This official is so weak

rJzIRJZXAzssujvTable of Contents

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

FQvynNDsbQSCwvF

Heeding the clamor, Emperor Li Wuting sanctioned the order to imprison Geng Yue for a trial.OXpSbIhjkWiMjhrTVSvttPVTVXSeLV

OuljMrmPirdYVGM

The 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

sVUQjOFRIEjdpof

Wrapping his cloak tighter around him, he declared, “Let’s go to the Bao residence.”oHAkTLhxUgAYPWSFBQzEIqCjPQZLTn

gDfMiVxmKeOuPeq

Silence ensued, followed by a snap! Yan Min confidently took the reins, steering the carriage towards the Meng residence.PIkNvjWwXWtFwBACUatQnREkIOEtof

QWBKVTHcfkbpXOF

Two 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

NscbYkvMGuqgvCa

Stepping 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

VYcTYXFCNgWnLKU

Yan Min responded with a mix of alarm and irritation, “Psh! My lord, what nonsense!”xCtuUqJGIrOFPiclwkCHaLVsOqOmHV

etEsXLDIEIhrZYn

He leaned in to whisper, “Besides, the Emperor knows, doesn’t he?”WmTglImvxBNOQierDifpxsXUacJiBH

DijVuGxlRivuFZj

After 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

PStLykrPSngYJdk

Their 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

bhZakYBMUAmzjfA

Ning Rushen, eyeing his bandaged forehead, asked as if he had forgotten, “What happened to you, Lord Meng?”flQGwMDJuqcBnOkReFEDapKuzpDoVR

GufhzOTxIJCdbSn

Meng 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

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Realization dawned on Ning Rushen, “Oh right, my estate was burgled.”ptFOsDuALuYlyhnPSmWNdCsYJrwdAm

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Meng Ke Bao was nearly faint with frustration: Who cares about that?!jzjemvKnTAAzOyyoWumhfwSmUUZWoe

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As confusion reigned, Ning Rushen had already made himself at home, instructing the servants to fetch him a cushion:coVMUQrnUgRJDiAHyyJoFriNvTCHbM

nkJQaFLGfUddeRE

Having been subjected to corporal punishment, he couldn’t endure sitting on the hard surface.AaMmEmjgejTCjeheOrlanaAXTWAoaJ

slnUdtbXBeYXTvR

Once 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

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Meng 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

HMQTSxjpSlueSsh

Ning 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

yuwOrPOpmVAxdmg

Meng Ke Bao looked at him intently, “Naturally, it’s the Prime Minister.”xTpZZmgOknMYKNPjUYyYUAtCSCyerD

jbokPnJeHaavpkA

Ning 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

wJmAcddAjtWCTJW

Ning 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

tuDtmabFYBBVTls

Meng Ke Bao averted his gaze, “With me speaking on your behalf, the Chancellor will surely agree.”sGjPcCfyMsSsNxJtTuHIIufYuDQUAc

WPIGNzinYplaOnw

Ning Rushen was speechless: It turned out Meng Ke Bao wanted to use him to curry favor with Chancellor Cui.bgpvVscfyLHyNzsKlYBSjnMQJRZzbq

OKQPWdFIDYaNiLt

Pretending to be troubled, Ning Rushen hesitated, “This…”JSNckoLcvQNqdZqlkxtkXaCcvUBcyT

RdJGxePvGcirjHa

Perhaps 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

esJTAqdNehCQVnB

He narrowed his eyes, “Now that Secretary Geng is imprisoned, who do you think will be next?”yJhhGKbbAvPABFzxPhDOrRoUqgphOD

FVqGjvkHPhPABHv

Ning Rushen thought to himself that the next one would probably be their Prime Minister.faEJwrHVgvgIgAHxATQVPTJyAQIKhT

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He noticed Meng Ke Bao shifting impatiently and decided to remain silent, staring into the void, “Hmm…”JsEtdeqCtneWFPdRupAznoFaZhxRai

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Let’s see how long this can go on.fubgAJlfuUZZnDUzGmUoODOpVrMsrg

FHGXGzrSQqbHUqm

·iUAFAmVkkegsqVpynzmOfRqQOxsLVS

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Ning Rushen spent the afternoon in the main hall, dodging and weaving through conversation without giving a straight answer.ZLJyrsmLkHUMrNaHyXzCEtpGnwGcEE

SIeLIYVMKdRjRjR

Finally, 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

wpyFOhTgEwXpbTH

Ning Rushen clutched his chest, feigning frailty, “Ah… I can’t take such loud noises.”PRivJgoQvQDmzAunfnsNfGbbilLGSy

iKZljwxvSjLXmch

It was Meng Ke Bao who truly couldn’t take it anymore!nlUnRQAuabNfSwQDQMjiPQYlqvmgwA

kqxbMSIMsVKlZNQ

His gaze sweeping from left to right, two of Meng Ke Bao’s trusted men promptly stepped forward.rMYvEEAvQonxPvvoocXRsauwtglAaS

BHOYyjPKmAaqijp

Seeing 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

CBDsjtTVDCLqAtt

Meng Ke Bao snorted coldly, “Rest assured, I intend to do nothing. I’m merely providing the lord ample time to contemplate alone.”jwlsJwQTqanRfJgPwfcpIgzXjawMDo

xknJaooshaaldPv

With a wave of his hand, he ordered the furiously protesting Yan Min to be taken away.eShCGFyoOVpLIYuBywbpOShQLRKHzA

wrZvCNcQbHRbqeM

Now, Ning Rushen was left alone in the hall.OxHDQrSPMuJZUopnXsZYifBsVYiKfT

XpakstIIndFZxda

Leaning against the chair, coughing pitifully, he looked up with an angry gaze, “What is the meaning of this, my lord?”WoGDyaKiNblOVZFrvCkfUfyFCzIYPu

ClpBaXFUZpMkrry

Meng Ke Bao stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at him.OkLLwSCztpdlmSrRCePKzEHUnGCZJm

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The figure before him, frail and delicate in a bright crimson robe, could not conceal his sickly appearance, his veins visible on his wrists.QvnDFhKMFucuGWghiLAtFsjHnWXpOV

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Such a feeble body seemed all too easy to control.QPLRDgYUDMqiVxyyqHFPEtMHeioxXZ

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Meng 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

bJYpkUhxxAJdBQx

The door slammed shut!PQmiIWEmqUKAXsmbQFarnabSVTWeTi

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UHrTpkcrJhQAvAsmAuaSaPkYebuOgA

eZROdYUfGyRAwDf

Outside, Meng Ke Bao strode away, his sleeve flicking with his movement.NfiZguHACUoyQZUaXCKKxppStlDIyR

FSEZOAnlCrqQQaZ

His 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

lwAZxJaXXEBbesg

Meng 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

ffEsKQnilEHkrtR

The aide was shocked, “But if someone finds out—”POVjVFJViuEExmqBmiwpLOFALXIsHV

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“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

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Meng Ke Bao was proud: This could perfectly sow discord between the new Emperor and his officials.XRLBKGcGqCoyiZusGtDRmpdseUIYfm

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“Keep a close watch on him, see if he loosens his lips.”gHFieVJRmATYGNRKxFusDFQgvIuYMp

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Though, by now, he was more inclined towards eliminating Ning Rushen.UPqWmjQzlDtZQmjeFksznMKWZLxmAD

mTkUlqjeGDVpxEA

Meng Ke Bao rubbed the back of his head, wincing: Ah, that hurts…lHkaFuHLNYQJNohvhzUkZbOOJuFBuk

BxIGHveFrvCmDrd

That damned Ning Rushen, perhaps it was intentional!MyCoTtvaqYiQuPUxRFdqojVloMHVtX

XiCchXMMavLNOBW

·tLPjIUEHHkKPePMfFfxyAkaGFiJryY

bvKVpoUCuakpwrr

In the hall, Ning Rushen found a more comfortable position to recline in.daRFXiFJkGgSaSbKJJKWQpIHDDJPhx

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No wonder Meng Ke Bao had been so insistent on him visiting the Meng residence.vaojSJoXAZUcEoHMIxKyVPvksievnt

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This was his plan all along.JlnuFtrRtIaFvabNlEBNUlVdAnxGLw

BZeOyppfeTAUtjL

Ning 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

rmtMCzhwshHOZYy

Ning Rushen turned over and looked up at the ceiling, tapping his abdomen thoughtfully.WFlIIDlbRjAcCuPAwnmVyAGLGOUXAW

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Having been successfully cornered by Meng Ke Bao, he pondered on his next move…tBeaFVRHvSWgzWGLiMoJyqGWTVpDwA

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Lost in thought, he was suddenly jolted back to reality by a familiar sound— a drip.hIPBaPVToxGSYlEVnmwzWrgAuJLMiW

jgQzYznZCePuBsa

Ning Rushen sat up, perplexed: ?????FmpWbRQqKoxEBHvwmdyaBmPAjDKslY

cuUjtJGdWXKzKIe

A 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

guBiNVVbrghxJwt

The two exchanged glances for a while.QrwChqbloGOQjmBPCHTzqmwEcaaySf

prrQwBPLxwQiqfP

Shi Yi was pondering how to start the conversation when Ning Rushen, with a complex tone, sighed lightly, “Why are you everywhere stealing?”tRgQnJLZlBKvVWvqMKrjNdfQqAyegf

gthhvJMRBMFbSKa

Shi Yi was momentarily speechless.NwnXfRgQHYjCjJCOSeZisuJUHzfejq

hzUbcqKnYFwGUGK

Caught 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

JAZxDmuggWgTkUH

Up close, Ning Rushen noticed the young eyes of the man before him, not more than twenty years old, and shook his head:KbzglMRMJEmXkFlSAwuPCXHApbCJjn

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So young, yet in this line of work…GRpwzPeRFpkXXMaMTAXHqAyDzPctCJ

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“This isn’t my home; take whatever you want.”kxuBnYTnwGfvWJzwoNxXITvCpNCBUu

ByQlLgWIGPOVqNL

“Come with me.”CyeFwwEDgvlszWVipPFZEFfhypQKRY

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Both voiced their thoughts simultaneously.yWAyUgPlTcNcAshvfuFDrtbPLEbCEH

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Ning Rushen pretended not to hear clearly, “What?”OELDkXaXnRQViFoUOiMAvixMDBsVct

kNauGPJkAiFLWlV

Shi Yi, unsure how to explain, simply repeated, “Come with me, I’ll take you out.”ofIhDfftkYSquOvZBbcXOJQtUuhGRe

zbhGXHfDcayLruG

Ning Rushen eyed him skeptically, narrowing his eyes.NoPpSpDSRASUlJmGBKXcxXmosAJcRm

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After 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

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Shi Yi became anxious, “I am a good person, of course!”pyFWlpgVCYqkFEhfBWlxiUhJPAcpxy

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Ning Rushen mocked, “A good person covering his face in broad daylight.”WExFkCrBSHnaGFfiNpoYHXbHqYDEug

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Shi Yi, disregarding decorum, reached out to pull him.SscuhOfBBlwnXvffHqhNzjFDCRHpmP

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Ning Rushen, with sleeves gathered, warned, “I’m going to call for help!”GsijjsYEvfUkTSQqHGXuxgOtCnerKi

vmHCodUAPdhWGJm

Call 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

CytcahNquejyNiD

Ning Rushen stood firm, “Unless you explain, I won’t move!”aYjlWQtFgBQwTYpPljinmcAjKLfsdh

SpplVrTRBILkGFz

Shi Yi clenched his teeth, “Don’t push me! I would die before betraying His Majesty!”NtkXEprZKOZEIrHyRyyTKEemNVVUxR

IzGEYiEbymTZrBa

Silence followed.yPjkIVDnbgJcRMMMQKSXpbXXYfkCKE

TegruETljgfAxkn

Indeed.puxMxVZDuLegcJPwwztFwgHerExcwE

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After a brief pause, Ning Rushen genuinely admired, “His Majesty is fortunate to have such a steadfast subordinate like you.”xafJrFMRqeDZkQbXKspbJWKXCvvGrd

OddcGkEOKcaMtqF

Shi Yi slumped to the ground, heart heavy with defeat.ugaWLebamKBJvmLmKgBsPLbQGFlnkT

pKzUwwPIjhYWRbL

Ning 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

SilIPRkJjLliYJm

Shi Yi looked up, revealing his melancholic eyes.CwtxFCbdxUxLJFwEWYbDhfkeMfcvaZ

VoguKnoIPPMTqWK

Ning Rushen stood, rolling up his sleeves, “Let’s go, aren’t you supposed to take me out?”PpNyTgpCbeYBAvFhsILbFgoNGoZvtA

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After a mental struggle, Shi Yi turned and crouched down, accepting this feigned ignorance proposal.bNagXmoagqMaPQxIJuNzuTYnrLpxSp

bigqpbvaIRMVKBT

Ning 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

mwabXAgTrxIZowE

The person ahead turned in confusion.pkPzKJfhGbQCOlYcCxrKDJccwuEQhv

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Ning Rushen continued plotting, “Then find a secluded room and tie me up.”EuUKxjbDzvLrMcLMqYEwTWamywJsnu

njZMPbRokwdbQLC

Shi 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

pemuBUvxZJJbyjS

Ning Rushen was at a loss for words.ILUissCxikqjJgleIpeZoHfMXLZmhA

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So, there was no way to raid the house for evidence?lGglgLdTuVFJWxWkOpMavtVpisxMWb

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No wonder Li Wuting found dealing with the Cui family so tricky; it was a pit his own father had dug.XJswjdSCDSbcofrOOIVsTFQjJWuryC

mRccnwouNIWrgZU

He 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

boePeQwUjyQopaQ

Shi Yi was choked up for a long while, bowing his head under the weight of humiliation, “You’re right.”xOlInmsDDGVYJnESpHWaOGqLFTRbFY

sjHPEGORPvijfTD

A quarter of an hour later.mrPZlhpMcPMpNvivrdZNjtzvVJgOmY

QWwojzrhTtqvHIz

Ning 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

LYuFuoxGImeSytA

He 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

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Shi Yi spoke smoothly, and after his words, a brief silence followed between them.iPJuNECqOUdCLAEvaWuYnYeuzviFLl

PGGtXtRnJnpRgyp

Ning 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

fgLmrKCxjsqGsRt

Even playing the role of a thief.rXsKPvbkPzyWnuaDrJRFOLWMWwnRsB

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The figure below him jolted suddenly.kFDnntKEZAxUTnPfqdmcDQpeEJLkLi

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Ning Rushen teased, “What, do you experience turbulence when you hit an air current?”qXwRpEzcqDEgXsRVRXXDQufaEKrXDf

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Shi Yi was puzzled.wKNzEbKCFFCFoYlYnWVpELYUoznmSq

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·EsBCLMYGqVeSjGFhvEHHblCpSvJSFq

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The Prime Minister’s mansion was located in the most bustling area of the capital city.TsmMozIxbFtOsYzlwSPMqQGofKXdYw

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The 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

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Shi Yi, carrying Ning Rushen, silently leaped into a secluded courtyard and found an empty room to place him in.mPJRsdEuBvLveLLvVAyCuzVDJOgmLB

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Once inside, Ning Rushen closed the door.CggLioYHfUtjygJVhJvOAKGXGYbUHb

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Looking 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

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It appeared that people rarely visited this place.lApwiGRQQkTVfcFjhwQPaxfYNNQNPA

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Shi Yi stood with his hands behind his back, silently observing.iCtqOLNRiqltEkAsZcXybjzwpmkhjH

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Ning Rushen untied a bundle of firewood and called Shi Yi over, “Quick, tie me up.”sboqDJtYVwAwxHZQYBDYNKlEyoasym

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Shi Yi approached and did as instructed, binding Ning Rushen’s hands behind his back.RLHTTLQkQsHdPnhfuAlVXeXXaxaqgM

awvRtjASxIoaNtT

After 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

sHmGsmnutLLiXsh

Shi 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

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Ning Rushen, left to his own devices, tore his clothing.iRaFOksygxjpATWuQubOSZGjmRphiN

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He 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

BZiJAXFhwWJqAQF

After saying this, he closed his eyes and tilted his head.odqMxejBGfRHJGFksqcFXTQBByFrqQ

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Shi Yi was speechless.EWpowESbVUaFOSqJJcQzWwAWNEFMUO

DDpVkuroEXwzVcq

As Shi Yi turned to leave, Ning Rushen suddenly opened his eyes again.UclmzDdrkzaOGLfcAiYqXQzmVjfyuH

JGPWiSpaTQjAAOY

He looked at Shi Yi and reminded him, “Remember, you know how to describe this situation to His Majesty… your leader, right?”svrVLhXgPPvsluhmQzWbPMqUACkeOo

CbvRXuYEDuhTVQb

With Emperor Li Wuting’s intelligence, he should understand Ning Rushen’s intentions.WgdVxjdHbTYsYnSQVpRMGFGDYsCLvx

CxhLobEOzcaKdhy

Shi Yi carefully observed the scene before him, nodding in acknowledgment.ECFEqGXZSvpVbEWsBEIHKZBMzqOYCr

rVrYBWRfHJfGrBY

Ning Rushen, reassured, closed his eyes once more and let his head loll to the side.GydlWQkBYIANNYqImTCNPxmmifRsmd

eVCYPtOqOdQBuzo

With a slight movement of the door, the room was suddenly empty of any presence.bjkRbJrEZyogYlkXaHUOGevzyuLbJe

xGLOjiCBYlMvJVF

iLHDrGRfZJmaMPpYMLGyiNjxUWzsSZ

dJMtfFESGOikZZZ

In the imperial garden, a pear tree bloomed profusely.dUtWsfyVvQsSLJvDWafvMUUHmObmBy

OhDcvxUhMOTQkwT

Emperor Li Wuting sat elegantly beneath the tree, while Prince Li Yingtan, distinguished and leisurely, fanned himself across from the emperor.CFnlTORmCkIsmYEUcByBazgJnfMfeY

DXNwhUxNRqhPRre

De Quan served tea to the two nobles.CCjxIHHKjYngKBmIGPIuZMfBwtjeQB

iVuPegSwHCDhtLR

Li Wuting lifted his teacup, “Brother, you’ve been conferred for so long, it’s time to visit your fief.”tSnQrxVFEivkCPLjZRaQefKtQbwMqW

ubCtvCARDWykTej

Li 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

aWmlujdIdoYCEgk

Seeing 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

KtGPHTxCGFaDGWE

Li Wuting’s tea-holding hand paused momentarily.uAyhYsPwhBEMjElHUtvkDOxEdljbhf

RngPNTpEeoHktzT

He thought of Li Yingtan’s mother, Consort Shu.kgOoToUaouwPWMgsvOzbqTybDVMbMr

WHQKNLlQcYMwuxL

After 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

jHagUDSxdSVuUgD

The fierce struggle for the throne in those early years seemed like a distant dream.PpuiqbSWQLGttzmGvjHLkKyVVwkWZW

IccQgnAQgxzuqjO

After a while, Li Wuting stood up, looking at the pear branches drooping in front of him.oaJzyJiNERomeMyEZOmTYMjsHnyGpt

XIAOlVbNxqxHHYD

A 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

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Li Yingtan was momentarily stunned, “You couldn’t possibly be…”LAYhGyTurtNuUOOMrkjrMyeaShQGSR

KSmmkCgHBczebwC

Li Wuting remained silent.GfaYtSspNQDRoDFySlgCcuJzAMBkyd

JYwFoRKGZoOdlNL

Taking 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

MuJelwSoiNoWAWT

Mid-sentence, they noticed a shadow approaching.FdTkarzsUycfeFoZnxhypOTyJNyijo

NVBncPPLIgmXLZT

It was a member of the Jinyiwei, the emperor’s personal guard.RsoxYkmKFOCYhDpBBBypzhZsyBPLgl

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Shi Yi recognized Prince Li Yingtan. He first bowed to Li Wuting and then to Li Yingtan, “Your Majesty, my lord.”qyFNXYXWrDSLNeLWKbVphKCtWjgDVY

MJdUbsYuzQZagaW

Li Wuting didn’t hesitate, “Speak.”XGXvOysNsFxzNfJmIXcIkFAoUUwoUt

WTKDXgwOGeaJscl

Shi Yi remembered the tumultuous afternoon, “It’s a long story…”gkHDqFDjAkPGBEqMIKhDWgRFzqamep

XHkQdVtCgcHWKlq

Li Wuting’s brow twitched, “Then make it short.”HAaooqepUADqdGqWDXoOVOSnsbZwtL

ouhoScgZlxgtACO

“Yes!” Shi Yi promptly responded, “He’s at the Cui residence, tied up.”XZothyJMpKcFXkiSTQcAvsrDGEFlOG

cNIKMoKegGaDXkP

Li Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What’s his condition?”lsbhVNgvNFZmoCnkSNVdqOyJaSFOnU

PHbsUFqLKHRkedD

Shi 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

GZApZLMxvYoKXgM

After a moment of thought, he solemnly concluded, “He looked… truly pitiable!”zqhNrWaVsQrsyQKDywEYisjUquffxp

xMyPgvFQoClMZAy
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