This official is so weak

After regaining his composure, Li Yingtan couldn’t help but slap his fan in indignation, angrily saying, “How dare that old thief!”DCLsqKbROFxORBDiTYEZWPMbqBMNaH

CiDyAmYZRGTjnYe

Having vented his anger, he then realized something and asked, “…You entered the Prime Minister’s residence?”OVpTZLgwshqmyqZAALxhOSJNTOFuxk

JrdFxpEjHmnlJsx

“Yes.” Shiyi did not dare admit that he had entered as a thief. Bowing, he said, “Please, Your Majesty, punish me!”cVZAcjaGNCjFqJngmXYPpWoySRiYJp

WbyFwHQphsLJMFf

Cui Haoyuan, from the outside, had cleaned up well, likely hiding all incriminating evidence within his residence. Even if something was secretly found, it wouldn’t be appropriate to publicly present it; if nothing was found and their identities were exposed, it would instead put Li Wuting in a passive position.OapdmdhuVSdZQHVakYfcrQLUiHCMMJ

SXSlGLzvTAPzUMg

Unless they could strike a fatal blow, they could not rashly make a move.LgWYNAPZLpPLMgihOaFBxcFgxyNrMO

zEOIMtWeRqspNjd

Li Yingtan was worrying about this when he heard a voice beside him saying, “It’s alright, it’s just an hour earlier than planned.”RSdwhQoZtluQqhkLWbTaqaFWPVbaoO

zpeOmnTYhNdoJBo

A cool side profile was illuminated against the backdrop of a vast stretch of pear blossoms blooming behind, with the springtime air carrying a sense of sternness, “Imperial guards, heed my command, mobilize the Northern Command of the Brocade Guards—surround the Prime Minister’s residence.”UnftLxTopIFGcmlhrmwMoGCwshUfYz

zyAMmRYhGAzLXNJ

Ning Rushen was bound hands behind his back, leaning against a pile of firewood by a salted fish stall.juARnspubmwQXylFJXLncAEuRBQrWy

bChYiQDAqHmQhib

The room was too remote, not a sound could be heard. The passage of time became blurred, only the light dimming outside the door and windows was visible.fYavCJbgpkDsqdpOBoDQbrqEmzjryR

GnZSWrtBlasmcXO

Dusk was approaching.SdlHtHPiCQSsAbcVymormtLRiwXswu

xQsqSMgbxsROMNp

Ning Rushen moved his limbs, regretting:LXGRVTWrYIdeDEmlwmlULQQJCAbfZq

klSAAgZqXqJCfhN

His clothes were torn too much, letting in drafts, now his body was as cold as a fish-slaying knife.OOSVABDdGGvCqpdcIIVUCcwyynajsL

kokuBkfxXTGkrBc

Why hadn’t Li Wuting come to raid the Prime Minister’s residence yet?TLVrsTBAcqVJmaCxaEbteLbGRBAPEN

QyVxWZfHfpOIhfL

Surely they didn’t need to hold a motivational meeting before the raid.DepvMPwadJcEqQHRenjnWXrHcQxFnO

vlmyGwZTFQRBnZc

He endured alone for a while, when suddenly a burst of noise came from outside. Mixed with the subtle sound of the wind, it headed straight for his room.wuZngWsnqceNqHroOewPJYjrhaOjqw

LLlpMxlQjhKAoKT

Ning Rushen’s heart stirred, and he looked up.kSgBpeNrMlNOQnEzvsjGEHqVrXBraT

HjoFZCqsREXlaFO

The next moment, the door was pushed open with a “clang.”wVASvyzboRdzNszQoiCLODQYjLFiwk

tptdpYJtXnLLiyZ

A Brocade Guard, clad in the imperial flying fish robe, stood at the doorway, his sharp eyes seeming to falter for a moment when they landed on him. Then, gripping his embroidered spring saber, he strode over.TEwFpoPmQLzFHTMalISMcSgOcqeNJV

qHdhVBnGJdDwkbD

“Commander Yin Zhao of the Northern Command, at your service, Lord Ning.”pCXXKzgqFnyJLtSELuPWUIXBEEiMwV

vXFZiQzDmrOhcZL

It was actually the head of the Brocade Guards.NvwRBfFqaIciIMWWChLdMSeCbCrYyG

HtLbEGBqlCPsFTb

Ning Rushen pushed himself up with the support of the firewood pile.WJnrqUVIPWQLreAzyOmkspgolfMKAN

qCapvNDeeBuMgiI

Having sat for too long, he felt a bit dizzy upon standing, and his black hair slid in front of him as he bowed his head, making his complexion appear even paler, “Thank you for your efforts, Commander Yin.”hpJieHjRhcxVpDslFXblmBnSkrbjhn

VpHikHaSrHevYlA

Yin Zhao couldn’t bear to see him like this and offered a hand in support.IeJAKHKAiYCbBnVhuBmVjJQUSwdRTK

sksMLUKnomLcOqJ

Out of the corner of his eye, Ning Rushen caught sight of the thick fabric of the flying fish robe, his gaze seemingly coveting it…tKalBlUqipZkzGjLlZXvdwJjCXIWgT

CdBoTGPLNeOrnqd

Yin Zhao, “…”GlEnUYwhJQIjvuaHZNOvBnfJSPgFmG

ZOFdpGMUTPndxtH

He draped the cloak he had brought over Ning Rushen, “It’s by His Majesty’s command.”DooyKXegjoxgGVZIcASBdLwolaBXxq

tsIrikbZzkZeaEi

The cloak shielded against the chilly dampness of the spring night.SRqCqWGidRTojDYgcQShLAfjMzJCjw

XcEbDIAUymQlFLE

Ning Rushen snuggled into the cloak, somewhat surprised, “Thank His Majesty for me.”UrNdBMBjCxTwqdOGPxWZZVqnzGxpfA

JGnhbidHfjpRVYm

He then looked outside, “And the others?”UFEslkIlBrKmOeNleBAtcFNNtDindq

cvlDLGVXigjLCAX

“Surrounding the Prime Minister’s residence, awaiting orders outside.”JerHmwTZFCIAzgkGfDHGbsBOVyLPkl

kGbmTXeRNexTJrq

Yin Zhao said, suppressing the fierceness in his brow, with urgency, “We shouldn’t delay, I will escort you out.”gudFjoYktUrPSmyTuaDTMeFLrFudUI

CfAhDVVlNkwNQeN

Ning Rushen nodded, then gestured to the hemp rope on his wrists to Yin Zhao, “Commander Yin, this.”XugwMokfRYBDEuLyGtofEzmEYDbBzd

AfrMvsJBHSiNdlG

Yin Zhao efficiently reached out to untie the knot.RfjSHVPtlouXVfgIQOMXSWteuesKnQ

yrNodPCCibesqXm

Ning Rushen instructed, “Tie it in front, and remember to expose the red marks from the chafing.”CClVhPSVWiSCOMYCfCxyWiwPRpdcqv

lCdfSWueVljfAig

“…”IWaJFptzlVyrEgKVIxyMUpCfsVbgKJ

QcsDEptRytQBknO

Yin Zhao paused for a moment, casting a look full of unspoken words at him, then retied the hemp rope, revealing a patch of rubbed red amidst the snow-white skin.peUZAUxsdUWxyaCtEKOjmdLnZnYFIQ

FmlczPXZtUHyYQi

He extended his long arm, swiftly carrying the satisfied Ning Rushen away.ytgEqPTLQwkuENiwRmBvgxLjpNakgR

MpHnIzJHGUFQAsH

·xVeyoyfVgJiVIkYEcdmtkSimnYJsnR

kmQBvWhbEFvesXW

Ning Rushen was escorted through the Prime Minister’s residence.AGMMKIDtZmNOqEyYpWXBnZkvBfEcxf

wZnkpjaPCPNRsFO

The family members and servants inside were so frightened that they hid in their rooms, while all the guards were called to the entrance, leaving the path almost deserted.MIcSMCTHzywkxZFeIhEwHqnjyvDjdf

nStemhJTXgUoSvy

Approaching the gate, Yin Zhao set him down.yKtQxyfZAbgdiGooRgnvXzyzoMAUOD

yEqIvlWXxVwwywH

The two stood far behind a courtyard column, with Yin Zhao instructing Ning Rushen, “Wait here for a moment, then we can go out.”cdkFmLJLZhviXNkPUgrzdexXHtzRTK

CkdiQcXFPVbdPdq

Ning Rushen turned, “What, does my entrance involve some of your scheming?”EJovUMomVmZPxjLQGQaQIDzwAZwmQg

dFaqtpwswAyLRci

Yin Zhao, “……”wuiznrbFbwSZPxOToZGzzpDvZwPJGH

kCAbkgKlYUkDiDO

Yin Zhao, “Just watch quietly.”hAsbxpMwRuUOvOikaZpELioLNfYtpT

nTxsdNihZDfQiyx

Ning Rushen cooperatively looked towards the entrance.HszJzpjmbzRKHfUMAYyaCtCfFGFwxN

TBwUPBQRUBOnoZD

He saw the deep twilight pressing down on the distant horizon, with lights blazing both inside and outside the Prime Minister’s residence. The Brocade Guards were neatly lined up outside, facing off against the residence’s guards.HVbUQmfPWNIHkhCvPIYhsiTTnMRyot

sJyHkQMkJpljzSh

Cui Haoyuan’s voice came from ahead, ringing clear:xEhAVKiWWYgNCUAUSQatVEAvWgdUur

GkDYJvfvrEnjxFI

“You rabble of hawks and hounds, dare surround my Chancellor’s residence! Have you forgotten the late Emperor’s edict, seeking to bully your master and obliterate your ancestry?”JlWQYFupqcrvqrdtiEPPZLDYumHsOB

xMBRvmjKyUKNTLC

Ning Rushen glanced sideways at Yin Zhao, embellishing the story, “He’s calling you a bird dog.”MIbYDuYpxILTsBqulThskBFoFoxFwV

gSYvajRNmmdQRCT

Yin Zhao glanced over, silent.zKbDbqUZbOaQsruFVSabzygoPMNqai

MoaSSHYFZjJvgmM

The brocade-clothed guards outside the residence also remained silent, only tightening their grip on their embroidered spring swords.LJoJKhfYnUrniUnXpneXNriSgajhTc

sUXRwGFkWtjmJCd

Seeing this, Cui Haoyuan angrily retorted, “Very well, very well… I will just waste away with you all. Even if the imperial guards were to come today, do not dream of stepping into this Chancellor’s residence!”fdOfQSZAtFreEdRROOtfTXIEiQqwBO

PhWEUffWRGKJCFp

As his words fell, a commanding and cold voice rose from outside the gate:rcWOZKSTihbGXmlsDLnpdEPQrMmRaj

VeaRGrsgcwCnsol

“What if I came in person?”dMFDMCAnQmbzOpumOOWpyYrWstBSkJ

iwHaFaWAjgkAqBf

The entirety of the gatefront fell into a sudden silence.ecMBJVgLzadYWHrQpcnrJxTEqZCyxg

ySmBofJUXlqGvMk

From behind a courtyard pillar, Ning Rushen slightly widened his eyes: Li Wuting?HWTFDIsBBXLppuTQCZSqIProUoGTau

GxfzTzUBNpGgSJy

Through the layers of guards, a figure in dark robes emerged from behind the brocade-clothed guards. Even without seeing his face clearly, one could still feel the intimidating aura.NnobjBFpxIeCCOUGcUDIvMveqflbGY

mxEzfVeZSQdPZul

It was the Emperor himself.lnbKlkYTKOBiHrAaXhBBUzklUFOPhv

HwFNaruSetaBCBV

Cui Haoyuan was abruptly stunned, “Your Majesty!?”PJhKMAHAUldTNSrJcUHhFmQxqiVxlE

KXttmtCQDSkmRTC

Li Wuting stood with his hands behind him, “Chancellor Cui, such grand courage.”MiRMQeoyfGtqFJMbAxCRahQPbqJtgT

MzpmSZnYlFGTExN

“The old official did not know of Your Majesty’s personal visit, and begs for forgiveness. However—” Cui Haoyuan’s words took a turn, “What does this mean, Your Majesty? The late Emperor had decrees, except for treason…”fugdFocQmLvmjbpWwPolNXCmsApviM

JzKTSobXDRarajP

“Chancellor Cui first violated the late Emperor’s decree, thus will be treated without exception, disregarded altogether.”PRfIgDVLgncPgXKrcAWqGpiIrAUIVg

wvSUNTxfqagVWxH

“When have I ever defied it!”woVqOWTcQjiOEJwBnprxqiScHeGnLU

IFCOrndQrNXhTfx

Li Wuting’s eyes were as cold as stars, “Daring to bind the Prime Minister personally sealed by the late Emperor’s decree, does Chancellor Cui still acknowledge the late Emperor?”AovJStlKkePyGasOpeFCBjPZIXlaIX

ElxwwipGmZdyeCH

Cui Haoyuan’s eyes widened in confusion.PYLZvRQVISLDcrFSqyqUdjopSGZkWX

audunGWOLShIxMV

The Prime Minister personally sealed by the late Emperor’s decree…?NPxQAGsknuuTKJdRKZsMkrxMObUwPI

oESedfkZjVodtoJ

…MZdbSblRYEfbGXNfldthXdtEVgJjrf

cmOLiBUsUjSVwpd

Ning Rushen, facing the wind and ‘eating melons’, his eyes hurt from the blowing but he couldn’t bear to blink. He was enjoying himself when he heard a voice next to him, “Let’s go.”RWPNwclDYFKVlcaXWwjgDxLnWMxHVh

JzTOFnXkGqSlLpk

A force from his arm, he was whisked away by Yin Zhao—hXWiVTCgHCTloeOjQQAFJsoGWCSBkt

MAlQlSIlrkLQYUC

Their cloaks billowing with a whoosh.NuPqataeeNhutoeWaoPxBYAnxPfpCZ

DJmqWhkakFWVMBZ

The lights in front of the gate cast their figures.RcamtsrPLBcqpPODsMOsCPPzefgxdp

dbdZyAggZlJtMPL

Li Wuting was confronting Cui Haoyuan, lifting his eyes at the noise.LFeQTFlhCZraSHZbPeqsLHcdndEcmT

hSTVLnCycNTblKV

He saw a figure arriving with the wind, his face as white as snow, his hair disheveled.jCWPsyRRJmbbQgbGoiCURCAGlKnxNE

MbeCNumBUrlkHsB

Though the dark cloak concealed his figure, it still revealed the torn crimson robe beneath, his pale wrists rubbed red by hemp ropes.RshgGJgniheNeujvPSBfTyGawOObDq

OnmXIzKvNvdjPmn

Their gazes collided midair.hHxEJOAnMDunrvNOkXIMtedICRHPKu

GEzfApXeVapnLmK

Ning Rushen’s eyes were moist, the corners of his eyes burned red, appearing as if he had suffered a great injustice, his expression was pitifully beautiful.oyRZVfkuwHYwBciFqZuSEgDlBDmVMM

ZxupYujzKhRnKNi

Li Wuting was momentarily shaken.SGqelcjTNfmHGrioSxgNzrFkDYtHFk

VjjHuOPBKnkoJgs

Although he had heard reports from Shi Yi, it was nothing compared to the impact of seeing it with his own eyes.MkUGcNfbSjNdRwKpCVNnhIYMhdKwkB

PdhgnspITvstvbZ

His brows, rarely angered, now showed a hint of fury:seeaHNRhPDvLCjMiCIsRYeOqZOazQJ

lgmuJVIomnAzClC

Murder, plunder, conspiring against court officials… Cui Haoyuan, what wouldn’t you dare!DuoQWYWuExWehIjIbeRTmDpuqHsGIK

UgiqWSRAGOHqEwD

Li Wuting’s expression turned frosty, his voice stern, “Daring to apply private punishments to a court official, Chancellor Cui truly covers the sky with one hand!”rpPaonIHILrPhzdRMkAwYoeHVuCYjR

FFanuMykCTONIyv

“………”SyYJkIFWRAoGXBLLhmRqnNbyrTIoZk

RZgtnQoSrvQQgFK

Cui Haoyuan was left dumbfounded.PoQRvJAmJMPKanifGQXEiBqYpBVdNz

EyBCjIiZKlpqRyy

He stared blankly at Ning Rushen, as if trying to see a flower bloom from him, “Not, Your Majesty, this person… Scholar Ning? When did he come to my house? Who used private punishment?”QFANBbPmSweniYtnEYVEAvtrQkFRmU

ofvOZKBoZawnRWf

Li Wuting saw him still daring to quibble and sneered coldly, “If it wasn’t Minister Cui who used it, could it be he inflicted it on himself?”DBBnuuewYzHMNaffyTudDiyOJziUBh

erLpkonifefURbE

Ning Rushen was being escorted back to Li Wuting’s side.oaqHnXEnmZdeBWiGSSdBxfdLZWYsPo

VvzXaHYWjQLhtbn

Hearing this, he bowed his head, tugged at his cloak, and gave it a gentle shake.tubatQILdHcCCiTAJnahKWRovrZNsN

VCTpxedOdObuVDl

Cui Haoyuan suddenly realized he had fallen into a trap!QVCLvEtASwUDPyHXtUpqEeoFjviWZt

yibuwiPwmJELZsl

He stared at Ning Rushen as if he were seeing a fox spirit, tears of blood seemingly in his eyes, “You…! What a venomous mind!”TGEPlrusQniFnqRGpeyTxRteMneJwI

cDwOjMJiUUWrFxO

The only minister of the current court who received “the late emperor’s oral command.”vfPIkXuMmryAkTLBXucVvQhUNdgvUu

GNajpdJIzveuhOM

In a few words, he made the new emperor “defy the decree.”UIihaSHdBhBGXhZnoLnfoqOaOBCLHK

wOosDPPlvOQgfeU

What a play of emperor and minister! It turned out to be the knife that pried open his fortress-like defenses. There was no need for further argument, Cui Haoyuan choked on a mouthful of blood, pointing at the emperor and minister, trembling…CQQvrEiDfhGuJxuDmeIrwyGRAoJKGh

svEUZDZmQEodLdP

However, Li Wuting no longer spared a glance. He stood with his hands behind his back, his shoulders wide and back straight, as if bearing the dusky clouds overhead.qJVQcvvrqQDARKAqQjJFnIekVBEdMR

PbvNdKbDUJvVupd

He raised his big hand, “Cui Haoyuan disregards the law, defies the imperial command, and his crime is tantamount to rebellion.”qEyUVRqBpoJcUocEcQkEaWqivadFFg

TqQFSMDhMBTEdCl

“North Zhenfu Division, seize him.”ARIwwrmqTvUVgUVIycdrCIsxOpasCU

QohfzkLElgaFfKz

In an instant, the menacing Imperial Guards rushed into the minister’s mansion.UprpUNQaSxwfZNmfXNRxuSQQwOBbcr

gnPbnWJYUAayvKR

…aljyIiTuzSoqnJcouyHmlXSSOHAmGr

AVAKThBvtHmtRPm

The flames brightened half of the dusky sky.mVcfsBUppTMqGVCJLIAlJkOmUhiwVU

JlaDTOnceMOuvvs

Inside the Prime Minister’s mansion, cries of alarm and wails filled the air, as the Imperial Guards ruthlessly searched and arrested people.SkuHDPnAXmlzNfSiDfRukANxREwlDb

IIYKfeaDdjvNAEz

Ning Rushen stood behind Li Wuting, wrapped in his cloak.LtKEOFLYpoMzAhNXWoOCLEncNOBzfB

GAdxfiKQTCnARJG

The bright flames cast a shadow over Li Wuting’s stern profile, as he quietly watched the minister’s mansion, a dark fire seeming to brew in his eyes.gbOtAmJupVRevvjfilitlHCGvTIYqT

NzaEfepgHcybLin

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger.”cLJepkPLXepZwAZfSzMLnOvXHbOSTA

bnYPgNiVNhxKEYg

De Quan, observing the emperor’s expression, said softly, “Minister Cui… I mean, the criminal Cui family, although they acted recklessly and committed such evil deeds, after all, they can be punished for this.”whJLfkCTSRrlKXWEvsHIjpjSmNeDpD

kcljuWYtxzdMUwq

Li Wuting’s chill did not subside, “At the last moment, they still try to deceive me. I see the Cui family has never taken me seriously!”XCVAehpuVXjMRdVGquxSilAOpffYSn

HSdQVvVMepvphUf

“Ah, but hasn’t Your Majesty taken care of them now?”kJzrEdvAsNPcUDGBRqZPjSlZLvxCVs

LBShMwHPNnetOIw

Ning Rushen listened to their conversation, glancing sideways frequently.GLtOsMvVqiAVCyGOBKXvYyEkZYIasU

prSrHOyoPfZmAGP

He saw Li Wuting exuding a cold aura and couldn’t help speaking up, “Your Majesty, there are no outsiders here, do we need to be so genuine?”oejboldKNvuYfjEWepPyaDHbZsgrBN

uEzWvNOqbnzpjli

Truly, a minute on stage requires ten years of work off stage…EsjxVNQkiolPvXnkdmBjUdJoLvJMtl

NHtGRZaDZJXpavL

The cold atmosphere was instantly broken.KliDYPXLBwEgcHKVlrAQvwvLlpklqh

tvaasJxnPgonBrE

Li Wuting and De Quan turned their heads to look.jSNNmWXNkOlyAKVEEEtuAzQPPNtPDw

HitsjaUyFcILXKK

Li Wuting paused, as if he didn’t understand, “What?”GFMQDwWxEugHFgyDdbtUbKEDDgHTnr

NehjJIfNyjuUzqp

“I know Your Majesty understands my hard work,” Ning Rushen said, looking relievedly at the overturned minister’s mansion.szHlRiCzSWcNpIioWJMyHCZnSSdFyU

uCbJUxhsOZUTHUD

Ledgers were carried out; luxurious gold and jade jewelry scattered on the ground; Yin Zhao drew his sword across Cui Haoyuan’s old face, eliciting a bloodthirsty cold smile…eJMPuileMbRzGXaQVdjHuspjQvembv

XGVIcPMdBQKRmMu

After enjoying this scene of punishing the wicked and delighting the people, he moved closer to Li Wuting and lifted a corner of his cloak, revealing…AkhGytiQIgzFAvXxshZeDBrLsIPQjE

wVWcRJtlJICyUwm

“It was not in vain that I ruined a piece of clothing and braved the cold wind all afternoon.”NsZhlTvQbZbRgCxigFjucdbReiGUeZ

lmQgNHqIwCdPDCg

Li Wuting looked down at him.jlGxkPQuCSRYhvCOzIQDsVhKCJkbZs

XTsAyLGgRRytpni

After Ning Rushen finished speaking, he met those calm eyes and modestly sought recognition, “I handled this matter quite well, didn’t I?”KfcgBXYsEWlpUWnSMuBEnAGzzlJjLw

EfEiFDotGrxyEBU

………ppIySckCWUVqNoLKyFOZYSeTthfgUX

TenNgZUKfPZWtWx

After a long silence.MszUwvYHnylZzlwIIzOAFUJbXWCUEc

UNujjaWvbyWiDbg

Li Wuting’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, “Hmm.”duaikLUJuGHMcFJkDnYAcbChmEzgLB

BIAHlZVHachTMQm

·eMWRZtALzTfHJaCfIzTaRPCixRSlOS

mTpVdYWFBHNCTZn

The final tasks of the Xiang residence were handed over to the Jinyiwei.DwBVfShFVFCIgNWuTnxSRxpdePLrZb

MzwPtMZwEVvRHoI

Ning Rushen followed the imperial procession back to the palace, as he was to report the event from the beginning once more.BpxvOGRSUbcNNOQnNreChaHLJOogbT

esxBKzmZMzHpTAu

The imperial procession went directly to the Imperial Study.ZEPXQKpdfqdifJDrxNYGBiIVwGDzzN

YFRLFavVBrlMnkg

After sitting down to start on his duties, Li Wuting had Ning Rushen, whose clothes were still drafty, taken to a side hall to change.NwzVUGtuuLbJPkUpFhUKDejDyqGMXo

srlIJjYbKgEjoYk

The attendant was again the same Xiao Rongzi as before.WireRBGUKBkJIImLfyHVrsXVPjqzRq

PTgBNUyQpJaaChU

The torn clothes were removed and set aside, and Ning Rushen changed into a snow-white cloud satin shirt, bowing his head to tie his belt, and the jade ring was also tucked back at his waist.fmeTEWkCNNeMjYzZjQPhJFhKkjxtiT

LPoPlDETzjkxkCs

Xiao Rongzi, keen-eyed, noticed this and bowed even lower.dhdSUfCQqmyuCTbYaDvpEGAqIYdUxa

nlZrTGwtLLLZDhF

He thought to himself that Lord Ning was not out of favor at all, but clearly had the Emperor’s heart!DZhGGrOVgfpoIXAKIwxzHekGAICupE

TUniRmaHiUajXjF

After changing, Ning Rushen also donned a cloak and turned to see Xiao Rongzi almost burying his head in his knees, “…Eunuch Rong, are you picking something up?”PsTSkdXomyzLKgcrsHwbElHqqlkUKU

qXzRdVwjXHDCKgM

His head shook like a rattle, “No, no… Lord Ning, please.”LPWfXXLtrPfSddvKqcJUvwYhLKDDdC

FNjVNaQegZiySOt

What’s going on? Ning Rushen blinked and proceeded to the Imperial Study.BUoNyLHnffRsLVjsoxvijKEjkKVwFh

AYkRXLCVWiRumbW

Inside the Imperial Study.KDoYUorKwLVtIgZlyYBVIAoRYkZsxZ

vJYKjTLobTPgXCN

Li Wuting was seated behind the imperial desk, still in that dark attire.jQtWLTYeBiZCxVAkOECTfjLPTqMyqv

JRDPVVQjDXCPvJm

Ning Rushen adjusted his cloak, about to kneel, but heard Li Wuting look up and say, “Sit. Lord Ning has suffered, no need for formalities.”udaRZPQRDflnHZQMjvoAnDUGdertQb

eNMgGmHWTWgeYBS

Ning Rushen, “…”nTOOnCFMlJbzhOpLrezWTlblSUorzF

MwhORFRiqcmYyzk

The last time it was this sarcastic was, well, the last time.fJuCfMZcTFQRcsorZHpeQxTbPtbXcE

lbFYANzxyHTYjof

He lifted his robe and sat down at the edge of a low couch, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”OHLgWnXjFKPpIhHCfbxKiTlCOXGgsK

lTkvJhpVzKCOeJT

Li Wuting glanced at him lightly.XEzxRnRWUDpZPyfMBzESKPdRhoFIMc

XFnMrUDXDuATLWU

Ning Rushen was nervous: logically, after dealing with the Cui family, Li Wuting’s mood should have been good. But it seemed not purely good, as if uncertain.weJxaFKUOZJdGWoNovcNHvdkzeDjbx

ONDgVfKENnYijQr

Just like Li Wuting’s expression now, as if wanting to laugh but not.DvtfJNVfCRQcYLHuuLNdWCXHmQrLxn

wInxiJJaCtaQOcJ

It made one uneasy.beVOXFGeYPWoyfgJLdBLqchPZQENWd

xungCzZfdaGYdrm

“What does Your Majesty wish to hear in my report?” Ning Rushen broke the ice.CNtMCJeOLSFTaUVOwWdnMlLddGHRRl

PejpAkUyMJQzpTq

Li Wuting’s slender fingers rested on a page, tapping it, “Did Lord Ning go to the Xiang residence on his own?”nxLOkZMmpNPaDMUjfFbliEXkkSMpVz

oMQpFyXpBeroEJz

Ning Rushen nodded.zsjebKCOZhfIwrbYAewNALpzSOwwnu

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“Did you tear your own clothes?”AXYhEDVdBlDRWwaOQXjNdEhDekxhhW

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Ning Rushen nodded again.DPObekdikjxZvFuQmmLzwLBCiauNgQ

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“And did you tie the ropes yourself?”yhzGhCJebHYhQLrbVTSGRSOREziOAg

kbouCczysYTgSCo

“…” That wasn’t the case. But Ning Rushen had already promised not to betray Shi Yi, so he simply took the blame, “It was I who tied them.”DavaAqdKdDLslIdCHbvLVhkBuGbOJl

eRKhNTkIohVIRND

As for how the Jinyiwei found out, he wasn’t sure.BxmArqjGTljBfEsHwSaYXJTdBjdEVl

lZymDFgsIGlnthg

“Heh.” Li Wuting suddenly let out a cold laugh and threw the book aside. He stood up and walked to the low couch where Ning Rushen was seated, looking down at him, “You tied them yourself?”fQicWeyWjLhTXaaiZByPzImYuQKDkO

XRbZjFCKgcAmXby

“I didn’t know Lord Ning had such skills.”mLSvrnSGKPhQPpCYCgzcngfMQrQmrH

qkVkqZDKspqhhgh

Ning Ruchen looked up and met that gaze, “…I do have some unique talents.”jBpMjTDsIcQMkCrELtUWaqKsszDwFr

oWnjlLlhQjkTjcY

Li Wuting’s gaze traveled down from his features, settling on the slender whiteness of his neck, where the delicate Adam’s apple seemed to tremble nervously.SbRKosvaTkktgCbXdEafmYIbAqvzNK

vczrBCJGwggPkOR

Li Wuting suddenly reached out—FeAonQlHUFCDhKsBIGRiDPFloEOlGg

xwDVRjUcoZNUdpm

Whoosh, the clasp of the cloak was pulled away in one swift motion.DwMSVAWuuqizwpHIWoHutaxjfuhjCT

cDaTScoapTZWNOx

The dark cloak, adorned with silver and dark patterns, slipped down from Ning Ruchen’s shoulders, draping over his snow-white outer garment.gJKNwNjdQDRpcHMsLrgIBqetxcPSPa

ayalKOXwYQuMmLr

Li Wuting tossed the clasp aside onto a low table, leisurely saying, “Tie it. Tie it for me to see.”DTGDBUxjyKpfYoZkrrTQISlRoojTae

rwZhmSxOgybGczR

Ning Ruchen, “……”vvcJNhMpCcTXLbUxhtVLQOHtdjdaGq

ifvHvCFyBrZZkid

He looked at the clasp and then at Li Wuting, “Actually—” He had just moved his lips when the image of Shi Yi surfaced in his mind.VaNwGFnmvlMMoAysDfInVBaXSQxqAz

WitLvUvopGfLfNQ

He remembered Shi Yi curling up…DQlJXMwnCPXvvyffQGCgLUEWhXyblx

PEqmFsIYWKHOXuL

He remembered Shi Yi’s large eyes, not even in his twenties yet. So young, with life just beginning…LtFRwWNTfBXFnPxYCuOGCFnESEfmOu

DxsuZaWngvMKSNS

Ning Ruchen moistened his dry lips.jsHgDzjqnSimJmhtpQCqTKgydTQaud

HyriLGUXocIAnbA

Then, bracing himself, he picked up the clasp, “Yes, I will tie it for Your Majesty to see.”xSqeVTmSxeHdpSezTfHKiVAcmCEqnp

uFoZWJkWjWOPfqY

…pfvdgxAMPxfYxnhbxbhNuaqbkdShUI

jvifJWMYSiszAcI

Li Wuting stood in front of him, silently watching.MGpqINWCIYQUDZZXvrxuxuTOiIskcx

mdiwKQoKHsyEaDW

De Quan dared not speak, nor did the palace maids and eunuchs.wIIgVfRDKbLYAYMAMDSVPhXyxTRjDm

dHgOKGQpfisdfnG

For a moment, the only sound in the Imperial Study was Ning Ruchen’s quiet fumbling. The dark clasp twisted around his wrist, passing through and around, but it remained loose and unsatisfactory.rqNLkBtMVYcqrJIJFlOqGZJEOCSZtQ

wYLNkyxwMuzpTsM

Ning Ruchen twisted and turned for a long time, almost creating a complex knot.GxTHrKVGKElkJLMNBXcQzXFMqFcMPv

DOBALcCGWcoZcJQ

Unable to secure it firmly on either side.GOOizPeADvTzPuwsbdEpCTXDnRkoIR

erwXIriXEvRuNse

Just as he was pondering where to start while holding one end of the clasp, a hand suddenly reached over, grabbing the end of the rope and pulling—xqmUrYNIhVmunJZlSdFEvQxMsTLFZk

WCdTbKATsjhqLJQ

“Uh…” The loop tightened instantly, suddenly binding his hands together. His arms were pulled up, suspended in mid-air.bFAruRvDNFVLyBYnusbPPbJDWCFGfr

fIGIarnVooxrMmy

The slender, jade-like fingers suddenly curved, somewhat dazzling in the light. From wrist to sleeve was a swath of frosty white, making the scarlet mark around his wrist strikingly conspicuous and ambiguous.mDSxKIAgIymkvMfCINDwCTcFZwkzEU

ptkBpacABNfiDhg

The dark clasp wound from his wrist through his fingers, leaving a light imprint that disappeared into Li Wuting’s palm.IKHRomuXQdqSxiymvBCVBjinTFpanz

fXAlicELvhysBKK

Ning Ruchen looked up, meeting Li Wuting’s handsome and cold face,einbAUNtkgOhhfKIDkfXhSwpxfaTxD

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“Does Ning Qing need a hand?”lczYLUkYxsBhJODdKXRIOzinXRULJa

CcFVLcqRrEFRflU

A tassel dangled right from the base of Li Wuting’s palm.LrHFLvDEWXmZXtiPXVfbLOLnfZXAbT

urKGlpgaaIVCKmS

Ning Ruchen felt the tassel brushing against his palm, his fingers touching Li Wuting’s, a wave of warmth.zBAMPFBHHBoUvyzyuSEhHFnNmcbuSe

KEStPNCxltJsXBH

He slightly moved his wrists and nodded in praise, “Your Majesty’s assistance has truly hit the spot for me.”ljPuaZwNAWpCsjEvRlOimSmbGLKPMW

ZHjMvdETvVEUQom

Li Wuting chuckled indifferently.xcfoaRQtriNfItkfjRAIezYGgnwFaQ

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While they maintained this delicate posture, suddenly, a clear voice called from outside the Imperial Study:rleJdBERHlWRbwAEuSvtiGsYwSmQsC

uxsDvIPSQKyGREQ

“Imperial Brother! I also wish to join the spring hunting in a few days!”GWnxQJeQKFDDSQJoyGVSbxONGpBDdN

ugBvTtxhwNUnhVU

The voice of Prince Xuan followed closely, “Jingyu, you must not shout or rush about recklessly. His Majesty is busy with important matters! And I, too, wish to go…”zzFdrtOsDhvQAabUAvaIpCGTyWXVfI

NKeOVxhAhIJuHWR

The two hurried to the door, and their voices stopped abruptly.lUMCxIFcVPHtUFZMfZPlaPIbWbsufd

cbELmcHoZgtpINL

Ning Ruchen felt a light shake around his wrists and turned his head towards the sound.UhJdViojUdiivECZkwrivTQjmbfPsP

ZwSlnmActvsGUXf

In the quiet air, their gazes intersected.dmKzqMMSfxyzbADOMWoHtZUQifLUTh

DuxFhtibrTWtEHg

Li Yingtang looked at the scene inside the Imperial Study and blinked.xiBvlsumMrrghPSlfeNGmsIvsEopaJ

FBkHAgSxGAuXwaP

The six-year-old Li Jingyu also blinked.cgtTXVMpVVrvWtLGWSzYJzGBdLOEae

dbZDhBprLvsGSsm

With his hands suspended in mid-air, Ning Ruchen started to speak as naturally as possible, “This humble official greets the two princes—”XpeiyimZphtPoSncWvBtPGrLwTKZTH

TikhVWESrOMnZfN

The next second, Li Yingtang quickly covered Li Jingyu’s eyes and mouth, hurriedly pulling him away, “Let’s go, Jingyu. Don’t look, don’t look… you’re still young.”UwMmlIrmKcSrsfdxGgZWrFXHdVyyGE

JtbbDnXlhBWILzq

Li Jingyu, “Mmm, mmm, mmm!”yHpBafHHgLBrcUZgLTBVgbcuHtnDyv

XLlJMvqZGZdZOYd

Li Wuting, “………”KVTlXUsnWFHvQrPmnaaWRYPaoIXMkw

nHyjfcoWcaOGwBJ