Because it was rumored that Ning Rushen pleaded for Geng Yue, which resulted in the Emperor’s anger towards him, many courtiers submitted memorials asking for Minister Geng to be dismissed and punished.

The outcry was so strong that the new Emperor, Li Wuting, approved the request and ordered Geng Yue to be imprisoned for investigation.

The next day, under clear skies, Ning Rushen went out to meet Meng Kebao.

He changed into a simple scarlet outer robe with his dark hair casually tied at the back. His appearance is unadorned, giving off a sickly, understated look.

The only accessory he carried was a jade thumb ring gifted by Li Wuting, tucked at his waist.

—The thumb ring was too large for him to wear, and leaving it at home would risk it being stolen by thieves. So he had Xing Lan attach it to a cord to carry it around.

Ning Rushen adjusted his blanket, “Let’s go, to the Bao Mansion.”

“…” Crack! Yan Min flicked the reins, and the carriage headed towards Meng Mansion without further instruction.

Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage stopped at the back gate of the Meng Mansion.

Earlier, Meng Kebao had specifically instructed Ning Rushen to be cautious and discreet about their meeting, warning him not to let anyone else know.

Ning Rushen with the help of Yan Min, got off the carriage and glanced at the deserted alleyway, “So discreet, I’d be buried here, and no one would know.”

Yan Min was alarmed, “Bah! My lord, don’t say such things!”

He leaned in and muttered softly, “Besides, isn’t His Majesty aware?”

After Yan Min knocked on the door, a servant quickly came to guide them inside.

Following the servant through the back garden, Ning Rushen marveled at the extravagant scenery of rocks and jade trees, far more luxurious than his own residence. 

He thought to himself, I wonder how many dams and canals could be built with all this money…

While pondering, they soon arrived at the main hall.

Meng Kebao was already waiting there, his head wrapped in several layers of white cloth, smiling as if nothing was wrong.

“Ning Da-ren, you’ve come.”

Ning Rushen glanced at his forehead and greeted him as if he’d forgotten, “What happened to you, Meng Da-ren?”

“…” Meng Kebao’s smile faltered, almost gritting his teeth as he reminded, “I bumped into a courtyard wall—Ning Da-ren, you truly forget things easily.”

Ning Rushen suddenly remembered and rubbed his forehead, “Oh right, there was a thief at my house.”

Meng Kebao nearly passed out from anger, Who cares about that!!!

As Meng Kebao fumed, Ning Rushen, quite at home, ordered the servants to bring him a cushion.

After all, he had been beaten before and couldn’t sit directly on hard surfaces.

Once the cushion was set, Ning Rushen and the now-calmed Meng Kebao sat down. Ning Rushen gave a weak cough and got straight to the point, “Meng Da-ren, about what you mentioned the other day…”

“Oh, yes, yes… we’re here to talk about that.”

Meng Kebao dismissed the servants and had his trusted aides guard the door. He then cleared his throat, “I care about you, Ning Da-ren. I can’t bear to see a fine pearl covered in dust, so I’ve come to show you a bright path.”

Ning Rushen listened attentively, “Please speak, Meng Da-ren.”

“At present, you’ve lost the Emperor’s favor. There’s only one person who can help you regain your position…”

“Who does Meng Da-ren mean?”

Meng Kebao gazed deeply at him, “Naturally, it’s the Chancellor.”

Ning Rushen’s expression faltered slightly, “Chancellor Cui?”

“Indeed. With the Chancellor’s guidance, I’m sure you will soon regain the Emperor’s favor.” Meng Kebao, holding his tea calmly, added, “Of course, once you’re back in favor, you must remember to repay the Chancellor’s kindness.”

Ning Rushen was genuinely impressed.

It was the first time he’d heard someone speak about “planting a spy” with such a heartfelt tone.

“May I ask, is this the Chancellor’s idea?”

“Ahem.” Meng Kebao averted his gaze, “With me pleading on your behalf, the Chancellor will surely agree.”

Ning Rushen’s lips twitched, So after all this, it was your plan to use me to curry favor with Cui Haoyuan.

He thought for a moment and pretended to hesitate, “This…”

Seeing his hesitation, Meng Kebao pressed harder, “Ning Da-ren, think carefully. You pleaded for Minister Geng, which already makes you an ally of his in the Emperor’s eyes.”

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

Ning Rushen thought to himself: Isn’t the next one your Chancellor?

He noticed Meng Kebao crossing his legs nervously, so Ning Rushen decided to stay silent, staring into the distance, “Hmm…”

Let’s drag this out.

•

Ning Rushen spent the entire afternoon sparring verbally with Meng Kebao, dodging any direct answers.

Finally, Meng Kebao snapped, slamming the table as he stood up.

“Ning Da-ren, enough is enough! A perfectly good path lies before you, yet you refuse to take it. Are you planning to play both sides?”

Ning Rushen clutched his chest, acting fragile, “Ah… You’re too loud, I can’t handle it.”

Meng Kebao was genuinely at his wit’s end!

He glanced around, and his trusted men stepped forward.

Seeing the situation turn bad, Yan Min tried to shield Ning Rushen but was quickly subdued by two strong guards. He shouted urgently, “What do you plan to do to him?!”

Meng Kebao sneered, “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything. I’m simply giving him enough time to think, alone.”

With that, he gestured for Yan Min to be taken away.

Now only Ning Rushen was left in the hall.

Leaning on the chair, Ning Rushen coughed weakly, looking up with an innocent gaze, “What do you mean by this, Meng Da-ren?”

Meng Kebao stood with his hands behind his back, watching him.

The figure in front of him was frail and thin, the vibrant scarlet robe couldn’t conceal the sickly appearance. The veins on his wrist were clearly visible.

Such a weak body, it would be easy to control.

Feeling reassured, Meng Kebao turned to leave but gave one last warning, “Ning Da-ren, don’t be ungrateful. Otherwise, there won’t be anyone left to appreciate your pitiful state.”

The door slammed shut!

…

Outside, Meng Kebao flicked his sleeves and left.

His trusted aide followed closely, looking hesitant, “Sir, after all, he’s an official. Are we really going to imprison him?”

Meng Kebao snorted, “What are you afraid of? If we can’t recruit him, we might as well eliminate him to avoid future trouble.”

The aide was shocked, “But if word gets out—”

“Idiot! With that body of his, if he’s locked up without food or water for a day, he’ll collapse on his own. No one will suspect anything. Then we’ll send him back under the cover of night and blame it on the new Emperor…”

Meng Kebao smirked: It’ll be the perfect way to sow discord between the Emperor and his officials.

“Keep a close eye on him. Let’s see how long it takes for him to cave.”

Although, he was now leaning towards just getting rid of him.

Meng Kebao rubbed the back of his head: Damn, that Ning Rushen might’ve done it on purpose!

•

Inside the hall, Ning Rushen shifted into a more comfortable position.

No wonder Meng Kebao was so insistent on having him come to the Meng Mansion.

So this was his plan all along.

He wasn’t worried about Yan Min. Meng Kebao’s target was himself; as long as he didn’t give a clear answer, Yan Min would be fine.

Ning Rushen rolled over and stared at the ceiling, tapping lightly on his stomach.

Now that Meng Kebao had lost his composure, what should be his next move…

He was deep in thought when a familiar sound suddenly caught his attention—plop.

Ning Rushen sat up in surprise: ????

A small pebble had fallen at his feet.

Ning Rushen remained silent for a moment, then looked up at the beam. There, a pair of eyes peered down at him, observing in secret, “…”

The two stared at each other for a while.

Shi Yi, still thinking about how to start the conversation heard Ning Rushen sigh with a complicated tone, “Are you a thief again?”

Shi Yi, “………”

After a brief moment of hesitation between dignity and duty, Shi Yi chose the latter, flipping down lightly from the beam.

Dressed in black, with half his face covered, he moved silently.

Now that they were closer, Ning Rushen noticed that Shi Yi’s eyes looked like someone in their early twenties. 

Ning shook his head, So young, and already in this line of work…

“This isn’t my house, take whatever you want.”

“Come with me.”

Both of them spoke at the same time.

Ning Rushen pretended not to hear, “What?”

Shi Yi didn’t know how to explain, so he simply repeated, “Come with me, I’ll take you out.”

“…” Ning Rushen looked at him, squinting. Hmm?

After a brief standoff, Ning Rushen turned away and lay back on the cushion, casually saying, “I’m not going. How do I know you’re a good guy or a bad guy?”

Shi Yi got anxious, “Of course, I’m a good guy!”

“Haha, a good guy wearing a mask in broad daylight.”

“……”

In desperation, Shi Yi reached out to grab him.

Ning Rushen pulled his sleeves closer, glaring, “I’ll call for help!”

You’re going to call those bad guys outside to save you?! Shi Yi was sweating with anxiety, unsure whether to pull him away or not, “Please… come with me quickly, I won’t hurt you!”

Ning Rushen, “If you don’t explain clearly, I won’t go!”

Shi Yi gritted his teeth, “Don’t push me! I would never betray His Majesty, even if it costs me my life!”

“……”

“……”

Haha, as expected.

After a brief dead silence, Ning Rushen gave an inward sigh, “His Majesty is truly lucky to have such a loyal subordinate like you.”

Shi Yi squatted down, feeling utterly defeated.

Ning Rushen, unable to bear it, reached out and patted Shi Yi’s curled-up figure, “Don’t worry, I can pretend I don’t know anything. I won’t tell anyone.”

Shi Yi raised his head, his eyes full of melancholy.

Ning Rushen stood up, tucking his sleeves, “Let’s go. Didn’t you say you were taking me out?”

After a moment of internal struggle, Shi Yi turned his back and squatted down.

He accepted this absurd plan.

Ning Rushen lay on his back, and as Shi Yi stood up, a thought crossed his mind. He patted Shi Yi’s shoulder, “Take me to the Chancellor’s Mansion.”

The man in front turned his head, confused.

Ning Rushen was still plotting, “Then find a side room and tie me up.”

Shi Yi’s pupils dilated, but he hesitated and replied, “The late Emperor had a decree: unless it’s a case of treason, neither the Imperial Guards nor the Royal Guards may enter the Chancellor’s Mansion…”

Ning Rushen was speechless.

So they can’t even search the place?

No wonder Li Wuting was having such a hard time with the Cui family; turns out it was a trap set by his father.

He asked, “The Imperial Guards and the Royal Guards can’t enter the Chancellor’s Mansion. What does that have to do with you, a thief?”

“……”

Shi Yi choked on his words for a long time, finally bowing his head in resignation, “You’re right.”

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Ning Rushen lay steadily on Shi Yi’s back, watching rooftops and alleyways zoom by, his long hair and sleeves fluttering in the wind.

He patted Shi Yi, “By the way, my steward back at the mansion…”

“Someone will go and steal him.”

Shi Yi replied smoothly. After realizing what he said, both of them fell silent.

Ning Rushen suddenly remembered that day in the courtyard when Li Wuting had casually said, “If you’re my blade, you must be able to do everything.” Unable to hold back, Ning remarked, “You really can do anything.”

Even being a thief.

The figure carrying him stumbled slightly.

Ning Rushen, “What, even you stumble in turbulence?”

“…” Shi Yi: ?

•

The Chancellor’s Mansion was located in the most prosperous area of the capital.

The estate was grand in scale, heavily guarded, with golden roofs and jade eaves, corridors winding around pools and rocks, an embodiment of opulence.

Shi Yi carried Ning Rushen silently into a secluded courtyard, found an empty room, and set him down.

Inside the room, Ning Rushen closed the door.

He looked around and saw that the room was filled with unused clutter, with a few bundles of subpar firewood piled against the wall. Sunlight filtered through the door, illuminating the dust particles floating in the air.

It didn’t seem like anyone would come here often.

Shi Yi stood quietly by the door.

Ning Rushen untied a rope from a bundle of firewood and beckoned Shi Yi over, “Quick, tie me up.”

“…” Shi Yi walked over and obediently bound him.

Once the rope was tied, Ning Rushen looked himself over and said, “Now, tear my clothes into strips, make it look convincing.”

Shi Yi had no idea which “convincing” Ning Rushen meant.

But as a self-proclaimed model youth, Shi Yi refused to do such a thing and simply untied him, “Why don’t you do it yourself, Da-ren.”

So Ning Rushen took matters into his own hands and tore his clothes.

After tearing up his clothes, Ning Rushen had Shi Yi tie him up again. He then sat down comfortably against the pile of firewood, adjusting his posture. Once he felt there was nothing else to do, he told Shi Yi, “You can go now.”

He then closed his eyes and tilted his head to the side.

Shi Yi, “…………..”

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

He looked at Shi Yi and reminded him, “You know how to describe this to His Maj—your chief, right?”

Given Li Wuting’s intelligence, he should understand his intentions.

Shi Yi memorized every detail of the scene and nodded.

Ning Rushen, reassured, closed his eyes again and tilted his head.

The door creaked softly as Shi Yi disappeared from the room.

…

In the imperial garden, a pear tree was in full bloom.

Li Wuting sat beneath the tree, exuding a noble and refined aura. Opposite him was Prince Xuan, Li Yingtang, who was casually toying with a folding fan.

De Quan stood nearby, serving tea to the two lords.

Li Wuting picked up his teacup, “Brother, you’ve held your title for so long, isn’t it time to go to your fief?”

Li Yingtang, with his usual carefree demeanor, replied, “No. Does my fief have tribute tea as good as the palace’s?”

“When you leave the capital, take two carts with you. A prince like you staying in the palace instead of going to your fief—what will the officials think?”

“I don’t care what they think.” Li Yingtang snorted.

Seeing Li Wuting’s gaze fixed on him, Li Yingtang paused and then gave a bitter smile, “Are you really going to make me leave the capital for a carefree life while you and Mother stay here, with the Cui family still unresolved?”

Li Wuting’s hand holding the teacup paused for a moment.

He thought of Li Yingtang’s mother, Consort Shu.

After Consort Xian’s death, Consort Shu had raised both him and his two-year-old brother; then, after the late Emperor’s death, she closed her palace doors and devoted herself to Buddhist prayers.

That bloody power struggle for the throne now seemed like a distant nightmare.

After a while, Li Wuting stood up, looking at the pear blossoms hanging low in front of him.

The snow-white flowers bloomed delicately on the branches, their fragrance filling the air, “I will take care of Mother. The Cui family will be dealt with soon.”

Li Yingtang was stunned by his words, “You don’t mean…”

Li Wuting said nothing.

Li Yingtang took a deep breath, standing up with a serious expression, “How confident are you? Don’t forget, that old thief from the Cui family still has the late Emperor’s decree…”

Before he could finish, a dark figure landed in front of them.

It was one of the Emperor’s Royal Guards.

Shi Yi recognized Prince Xuan. He bowed first to Li Wuting and then to Li Yingtang, “Your Majesty, Your Highness.”

Li Wuting didn’t shy away, “Speak.”

Shi Yi, recalling the eventful afternoon, began, “It’s a long story…”

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

“Yes!” Shi Yi quickly summarized, “The person is in the Chancellor’s Mansion, tied up.”

Li Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What’s the situation?”

Recalling the scene before he left, Shi Yi meticulously described, “Ning Da-ren’s hands were bound, his hair disheveled. He was lying against a pile of firewood, his clothes torn to shreds, barely covering his body…”

He thought for a moment, then solemnly added, “It’s… quite pitiful!”