The shop wasn’t big, but business was booming.

By the time Ning Rushen and his companion, Geng Yan, strolled over for a meal, the place was already packed. The noisy hall had only one round table left by the window on the far side.

Geng Yan nudged him, “So, what brought you to the palace last night? Was there an urgent matter?”

Ning Rushen replied absentmindedly, “No… just went for a meal.”

A mixture of emotions flickered across his face. But seeing that Ning Rushen still looked as calm as ever, Geng Yan couldn’t resist pointing out:

Before he could finish, voices rang out from the bustling hall behind them. A young server hurried over to their table, hands clasped nervously.

“Pardon, sirs, we’re almost at capacity. Would the two of you mind sharing a table with other guests?”

The unmistakable scent of expensive incense drifted over as a group approached. Ning Rushen looked up, immediately recognizing a group of young noblemen dressed in the typical style of high-ranking families. Leading them was someone he was all too familiar with—Yu Tiao.

Their eyes met, and the atmosphere soured instantly.

Yu Tiao spoke up first, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “Oh~ Look who’s taking up an entire table for themselves. Turns out it’s Lord Ning.”

Ning Rushen remained calm, replying lightly, “Oh, so it’s not about sharing a table; it’s about flaunting family wealth?”

Yu Tiao’s face darkened. “You…!”

The server, sweating nervously, tried to calm them, “Please, sirs, let’s keep the peace.”

Seeing the noblemen still hovering around, Ning Rushen considered whether to stretch his legs out and trip them or to spread himself across the table to prevent them from sitting…

Then another familiar voice chimed in from behind, “Mind if I join in?”

Ning Rushen turned to see Shi Yi standing there, carrying two freshly baked buns. Surprised to see him, Ning Rushen blinked, “Oh, it’s you.”

Shi Yi seemed equally surprised, giving a polite nod, “Greetings, my lord.”

Ning Rushen paused. He was about to ask, “Why are you here?”

So, he thought, this bun-buying trip wasn’t as restrictive as it seemed.

The noblemen beside Yu Tiao scowled. “And who’s this?”

Ning Rushen scanned the group and suddenly changed his mind. He motioned to the seats. “Everyone, sit.”

Shi Yi, ever compliant, quickly took a seat beside him.

Yu Tiao and his group exchanged glances, then reluctantly sat down as well.

The server hurried over with the menu, momentarily quieting the tension at the table. Ning Rushen glanced at the crowd before him, realizing he had somehow gathered a table of people who really shouldn’t be sitting together.

Ignoring the others, he turned to Shi Yi. “What brings you here?”

Shi Yi answered, “I spent the morning lining up for these buns. Got hungry and heard from a fellow vendor that the food here is good, so I stopped by.”

Ning Rushen, “…”

The dishes they ordered soon began arriving.

As plates of hearty dishes filled the table, Ning Rushen’s appetite was piqued, and he quickly reached for his chopsticks. As he helped himself, conversation resumed across the table:

“Hmph… I heard someone was gravely injured, but look at him, still hearty enough to eat and walk around.”

“Why let the truth ruin a perfectly good scandal?”

Bang! Geng Yan slapped his chopsticks down. “You damn—”

Ning Rushen reached over to close his jaw.

Geng Yan let out a muffled “Er…!”

Ning Rushen’s eyes drifted over the group, noticing the telltale sway of Yu Tiao’s pride, and added fuel to the fire.

“Discussing ministers in public… Do you know the penalty for that?”

Yu Tiao, predictably provoked, sneered, “Oh? Lord Ning wants to run to the throne and complain again? Go ahead! Let’s see if the Emperor actually punishes us.”

Another nobleman chuckled, “Didn’t you know? Lord Ning is a lone wolf… ah, my apologies. He’s a single root, no family above or below, so he may not understand the weight of noble families.”

Ning Rushen looked at the few of them, confident in their safety, not realizing they’d soon face Li Wuting’s wrath—

After all, these families had avoided punishment when the Cui family fell.

And even after the recent horseback incident, Yu Tiao’s family’s qualifications for the examinations hadn’t been revoked. They likely thought the young Emperor feared them.

Such fools—they could have laid low a little longer…

Ning Rushen ladled out a spoonful of savory tofu pudding, not bothering to respond as the young nobles grew more boastful, even starting to mention imperial power…

At that moment, a loud bang resounded!

A pitch-black, intimidating long knife was slapped down onto the table, silencing everyone.

Shi Yi put down his bowl. “One more word, and I’ll beat you all.”

The noblemen froze, stunned.

Yu Tiao trembled with anger, muttering, “Vile master, rude servant!”

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Shi Yi’s master.

The meal ended in a tense silence.

As Yu Tiao’s group left the table, they spat a final warning, “Just wait and see.”

Ning Rushen smiled, “See you around.”

They frowned, bewildered, and left.

·

After lunch, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan left the restaurant and strolled down the street.

Shi Yi, along with his buns, was sent back to the manor.

Ning Rushen clasped his hands behind him. “How are these noble kids even passing the exams?”

Geng Yan replied, “Children of noble families in the capital start their education at the Imperial College. They’ve got a different foundation compared to the commoners. Not to mention, the examiners themselves mostly come from the same place…”

Ning Rushen understood: a leveled-up version of school favoritism.

Talking about exams gave him an idea. He beckoned Geng Yan. “Let’s go check out the Ministry of Rites.”

The Ministry of Rites wasn’t far from here.

In no time, Ning Rushen saw the building’s grand entrance.

As he usually did, he strolled in casually, calling out for his lunch buddy from afar, “Minister Guan—”

But as he rounded the corner, he found a line of guards standing stiffly in front of the hall.

Ning Rushen’s steps halted, a bad feeling bubbling up.

The next second, De Quan’s smiling face popped out, greeting them warmly, “Ah, Lord Ning, Assistant Minister Geng~ Here to greet His Majesty during his visit to the Ministry of Rites?”

Ning Rushen, “…”

He had no idea. He was just a clueless little kitten.

Geng Yan, “…”

Geng Yan cast a sidelong glance at him.

Ning Rushen returned the look: this time, it really wasn’t his fault.

The two of them followed De Quan inside.

The hall was filled with waiting officials, including Guan Fan and Huo Mian. Standing at the front was none other than Li Wuting, who turned upon hearing Ning Rushen’s arrival.

“Your servant greets His Majesty.”

Their eyes met as Ning Rushen bowed.

Seeing him, Li Wuting didn’t ask “Here to scrounge for food again?” in front of everyone. But Ning Rushen somehow sensed a silent scoff in the Emperor’s gaze.

He, “…”

As they exchanged glances, Li Wuting’s gaze suddenly lowered.

It landed on his neck.

Just then, Huo Mian came up, unfiltered as always. “Oh, did you hurt yourself?”

Ning Rushen touched his neck, instinctively glancing at Li Wuting.

Li Wuting: ?

Ning Rushen replied, “Just an itch; I scratched it.”

Huo Mian helpfully reminded him, “Oh, make sure you’re not eating random things outside.”

“…” Random things outside.

He’d accidentally stepped on a landmine!

And sure enough, a faint sneer wafted over from the other side: Hmph.

Ning Rushen cleared his throat, “I… always eat only the best things.”

Huo Mian looked absolutely astonished!

…

With His Majesty lingering at the Ministry of Rites, no officials dared to leave.

Not until Li Wuting finished his inspection and left the Ministry of Rites did Geng Yan finally pull Ning Rushen close. “Quick, let’s sneak away.”

Just as they stepped out the door, De Quan came rushing over:

“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you~”

“…”

The back of Ning Rushen’s neck tingled as if being invisibly pinched.

He looked toward the distant, green-carpeted carriage, gave Geng Yan a pat, and headed over.

Lifting the curtain, he entered the carriage.

Inside, Li Wuting sat calmly, with a finely crafted glass box on the small table in front of him.

Li Wuting gestured, “It’s an ointment. Take it.”

Ning Rushen blinked, surprised as he took it, “Thank you, Your Majesty…”

Did the palace really provide post-meal service?

Seeing him take the box, Li Wuting asked, “Seen a doctor?”

Ning Rushen shook his head, “No, it’s just an itch. I’ll be fine with a scratch.”

Li Wuting’s brow creased.

De Quan quickly picked up on the Emperor’s concern, raising a finger dramatically. “That won’t do! We must at least find out what he’s allergic to.”

Ning Rushen thought back to yesterday’s royal feast, swallowing slightly. “Maybe I could eat it all again, testing each dish.”

Li Wuting, “…”

With a faint smile, he replied, “Lord Ning’s medical approach remains… straightforward.”

Ning Rushen shyly pressed his lips together. “It’s all local wisdom.”

·

The carriage couldn’t linger on the busy street.

Taking the ointment, Ning Rushen prepared to leave.

He turned to lift the curtain, his black hair cascading over his shoulder, with a sliver of light casting over his neck, highlighting the faint red marks.

“Take a cloak.” A voice came from behind him.

Ning Rushen turned back: ?

De Quan handed him the cloak.

Ning Rushen hesitated, “Your Majesty, I’m not cold today.”

If anything, he felt a little fired up after the argument.

“It’s to cover up.” Li Wuting’s gaze lingered briefly. “It wouldn’t look proper for an official to be walking around with… scratch marks in public.”

“???” What?

Ning Rushen, “Would it make it seem like all our officials have itching problems?”

“…” Li Wuting, “It’s unsightly.”

And with that, he shooed him off the carriage.

Ning Rushen: .

Back at the mansion, he decided to consult a doctor.

Medical expertise in this era was limited. Although the exact allergen couldn’t be identified, the doctor prescribed some ointments and suggested a list of foods to avoid.

With the ointment applied, the redness on Ning Rushen’s neck faded.

In three days, it would be the interview.

He lounged on a short couch by his study desk, gazing out the window thoughtfully for a moment before taking up paper and pen, spreading out to write.

Page after page filled under his pen.

Half an hour later, Ning Rushen admired his work with satisfaction. Li Wuting had told him to “use his discretion,” so he certainly did so—liberally.

…

The interview day arrived soon enough.

Three days later, the weather was clear and bright.

Ning Rushen donned a red official robe, took up the stack of papers he had written, and set out for the examination hall.

At the same time, within the palace.

Shi Yi knelt, faithfully reporting his findings.

He recounted the events at the western restaurant, and Li Wuting stood at the front of the hall, chuckling coldly after hearing it. “Do those noble brats think I’m that easy to manipulate?”

Shi Yi added, “One of Yu’s sons even called Your Majesty a ‘cruel master.’” The word “cruel” was emphasized, making it sound particularly harsh.

Li Wuting’s gaze darkened.

“How dare they!” De Quan spat, turning to Li Wuting. “Daring to slander Your Majesty like this, they deserve death! Don’t worry, Your Majesty, we’ll let Lord Ning handle them first!”

A quiet moment passed over the hall.

Then Li Wuting spoke in a measured tone, “I’d like to see what he’s planning.”

“Yes.” De Quan quickly gave the order to prepare the carriage.

Just before they set off, Li Wuting paused, turning to Shi Yi. “Is that all?”

Shi Yi replied, “Yes, Lord Ning has been fond of buns recently and has ordered me to stand in line every day, rain or shine.”

Li Wuting paused. “He’s been working hard.”

Shi Yi, thrilled, replied, “It’s no trouble!”

Li Wuting shot him a look. “…” I wasn’t talking about you.

He then left the palace.

·

Meanwhile, at the examination hall.

The center of the hall was curtained off, and candidates lined up to receive their badges before entering the exam rooms.

In Room Ji You, Yu Tiao entered.

Inside, he recognized several faces. Other noble sons from the city’s command division were present. He paused, confused. “What’s going on?”

The others exchanged glances. “Wasn’t this supposed to be random?”

Yu Tiao couldn’t understand, but he pushed down his unease and took his seat. “Doesn’t matter. We just need to pass this interview.”

“Exactly, then we’ll show that Ning Rushen.”

Just then, footsteps approached from the back of the room.

The room fell silent.

As the candidates held their breath, a figure in a red official robe entered, his robe adorned with a glimmering wild goose pattern, radiating nobility and clarity.

Ning Rushen walked up to the main examination table and gave a slight smile.

Yu Tiao’s mind buzzed as he stared, face paling, in disbelief at the man standing as the chief examiner:

How could it be Ning Rushen!?

The other noble sons were equally stunned, speechless.

Ning Rushen smiled at them, just as he had at lunch that day, and gestured with a small nod, “Take your seats.”

He sat down and pointed to the stack of papers:

“Let’s begin the group interview.”