Li Wuting looked down at the two stuck figures, not moving or speaking for a moment.

After suppressing the surge of emotions, he finally asked, “How did you get stuck in there?”

Li Jingyu was still struggling to demonstrate. “Like this… and then Lord Ning,” his head flipped, “did this.”

Ning Rushen cautiously looked up, gauging Li Wuting’s expression, “I realize my mistake, and I’ll accept any punishment later. Could Your Majesty help me out first?”

Li Yingtang, already rolling up his sleeves in eagerness, was ready to help.

Li Wuting, even more annoyed, retorted, “Help you out? Do you not want your head anymore?”

Ning Rushen only saw a flash of bright light before him.

The next second, a cold wind carrying the scent of pear blossoms descended, accompanied by the sound of bricks breaking and falling as if a breeze swept past his ears.

Li Wuting stood in front of him, his imperial sword sheathed. He braced one hand next to Ning Rushen’s head, his distinct, large palm breaking off a piece of the carved decoration from the gap.

Wall dust fluttered down, dusting his nose.

Ning Rushen looked up, blinking in surprise.

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on his nose, his eyes calm and deep, “Why are you still hanging there?”

Ning Rushen suddenly understood and carefully extracted himself.

Seeing him free, Li Jingyu, still stuck like a carp in the window, fluttered, “What about me, Imperial Brother?”

This time, Li Wuting did not use his sword.

He cleaved a part of the hollow-carved wall with his palm, and amid the gasps of “Your Majesty, that’s improper!” from the attendants, he struck the broken wall, Bang!

Li Jingyu felt the wall loosen and was quickly lifted out by the attendants.

He patted his clothes, “Thank you, Imperial Brother.”

Ning Rushen also bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Li Wuting glanced at them both, flicked his sleeve, and headed back to the previous courtyard, “Follow.”

The two shuffled behind him.

Li Yingtang, fan in hand, looked at Ning Rushen’s head, tempted to say something but hesitating.

Li Wuting and Li Yingtang walked ahead.

Ning Rushen followed, his robe tugged at. He looked down to see Li Jingyu tiptoeing to whisper, “I told you Imperial Brother treats you differently, he rescued you first.”

“…”

Ning Rushen showed him a strand of hair frayed by the sword wind, “Look at this, sharp, isn’t it?”

Li Jingyu inspected it closely, “Hmm.”

Ning Rushen sighed, patting the wall dust off Li Jingyu’s shoulder, “Your Highness is still young, you can’t afford a mishap. It’s not that His Majesty prioritizes us differently.”

He glanced ahead; Li Wuting’s hand by his side was slightly reddened.

Li Jingyu seemed to understand and nodded.

Ahead, Li Wuting spoke indifferently, “Tomorrow, have that wall in your courtyard removed. Don’t keep such dangerous things around the mansion.”

Li Yingtang: ???!!!

Shocked, Li Yingtang!

It was his first time learning that carved walls could be dangerous!

Ning Rushen listened from behind, clutching his sleeves and looking away guiltily.

There are no dangerous walls originally in this world.

When too many people drill through them, they become dangerous.

…

The group returned to the courtyard.

Li Wuting sat down behind the stone table, and Prince Xuan sat beside him.

Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu stood in front, dutifully accepting their scolding.

Although Li Wuting was annoyed, fortunately, they hadn’t caused a major disturbance. With prior incidents considered, he was unexpectedly not too upset or surprised.

After a lecture, Li Wuting ceased speaking.

He moistened his lips with tea and then looked at Li Jingyu thoughtfully. Something seemed to cross his mind, his gaze slightly narrowing, “Jingyu, be more careful.”

Li Jingyu stiffened under that gaze, “Yes, Imperial Brother.”

Ning Rushen caught the exchange of looks and pondered deeply.

Just then, that gaze turned on him, “And you.”

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, “Hmm?”

Li Wuting’s stern gaze bore down, his brows furrowing, “You’re old enough, yet still lack judgment.”

Ning Rushen reflected, “Indeed, for someone my size, getting stuck is quite fitting.”

He lamented, “It was a lapse in judgment… a misstep!”

Li Wuting, “…”

Li Yingtang twisted his face, Is that really what you’re considering?

A pause fell over the stone table.

Li Yingtang couldn’t resist leaning towards Li Wuting to whisper, “Your Majesty, are you sure about making him an exam officer?”

The fingers resting on his knee hesitated to curl.

Finally, to defend his own words, Li Wuting pursed his lips, “His mind works… occasionally.”

“…”

Li Yingtang looked meaningful, You really trust him…

After the reprimand session, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu finally sat down.

Servants from the mansion attended them, and the brothers casually chatted over tea.

Ning Rushen sat there, suddenly feeling Li Wuting’s gaze often landing on him. He turned to look, their eyes meeting,

“What is it, Your Majesty?”

Li Wuting paused, “Mind your appearance.”

Ning Rushen: ?

He brushed through his hair with his hand.

Li Wuting frowned and corrected, “Not that…”

Suddenly, a head popped out.

Li Jingyu peered at Ning Rushen closely and then noticed the faint wall dust on the latter’s nose.

Ning Rushen’s fair skin and the good sunlight, spilling through the branches above and speckling his eyelids and nose, made the dust almost invisible.

Li Jingyu reached out and patted, “Lord Ning, you’ve got something on you.”

Ning Rushen realized, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

He touched his nose and looked at Li Wuting in surprise.

This detection feature, even more advanced than his old home’s robotic vacuum cleaner.

…

Soon, it was time for dinner.

Prince Xuan, known for his refined tastes, had the banquet set in the courtyard, enjoying the spring scenery while dining.

Servants attended the imperial family.

De Quan served the Emperor, while other servants attended the two princes.

Ning Rushen, independent, sat across from Li Wuting.

Every dish at the banquet was exquisitely prepared, a feast for the senses.

Ning Rushen, engrossed in eating, suddenly met De Quan’s exasperated gaze.

Are you competing with His Majesty for food?

Aren’t you going to serve?

“…”

Right, he had just irritated Li Wuting and had been rescued from a wall. It was time to show some gratitude.

Ning Rushen went with the flow and stood up, “Allow me to serve Your Majesty.”

Li Wuting looked his way.

He lifted his sleeves, stretched across the table with the serving chopsticks, and tremblingly placed a small piece of aspic into Li Wuting’s bowl.

Li Wuting, “……”

De Quan closed his eyes tightly, Why couldn’t you just walk around! Are the Emperor’s sides lined with thorns?

Li Wuting watched the fully extended Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, your serving style looks like an assassination attempt.”

Ning Rushen withdrew the chopsticks, embarrassedly retreating.

Li Wuting pinched his brow, “Stop serving, just eat.”

Ning Rushen obediently picked up his bowl, “Yes.”

…

The banquet at the mansion concluded.

Thanks to the emotional plea, Prince Xuan managed to delay his departure.

The imperial examinations at the end of March, the results in April, and an added face-to-face exam meant the final stages would probably not happen until mid-May.

Ning Rushen calculated, Prince Xuan could linger quite a while.

As one of the exam officers, he also needed to get acquainted with the procedures at the Ministry of Rites and participate in various preparations.

As the examination approached, his duties became more frequent.

Gradually, Ning Rushen became familiar with Huo Mian and Minister Guan of the Ministry of Rites, sharing a common hobby: eating.

The Ministry of Rites was well-funded and offered good meals.

Even Ning Rushen, a notoriously lazy worker, reported there daily, on time for meals.

Minister Guan was quite welcoming, “Lord Ning, feel free to come by; we have enough food at the Ministry of Rites.”

Ning Rushen was pleased, “That’s great.”

At the Ministry, he was rolling up his sleeves with Minister Guan and Huo Mian, guarding the pot and eating heartily.

He couldn’t help but feel, How nice the Ministry of Rites is.

He had encountered too many impolite people recently; the Ministry of Rites seemed very proper by name.

And the leader’s name was literally Minister Manage.

It sounded so motivating.

His longing was too apparent, Minister Guan spoke up, “It’s a pity you’re already serving in the Imperial Presence, otherwise I’d have you transferred to the Ministry of Rites.”

Minister Guan, after adding, “Of course, serving in the Imperial Presence is the best position.”

Ning Rushen, “Actually, I don’t do much in the Imperial Presence, just grinding ink.”

And providing comic relief, filling pits.

Minister Guan sighed, “Such a waste of talent. With Lord Ning’s abilities, you should be shining in the Ministry of Rites. Let me speak to His Majesty about transferring you.”

He was already warming up to the idea.

Ning Rushen choked, “No, no… that would trouble Minister Guan too much.”

“It’s no trouble; recruiting from other departments is common practice among the six ministries.”

“…”

They exchanged a few more pleasantries.

At that moment, Huo Mian, who had finished a bowl, slapped his thigh, “There’s such a good deal? Why not take me to the Ministry of Rites as well! Ah, another bowl, please.”

Ning Rushen, “…”

Anyone would think he had fled from famine in the North.

…

After a few busy days at the Ministry of Rites, Ning Rushen finally had a break.

He returned to the Imperial Presence after a long absence.

He entered the Imperial Study familiarly but sensed a subtle atmosphere—

Li Wuting seemed unchanged.

The subtlety mainly came from De Quan’s eyebrows, which kept twitching as if each was strenuously working.

Ning Rushen: ?????

He had been diligent lately, so what now?

Ning Rushen glanced at De Quan and approached, “Your Majesty.”

Li Wuting, without looking up from the memorials, asked, “How busy are you in the Ministry of Rites?”

“Very busy, all preparations are going smoothly.”

“Hmm, is the budget still sufficient?”

“Your Majesty, there’s plenty.” Every meal includes meat.

After a few formal questions, Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting’s expression was relatively pleased, and he felt somewhat relieved.

Was he being too sensitive?

Just as he thought this, Li Wuting asked, “The atmosphere in the Ministry of Rites is good?”

Not wanting to speak ill of his colleagues, Ning Rushen nodded, “Like family.”

Li Wuting chuckled and tossed him a memorial, “No wonder they came to ask me to let you all be together.”

Ning Rushen: ?

A sense of foreboding emerged as he picked up the document, inhaling sharply—Minister Guan really did try to transfer him!

And mentioned “General Huo also has his heart set on it.”

Ning Rushen was stunned—

Not only trying to dig His Majesty’s corner but also to drag the General of the Guard to the Ministry of Rites!

To do what, set up a fort?

…It turns out the most impolite person is the Minister of the Ministry of Rites!

He moistened his dry lips, holding the document and looking at Li Wuting.

Li Wuting, with a smirk not quite a smile, “The Ministry of Rites is very good; even the civil and military champions love their food.”

Beside him, De Quan frantically gestured, Deny it now!

Ning Rushen hurriedly denied, “I’m not fixated on the Ministry of Rites.”

Li Wuting, “…”

He tapped his fingertips on the desk, producing a chilly sound, “Oh, a fan of diverse diets, I forgot.”

Ning Rushen quickly tried to mend the situation, “I’m just passionate about my work, busy with the imperial examinations.”

Li Wuting didn’t respond, as if quietly listening to his nonsense.

Ning Rushen shifted the topic, “By the way, Your Majesty, about last time—” he paused, considering De Quan and the others around, vaguely added, “the matter at Moon Fairy Residence, how is it going?”

Li Wuting replied, “As usual.”

His response meant he was still letting things take their own course.

“Hmm.” Ning Rushen pondered.

Cheating in the imperial exams was a serious crime; if exposed, a candidate would be stripped of the qualifications for official examination for life. Even if the students realized they had bought fake questions, they could only swallow their losses.

No one would denounce, and Li Wuting wouldn’t expose it himself.

Whatever his considerations, knowing yet allowing could easily be criticized.

“What are you thinking?” Li Wuting asked.

Ning Rushen probed, “How will this matter be exposed in the end?”

Li Wuting looked unfazed, “No need to worry, someone will reveal it.”

“?” Ning Rushen scrutinized his expression. It seemed Li Wuting was confident about something yet to happen, “Someone arranged by Your Majesty?”

Li Wuting was about to respond when he looked towards him.

Suddenly, he smiled, “Want to know?”

Ning Rushen nodded.

Li Wuting motioned, “Come closer.”

De Quan and the others were still present.

Guessing Li Wuting intended to speak privately, Ning Rushen moved closer, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

He walked around the desk to Li Wuting’s side.

The latter sat upright, and as Ning Rushen leaned in, his black hair and red sleeves draped over Li Wuting’s dragon robe.

His falling hair obscured the side of his face.

De Quan and the servants couldn’t see behind the veil of hair, and respectfully averted their eyes.

Ning Rushen leaned close to Li Wuting.

Li Wuting’s eyes fell on the white earlobe flickering under the shadow of a mole.

He tapped the desk, then chuckled lightly.

“Guess.”

“…!” The warm breath made Ning Rushen shiver, listening to such a pointless statement.

He instantly bristled, turning to glare. Is that even human language!?

De Quan stealthily peeped.

He saw the Emperor smile lightly, then Ning Rushen suddenly looked up, his face flushed, his bright eyes a mix of surprise and annoyance.

De Quan, Hiss… oh my—

Such scenes were too much even for the Imperial Study!

Behind the desk, after teasing him, Li Wuting closed the document just delivered by the Minister of Rites and tossed it aside.

“Go on, think it over.”

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, grinding his teeth, “…Yes, Your Majesty.”

With his ears still burning, he left.

…

Ning Rushen returned to his residence.

His ears had cooled, but he still felt residual warmth, causing a tingling down his spine.

He recalled Li Wuting’s heated, nonsensical words.

Unable to figure it out, he sat at his desk for a while, then looked up and called, “Xiao Shizi.”

Silence reigned above the beams.

He paused, then snapped, “Pada.”

A figure suddenly dropped down, standing before him.

Do you have a particular attachment to “pada”?

Shi Yi inquired, “What do you need?”

Ning Rushen sought information, “Besides following me, has your bandit chief assigned you any other tasks?”

Shi Yi, “Our bandi—” he caught himself mid-sentence, annoyed, “Our leader only instructed me to follow you, nothing else. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the leader.”

Ning Rushen asked, “Haven’t you contacted your colleagues?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Just saw one of your colleagues working as a waiter at an inn a few days ago.”

Shi Yi’s face showed faint sympathy, “Those are just odd jobs.”

Ning Rushen dryly sighs, …At least they have jobs.

Are you pitying someone when you’ve been sent away?

Failing to gather useful information, Ning Rushen dismissed him. Before leaving, he stopped Shi Yi one last time, “One last question.”

Shi Yi, “?”

Ning Rushen, holding his ear, asked, “Does your bandit chief have any peculiar hobbies?”

Shi Yi disagreed, “Our leader is very serious.”

Ning Rushen waved him away, dispersing the gathering.

…

Unable to divine Li Wuting’s plans, he decided not to bother anymore.

As the month neared its end, the delayed imperial examinations finally commenced amid strict preparations.

The exams lasted nine days and six nights.

Ning Rushen was only responsible for the subsequent interview and didn’t need to follow the nine-day examination process. He occasionally went to the Imperial Study to attend duties and to the Ministry of Rites for meals.

He embraced the spirit of diversity to the fullest.

Until the end of the examinations.

Like the thawing of a long winter welcoming the early spring, the students were temporarily freed from the assessments, planning outings around the capital’s night markets and riversides.

Many scholars set up seats by the Huai Ming River to discuss and recite poetry, earning widespread praise.

—This was also a tradition in Da Cheng.

Ning Rushen had already received an invitation from Geng Yan a few days prior, planning to go boating together.

On the day the examinations concluded, he estimated it was almost time to finish his duties and glanced at the water clock in the corner of the Imperial Study.

The water clock was somewhat unclear, prompting him to lean closer unconsciously.

Li Wuting caught his eye, “Does Lord Ning long to be somewhere else?”

Ning Rushen retracted his neck, “Not at all, I was just checking how long Your Majesty has been working.”

Li Wuting chuckled softly.

After a pause, he waved a hand, “Alright, go.”

Ning Rushen thanked him and quickly left.

Outside the palace gates, Geng Yan was already waiting, rubbing his hands together.

Seeing Ning Rushen, he pulled him excitedly, “Come on, former top scholar, let’s crash the party! Let those fledglings see what a real predecessor is capable of!”

Ning Rushen shook his head, “Listen.”

Geng Yan leaned closer, listening intently, “What? I don’t hear anything.”

“That’s right, because it’s empty.”

“…”

Geng Yan looked at him complexly, finally sighing and pulling on his sleeve, “Then let’s just join the fun, I’ll treat you.”

…

As night fell and the lanterns first came on.

The capital’s taverns were bustling, and the busy streets were full of people, their robes brushing against each other.

The two found a restaurant first.

From a second-floor private room window overlooking the street, the view was exceptionally lively.

After settling down, Geng Yan still marveled, “Your brain has deteriorated to this extent, how can you still be an exam officer?”

Ning Rushen pretended to accidentally step on his foot.

Geng Yan, “Ow!”

Ning Rushen, “That’s His Majesty’s decision, are you questioning His Majesty?”

Geng Yan trembled with anger, “You and your borrowed authority…”

As they spoke, the waiter served their food.

Ning Rushen picked up a piece of grilled chicken heart for him, “Eat this, nourish your heart.” Grow some sense.

Geng Yan trembled even more violently.

As they resumed their chopstick duel at the table, suddenly, a few voices from the noisy street below filtered up.

“Given his… talents, he must have…”

“Back then…the literary champion, Ning…”

Ning Rushen and Geng Yan stopped fighting, exchanged a glance, and pushed open the half-closed carved window. The voices from outside became clearer.

Ning Rushen leaned out the window to look down.

Below their private room was an open-air tea stand where several young men dressed as examinees were engaged in a heated discussion.

“… At least he comes from a scholarly family, immersed from youth. If that Ning Chen from a simple background could top the exams, why can’t we?”

“Not exactly.” One of them hinted, “The written exams are one thing, but it’s different when it reaches the hall.”

The group exchanged knowing looks, another coughed lightly, “I heard that the champion Ning, he has a certain…elegance and charm…”

Their conversation ended with suggestive implications.

On the second-floor window ledge, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan lay side by side.

Geng Yan, “They’re saying you became the champion because of your looks.”

Ning Rushen, “At least that’s still 70% talent. Now I have to rely entirely on my looks.”

Geng Yan choked.

He finished choking and incredulously asked, “Aren’t you angry? …Hey, what are you prying at?”

Ning Rushen was scrutinizing something below, “See those tiles under the window? Don’t they seem a bit loose?”

A silent understanding arose between them.

The two lifted the tiles and quickly shut the window after letting them drop.

Clang! A cry of pain echoed from below.

Back inside the room, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan sat opposite each other for a few seconds.

Geng Yan recalled the incident, “That’s not enough, we didn’t even hit their heads.” He moved to pry the window again.

Ning Rushen held him back, calmly stating, “You’ve forgotten, on such days, who can’t be missing?”

Geng Yan took a moment to realize, then it dawned on him, “…The Royal Guards!”

Ning Rushen lamented, “High and mighty, yet inexperienced, still too young.”

The Royal Guards of Da Cheng hadn’t reached the extent of lurking in every household, but during major festivals and events, they would surely disguise themselves among the crowds to gather information for the emperor.

The goal was to control the spread of rumors and prevent problems before they arose.

Ning Rushen was satisfied with his meal, “I’m full.”

He stood up, patting Geng Yan, “Let’s go boating.”

…

Outside the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

Li Wuting, dressed in dark blue silk embroidered with subtle gold patterns and wearing a white jade pendant, exuded an air of refined nobility.

Yin Zhao reported respectfully, “The Royal Guards have been stationed at all alleys, ensuring the capital’s safety as per Your Majesty’s command.”

Li Wuting acknowledged and dismissed him.

After he left, De Quan looked at the gradually darkening sky, “Your Majesty, the poetry debate by the Huai Ming River should be starting soon.”

“Let’s go.” Li Wuting stepped forward, “I will listen as well.”

…

By the Huai Ming River, lanterns glowed brilliantly.

The babbling river reflected the lights on both banks, with bustling crowds moving about. Scholars with their sachets and young women in their graceful attire made for a picturesque scene.

Near the painted bridge was a place to rent boats.

Ning Rushen and Geng Yan headed there and rented a wooden boat.

Geng Yan asked, “Do we hire a boatman or row ourselves?”

Ning Rushen suggested, “Let’s row ourselves.”

It’s better without strangers, so we can speak freely.

Geng Yan considered and then dismissed the boatman, handing the oars to Ning Rushen.

Ning Rushen sheepishly admitted, “I can’t row.”

“…” Geng Yan exploded, “Then why suggest we row ourselves! Does this self include only me?!”

Ning Rushen covered his ears, “Your voice is so loud.”

“…”

Not far from the bridge.

Li Wuting was walking through the crowd towards the riverbank with De Quan, followed by plainclothes Royal Guards.

A flicker of color caught his eye among the bustling crowd.

De Quan exclaimed, “Master, isn’t that Lord Ning and Minister Geng?”

Li Wuting stopped, lifting his eyes to see.

Indeed, the familiar figure stood at the painted bridgehead.

Ning Rushen had changed out of his official robe. Dressed in a crimson robe with dark water-cloud patterns, he appeared elegant and striking against the deepening twilight and amidst the crowd.

Whatever was coming out of his mouth was enough to make Minister Geng nearly jump.

Li Wuting touched the jade fan in his hand and turned around, “Let’s go see.”

…

At the bridgehead, Geng Yan was still arguing with him.

“Then let’s call the boatman back.”

“That would work.” Ning Rushen reminded, “But then, would we still be able to talk freely? About your father, your work, your secret illness…”

“I don’t have a secret illness!!!”

Geng Yan thrust the oar at him, “Here, take it.”

Ning Rushen refused, “I won’t hold it.” Did he want to capsize?

Geng Yan, “How can you row without holding it!”

Ning Rushen, “I don’t use oars to row; I rely on the waves.”

“…” Geng Yan’s expression went blank for a moment.

He looked at the calm river, struggling to comprehend, “What do you mean, rely on the waves?”

Ning Rushen was about to explain when a familiar voice interrupted from behind, “I’d like to know too.”

Startled, Ning Rushen instinctively twitched and turned around.

There stood Li Wuting, hands behind his back just a few steps away. Dressed in a refined green outfit, he looked serene and imposing, casually observing Ning Rushen.

Li Wuting nodded at him, “Let’s see how Ning Qing manages to ‘wave’.”

Ning Rushen, “…”

The challenge was set, and all were ready to see if Ning Rushen could indeed make waves.