the door, the room was suddenly empty of any presence.bjkRbJrEZyogYlkXaHUOGevzyuLbJe
xGLOjiCBYlMvJVF…iLHDrGRfZJmaMPpYMLGyiNjxUWzsSZ
dJMtfFESGOikZZZIn the imperial garden, a pear tree bloomed profusely.dUtWsfyVvQsSLJvDWafvMUUHmObmBy
OhDcvxUhMOTQkwTEmperor Li Wuting sat elegantly beneath the tree, while Prince Li Yingtan, distinguished and leisurely, fanned himself across from the emperor.CFnlTORmCkIsmYEUcByBazgJnfMfeY
DXNwhUxNRqhPRreDe Quan served tea to the two nobles.CCjxIHHKjYngKBmIGPIuZMfBwtjeQB
iVuPegSwHCDhtLRLi Wuting lifted his teacup, “Brother, you’ve been conferred for so long, it’s time to visit your fief.”tSnQrxVFEivkCPLjZRaQefKtQbwMqW
ubCtvCARDWykTejLi Yingtan, embodying a carefree demeanor, replied, “I won’t go. Does the fief have the same quality tribute tea as here in the palace?”DamVYonzwGmdxlquSwybSJgBNGMocB
pqeWOYeOOTNpbUB“Take two carts with you when you leave. As a prince, staying in the palace rather than visiting your fief, what would the court officials say?”lndKqTbkneymtyWZUoFnbscJBBeIee
nHOenaYKKbALeay“I don’t care what they say,” Li Yingtan scoffed.LBRWuvUNlNyQSGbzkNCUdODvMeMeGp
aWmlujdIdoYCEgkSeeing Li Wuting’s gaze fixed on him, he paused, then smiled bitterly, “The Cui family issue hasn’t been resolved yet. You want me to enjoy myself away from the capital, leaving just you and mother in the city?”lmsUopRztZooPsKjINLPfuTZRkMATR
KtGPHTxCGFaDGWELi Wuting’s tea-holding hand paused momentarily.uAyhYsPwhBEMjElHUtvkDOxEdljbhf
RngPNTpEeoHktzTHe thought of Li Yingtan’s mother, Consort Shu.kgOoToUaouwPWMgsvOzbqTybDVMbMr
WHQKNLlQcYMwuxLAfter Consort Xian’s demise, Consort Shu raised him and his two-year-old brother. She then secluded herself following the late emperor’s death, living a life of simplicity and prayer.lmZZyNFGmzvwRZeyCFPHcCGXNLLvEo
jHagUDSxdSVuUgDThe fierce struggle for the throne in those early years seemed like a distant dream.PpuiqbSWQLGttzmGvjHLkKyVVwkWZW
IccQgnAQgxzuqjOAfter a while, Li Wuting stood up, looking at the pear branches drooping in front of him.oaJzyJiNERomeMyEZOmTYMjsHnyGpt
XIAOlVbNxqxHHYDA cluster of delicate white blossoms bloomed on the branch, filling the air with their fragrance, “I will take good care of mother, and the matter of the Cui family will be resolved soon.”uoyVxqLjkiczFmrWDGqFecMDUsJYBP
LilaofHMqpeaWxYLi Yingtan was momentarily stunned, “You couldn’t possibly be…”LAYhGyTurtNuUOOMrkjrMyeaShQGSR
KSmmkCgHBczebwCLi Wuting remained silent.GfaYtSspNQDRoDFySlgCcuJzAMBkyd
JYwFoRKGZoOdlNLTaking a deep breath, Li Yingtan stood up solemnly, “How confident are you? Don’t forget, the old thief Cui still boasts of the late emperor’s decree…”dPheIaqIRcmSbPaevITdKIIhTKulCa
MuJelwSoiNoWAWTMid-sentence, they noticed a shadow approaching.FdTkarzsUycfeFoZnxhypOTyJNyijo
NVBncPPLIgmXLZTIt was a member of the Jinyiwei, the emperor’s personal guard.RsoxYkmKFOCYhDpBBBypzhZsyBPLgl
yGpwylzPdTpxVjKShi Yi recognized Prince Li Yingtan. He first bowed to Li Wuting and then to Li Yingtan, “Your Majesty, my lord.”qyFNXYXWrDSLNeLWKbVphKCtWjgDVY
MJdUbsYuzQZagaWLi Wuting didn’t hesitate, “Speak.”XGXvOysNsFxzNfJmIXcIkFAoUUwoUt
WTKDXgwOGeaJsclShi Yi remembered the tumultuous afternoon, “It’s a long story…”gkHDqFDjAkPGBEqMIKhDWgRFzqamep
XHkQdVtCgcHWKlqLi Wuting’s brow twitched, “Then make it short.”HAaooqepUADqdGqWDXoOVOSnsbZwtL
ouhoScgZlxgtACO“Yes!” Shi Yi promptly responded, “He’s at the Cui residence, tied up.”XZothyJMpKcFXkiSTQcAvsrDGEFlOG
cNIKMoKegGaDXkPLi Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What’s his condition?”lsbhVNgvNFZmoCnkSNVdqOyJaSFOnU
PHbsUFqLKHRkedDShi Yi recalled the scene before leaving, meticulously describing, “Lord Ning’s hands were bound, his hair disheveled. He was leaning against a pile of firewood, his clothes torn to shreds, barely covering his body…”rqhGVKmUdwyCEHarScKsVkINBriAxM
GZApZLMxvYoKXgMAfter a moment of thought, he solemnly concluded, “He looked… truly pitiable!”zqhNrWaVsQrsyQKDywEYisjUquffxp
xMyPgvFQoClMZAyfZTUhjewoqWeTKcMdNtmAhsNVgqdpT