Chapter 2: A Little White Flower

“Lord Ning!”

“Quickly, someone help, Lord Ning has fainted!”

…

A wave of dizziness hit him, and he could vaguely hear some commotion around him.

Ning Rushen’s memory was still stuck in the previous second when he came out of the teaching building and then suddenly felt like he was being dragged along the ground like a dead body.

Coughing, he suddenly woke up and opened his eyes.

After the piercing white light faded, he saw a red-walled staircase before him and a group of people dressed in ancient court attire passing through the Meridian Gate in a majestic manner, as if it were a scene from a historical drama.

And he sat on the open ground not far from the procession.

Lowering his head, he reached out his hand.

In his line of sight was a crimson robe, and the exposed wrist was pale and slender.

Ning Rushen turned the wrist over.

Had he fallen to his death?

Just as he was thinking, a man in a white robe hurriedly approached from a distance. “Lord Ning!”

Ning Rushen looked up and assessed the person. “Bai Wuchang?”
^[1]“Bai Wuchang” refers to a supernatural entity in Chinese folklore associated with death and the afterlife.
The imperial physician paused in his footsteps, “…”

A voice suddenly came from beside him, “Did you hit your head and damage your brain?”

Ning Rushen turned his head and noticed another person standing beside him. This person was dressed in a light pink court attire, appearing to be in his early twenties. He was grimacing while rubbing his knee and giving Ning Rushen a displeased look.

Two young eunuchs hurriedly interjected with apologetic smiles, “Lord Geng, Lord Ning did indeed take quite a hit.”

Geng Yan glanced at Ning Rushen and muttered, “Trouble always finds you.”

Ning Rushen took a closer look at the people before him. The pain he felt in his body was vivid, and the surrounding environment was clear and well-defined. After a momentary buzzing in his head, he was forced to admit one fact:

He hadn’t died; he had traveled through time.

However, he had no idea which dynasty it was or who he was.

Ning Rushen rubbed his head and decided to figure out the situation first. “My mind is not quite clear at the moment. Where am I? What has happened?”

Silence fell upon the scene.

The young eunuchs looked terrified, and the imperial physician hastily grabbed Ning Rushen’s wrist, closing his eyes while moving his lips. Faintly, a few words could be discerned: It’s over, it’s over, it’s over…

Geng Yan opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, observing Ning Rushen for a long time before unable to resist limping closer and asking, “Did you…really damage your brain?”

Ning Rushen stared at Geng Yan with a pale complexion.

Geng Yan took a deep breath and said, “Right now, it’s the emperor’s coronation ceremony. Do you remember? We were returning from the outskirts of the city, passing through the Meridian Gate. You, blind as a bat and lame as a dog, tripped and fell, dragging me down as well. Have you forgotten all of that?”

Ning Rushen remained silent.

Within those short forty-eight words, who knows how many emotions were conveyed.

Unable to hold back, he asked, “We have a terrible relationship, don’t we?”

Geng Yan nodded. “Absolutely.”

Ning Rushen sighed, realizing that he had no memories whatsoever. He carried no knowledge of any grudges or affections.

All he knew now was that he was a court official.

Although he wasn’t sure of the dynasty, judging by his attire—a crimson court robe and a silver belt with ornate buckles—he estimated himself to be around the fourth or fifth rank.

Lost in contemplation, he noticed the imperial physician retracting his hand and saying, “Your Excellency’s physical condition is poor, and this fall has caused significant injuries. Your life is not in danger, but there is intracranial hemorrhage that affects the nerves, especially memory and cognition…”

Ning Rushen waved his hand and said, “It’s not a big problem.”

He thanked the perplexed imperial physician and asked the young eunuch, “If we go now, can we still make it to the coronation ceremony?”

The young eunuch replied, “Yes, Your Excellency.”

Geng Yan’s leg injury was also treated, and he stood up, grumbling, “As long as you don’t stumble again.”

One person bumped his head, the other injured his leg.

Led by the young eunuch, they clumsily made their way through the long corridor towards the direction of the Golden Luang Hall.

Ning Rushen had a headache and his feet were in pain. He realized that his body was indeed in poor condition.

After walking for a while, they finally heard the distant sounds of ceremonial music.

Ahead, they could already see a sea of courtiers and the magnificent and grand palace steps.

When they were close to the end of the procession, Ning Rushen suddenly remembered an important question.

He turned to Geng Yan and asked, “By the way, what’s my name?”

Geng Yan replied, “Ning Chen.”

Ning Rushen mentally cursed. “Your the treacherous minister and your entire family.”

He warned Geng Yan, “Watch your words, or I’ll report you for slandering an imperial official.”

Geng Yan couldn’t believe it. “What kind of porcelain did you bump into!?”

“…”

The two stared at each other.

After a moment of eye contact, Ning Rushen slowly closed his eyes and placed a hand over his chest. His mental state was exploding:

So, his name really is “Treacherous Minister.”

Well, damn, what a provocative name!

After three chimes of the bell and drums,

Ning Rushen managed to enter the palace just in time.

He stood in the queue with the other officials, bowing and chanting “Long live Your Majesty” a few times. As he stood up, he secretly glanced towards the throne.

The living Emperor.

Let him take a look.

His gaze pierced through the court and landed on the young emperor wearing a jade crown, his face uncovered by any veil. His countenance was cold, handsome, and aloof. He appeared to have just come of age, but his aura seemed to surpass his youth.

Like an ancient and sharp sword.

A single glance made one’s heart tremble.

As Ning Rushen was discreetly observing, the Emperor sitting high on the dragon throne suddenly shifted his gaze, seemingly scanning in his direction.

His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his eyelids!

Over twenty years of survival experience: Avoid making eye contact with the teacher during class.

The voice of the Minister of Rites continued to resonate calmly in the front. After a few moments, the gaze that had been lingering in his direction slowly shifted away.

…

The new emperor received the imperial seal, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the land.

The final part of the grand ceremony was the bestowal of rewards to the officials.

Grand eunuch Dequan stood in the front, holding the imperial edict, his slender voice resonating through the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Ning Rushen, standing in the queue, was lost in his thoughts when suddenly he heard a familiar and provocative name: “Scholar-Official Ning Chen—”

Ning Rushen took a moment to react: Who would dare to show such disrespect?

But then it dawned on him: Oh, it’s him.

“Ning Chen, possessing both virtue and talent, his literary prowess is extraordinary, as decreed by the late emperor…” Suddenly, Dequan’s voice faltered, “Your, Your Majesty?”

Ning Rushen: ?

Ning Rushen looked up, only to see the emperor standing up.

The entire hall fell into complete silence.

Li Wuting stood upon the grand hall, his gaze piercing through the court until it landed on the figure before him—Ning Chen.

Initially appointed as a trusted minister by the late emperor, Ning Chen later colluded with the influential clans, embezzled grain funds, framed loyal officials, and conspired against the throne… His network of supporters extended far and wide, causing the imperial court to be riddled with countless problems.

The scene of ten thousand arrows being unleashed in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony was just yesterday.

Li Wuting’s gaze grew colder as he took a step forward.

In the solemn court, the newly ascended emperor descended the steps, stopping in front of Ning Rushen.

Their eyes met, and a glint of murderous intent flashed in those sharp and icy eyes.

Ning Rushen: …

What’s happening here?

Before he could grasp the sudden murderous intent emanating from the emperor, the emperor’s hand swiftly rose—

A sense of alarm surged through his heart!

The powerful force of the palm strike was about to land on him, and in the presence of the courtiers’ watchful eyes, Ning Rushen suddenly collapsed with a thud! His face turned pale as snow, and his eyes reddened, trembling like a delicate white flower swaying in the wind.

“…”

The courtiers regained their senses and exclaimed in shock, “Your Majesty, spare him!”

“Your Majesty, why would you do this?”

“Nobleman Ning will be beaten to death—”

The last phrase, uttered by an unknown courtier, elongated the word “death,” almost breaking into a strained voice.

Li Wuting, who hadn’t actually struck anyone: ?

He lowered his gaze and looked expressionlessly at the person lying before him.

Ning Rushen, after touching the floor, raised his head and met the intense gaze once again.

“…” He wiped his eyes again and reluctantly lowered his head, saying, “I-I’m so weak.” He whimpered.

Li Wuting: …

Ning Rushen’s pale and feeble wrist peeked out from his wide sleeve, supporting his slender figure. His hair fell loosely, and the red birthmark on his earlobe complemented his crimson robe, creating a sorrowful sight.

He looked exactly like someone who had suffered bullying.

Li Wuting’s empty hand trembled slightly, and he let out a bitter laughter:

Good. What a cunning minister.

Ning Rushen, still bowing his head and trembling lightly, heard a faint cold laughter coming from above: Hmph.

“…” He immediately started coughing as if his heart was being torn apart.

In the next moment, a large hand firmly grasped Ning Rushen’s arm. He felt a strong force lifting him up from the ground—

To say he was lifted would be more like being clamped.

Ning Rushen stood upright and raised his head, meeting Li Wuting’s incomparably handsome face. His profound features were like finely carved jade, revealing no emotions.

Li Wuting lowered his eyelashes and pressed one hand on Ning Rushen’s shoulder.

His thumb, separated by the fabric, gently pressed against his slender shoulder, hinting at something as he nodded. “Ning Qing, your body is truly weak. You collapsed with just a pat on the shoulder.”

Ning Rushen weakly smiled. “…”

You almost sent me to the next world with that pat.

Where’s your horse?

The touch lasted just a moment, and Li Wuting quickly withdrew his hand, turning around as if nothing had happened. “Dequan, continue.”

Dequan hurriedly bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The tense atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.

Dequan continued to read, “By the late Emperor’s decree, he is appointed as the esteemed Grand Scholar. By this order—”

Ning Rushen said, “…I thank Your Majesty for your grace.”

…

The lengthy coronation ceremony finally came to an end.

The officials returned to their residences, they would re-enter the palace for the evening banquet.

Li Wuting’s figure disappeared behind the grand hall, and immediately Ning Rushen’s colleagues surrounded him!

“Lord Ning has truly won the Emperor’s favor. With the late Emperor’s decree and the Emperor’s personal commendation, it’s an unparalleled honor!”

“The Emperor personally patted your shoulder. What a privilege!”

Ning Rushen smiled weakly. Do you want to take this good fortune from me?

While they were engaged in their discussions, Geng Yan approached from behind and called Ning Rushen aside, disdainfully saying, “How did you become so delicate after bumping your head? Just a pat on the shoulder and you turned out like this.”

Ning Rushen felt that Geng Yan was really going out of his way.

He came over specifically to humiliate him.

Recalling the previous situation, Ning Rushen sighed, “I didn’t expect to have such good popularity.” So many people pleaded for mercy on his behalf.

Geng Yan laughed at Ning Rushen’s naivety, saying, “It’s just a case of the rabbit’s death causing the fox to grieve.”

Ning Rushen fell into silence and sorrowfully closed his eyes, “Your heart is truly black.”

Geng Yan, “…”

Geng Yan felt a surge of anger. ‘Damn it’

The courtiers had scattered in pairs, and Ning Rushen walked towards the exit of the hall. Geng Yan suddenly thought of something and hurriedly caught up with a few steps, “By the way, since you’ve bumped your head, what do you plan to do afterwards?”

Ning Rushen tucked his sleeve and looked into the distance, “I’ll return home and write a resignation letter, retiring from my official position.”

Geng Yan’s head spun upon hearing that. “What!?”

…
Inside the warm study.

Li Wuting removed his heavy ceremonial attire and changed into lightweight casual clothing.

The black outer garment draped over his straight back, neatly folded in the front. His dignified and composed demeanor exuded a sense of self-control.

Dequan stood respectfully by with a washbasin in hand.

After Li Wuting finished changing, he immersed his hands in the basin, the warm water covering the knuckles and the calluses on the back of his hand.
Amidst the gentle splashing sounds of water, the Emperor’s cool voice resounded:

“Nothing of significance happened during today’s ceremony, right?”

Dequan responded, “Your Majesty, there was nothing wrong with today’s ceremony.”

Pausing for a moment, Dequan hesitated and said, “There is one small matter that I’m not sure whether to bother Your Majesty with…”

“Speak.”

“The esteemed Lord Ning stumbled at the gate…” He had just begun speaking, but the sound of water came to a halt.

Li Wuting raised his eyes and looked directly at Dequan. “Oh?”

Dequan carefully continued, “together with Deputy Minister Geng. Lord Ning had a more serious fall and hit his head, while Deputy Minister Geng suffered some minor abrasions on his knee.”

“He hit his head?”

“Yes.” Dequan tried to gauge the Emperor’s reaction and selectively reported a portion of Ning Rushen’s condition. “It is said that he seemed like a different person afterward.”

Author’s Note:

• This story is essentially a lighthearted court drama. It will gradually unfold with a storyline and some background setup.
• Please note that the setting is fictional, so do not compare it to real historical events.