De Quan broke into a cold sweat. These ministers dared to speak so freely about their colleagues, even bringing up the emperor and the two princes… It was utterly vulgar and reckless!

However, Li Wuting’s lashes lowered, his lips pressed into a sharp line. He stood there for two seconds, then turned and walked away without saying a word.

After taking a few steps, he asked, “Do you recognize them?”

De Quan was momentarily stunned, then realized Li Wuting was asking the Royal Guard commander beside him.

Yin Zhao responded calmly, “Hanlin Academy Editor Lu Zhang, Compiler Gong Huilin, and Tan Feng.”

Li Wuting walked across the grass back toward the main tent, “Hmm.”

The guards were busy setting up the arena for horseback archery and pitch-pot.

Ning Rushen had slipped over to the fence to watch the excitement with Geng Yan, and trailing behind him was the little prince, Li Jingyu, who seemed to have nothing better to do.

“You son of a—” Geng Yan turned around, boiling with anger, only to almost choke! He quickly bowed, “This official greets His Highness, Prince Jing.”

Li Jingyu waved his hand, “You may rise, Lord Dog.”

Geng Yan: …

Ning Rushen softly said, “Your Highness, this is Assistant Minister Geng.”

Li Jingyu seemed thoughtful, So he’s called Geng Dog.

Given the crowd around them, Ning Rushen leaned in and whispered, “Young prince, let’s not talk about ‘tying people up’ anymore.”

“Why?” Li Jingyu blinked.

Ning Rushen bluffed, “It’s related to the emperor’s private matters.”

Li Jingyu nodded, “Alright.”

The two continued hanging by the fence. Soon, Li Yingtang also found them, “Jingyu, here you are. Lord Ning is with you. What are you talking about?”

Li Jingyu, with an air of secrecy, said, “We’re discussing imperial brother’s private matters.”

Li Yingtang: ???

“…” Ning Rushen quickly changed the subject, “Your Highness Prince Xuan.”

Li Yingtang looked at him, opened his mouth but closed it again, finally pulling out a fan and fanning himself, saying no more.

Now all three of them were hanging onto the fence.

Ning Rushen, dressed in crimson riding attire, had a tall and slender figure with a slim waist and long legs. He was eye-catching and radiant, already drawing a lot of attention.

Now, with two prominent figures beside him, he attracted even more stares.

But Ning Rushen himself seemed oblivious.

He was still leaning against the fence, deep in thought about how he could blend in with the crowd later.

Geng Yan, unable to bear it any longer, nudged him, “Tone it down a bit, don’t stand out so much.”

Ning Rushen snapped out of his thoughts, “Me? Where?”

He hadn’t done anything! He was just hanging on the fence like a lifeless fish!

Geng Yan, frustrated, said, “The Spring Hunt is a chance for officials to showcase their abilities before the emperor. If someone manages to outperform the emperor’s favorite in horseback archery or pitch-pot…”

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but scoff, “They’d dare?”

Geng Yan, “…”

Not far away, Li Yingtang stifled a laugh.

·

The setup was completed quickly.

By the time everything was ready, the sun was still shining but had begun to slant toward the horizon.

The emperor arrived from the main tent and took his seat at the viewing platform. Li Wuting, in his riding gear, cut an imposing figure, sitting at the head of the platform with a regal and sharp presence, like an unsheathed sword.

From afar, Ning Rushen couldn’t help but notice the calluses on Li Wuting’s hands and knuckles, likely from years of wielding a sword. He remembered the rough texture that scratched him last time in the Imperial Study, making his face itch. The calluses seemed to tell of a lifetime of martial training.

As his thoughts wandered, the ceremony concluded, and the civil and military officials divided for their competitions.

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality as a group of people rushed forward like carp scrambling for food. He relaxed.

With this much enthusiasm, they wouldn’t call on him.

Just as he was feeling relieved, someone suddenly called out loudly, “I’ve heard that Grand Scholar Ning is proficient in all six arts of a gentleman. Why not show us a demonstration?”

Ning Rushen: ?

His eyes widened slightly, someone really dared!

In an instant, all eyes were on him.

Following the voice, he saw three young officials standing in the center, the leader flashing him a somewhat malicious grin.

Lu Zhang clasped his hands and said with mock humility, “Horseback archery or pitch-pot, whichever you prefer, Lord Ning.”

Under the gaze of the crowd.

Ning Rushen’s lips twitched, his expression a mix of confusion and unease…

Lu Zhang’s confidence grew, and he waited eagerly.

After several silent moments, Ning Rushen, flustered, turned to Geng Yan for help, “Who is he?”

Lu Zhang: …

The crowd: …

Geng Yan, unable to look, muttered, “Your colleague from the Hanlin Academy, Lecturer Lu.”

On the viewing platform.

De Quan chuckled to Li Wuting, “It seems Lord Ning’s memory hasn’t fully recovered.”

Li Wuting glanced down at the scene and gave a faint, amused laugh.

In the arena, Ning Rushen apologized to Lu Zhang, realizing this was a setup. He glanced over at the group and then gave a small smile. “Let’s go with horseback archery then.”

The atmosphere grew quiet.

Lu Zhang and his companions were visibly startled.

Ning Rushen had already turned to pick a horse, searching for the gentlest one, inwardly chuckling:

Did they think he’d definitely pick pitch-pot?

We’re all frail scholars; let’s all suffer together.

…

Soon, the horses were chosen.

For non-military horses, no saddles or equipment were provided.

Ning Rushen sat awkwardly on the horse, his feet dangling and feeling uncomfortable from the jolts. He tightened his grip on the reins, straightened his posture, and squeezed the horse’s sides with his long legs.

His long hair swayed behind him, the ends brushing against his lower back.

The black hair and crimson outfit made him stand out even more.

Not far away, Lu Zhang, Tan Feng, and their group couldn’t help but glance repeatedly at Ning Rushen’s slender waist and tightly clamped legs.

They exchanged a knowing, ambiguous look.

Lu Zhang then quickly averted his gaze, pretending to be serious. “Let’s begin.”

·

The viewing platform gave an excellent vantage point of the entire arena.

De Quan, sharp-eyed, noticed their lingering stares and inwardly spat, disgusting scoundrels! You’re not worthy!

He spat with such genuine disgust that his head even leaned out halfway.

Li Wuting noticed and his brow twitched. “…De Quan.”

De Quan snapped back to reality, raising his hand to cover his face. “Forgive this servant!”

“What nonsense are you thinking now?”

“Ah, this servant was just worried about Lord Ning~”

De Quan, sensing the emperor’s mood, skillfully shifted the conversation toward the black-haired, crimson-clad figure in the arena. “Horseback archery requires three laps around the field, and whoever reaches the finish line first wins. How could Lord Ning’s body withstand all that jostling?”

A faint laugh followed. “Worried about him? Have you ever seen him suffer even a bit?”

De Quan blinked, confused.

Just then, the drums sounded from the field.

Li Wuting shifted his gaze. “Watch.”

…

In the arena, three figures shot off like arrows.

Ning Rushen remained seated on his horse, watching the others charge ahead in a cloud of dust. He, on the other hand, leisurely trotted along the edge of the field, you all can jostle yourselves to death. I’ll take my time.

His casual demeanor made it seem as if he was inspecting the emperor’s lands rather than competing in a race.

In contrast, the three competitors ahead, straining every muscle in a mad dash, appeared somewhat ridiculous.

The field was vast, and completing a single lap took some time.

Lu Zhang, gritting his teeth, pushed through the first lap, nearly shaken apart by the rough ride.

Looking up, he saw Ning Rushen strolling leisurely, and anger flared within him. As the distance closed between them, an idea struck him. With a swift kick to his horse’s side, he pretended to veer off and charge toward Ning Rushen!

Ning Rushen, enjoying his peaceful ride, suddenly heard the sound of approaching hooves.

He turned to see Lu Zhang charging straight at him on horseback.

His heart skipped a beat, and he pulled the reins to dodge.

Just as the two horses were about to collide, a small pebble suddenly flew out from the side, hitting the back leg of Lu Zhang’s horse with a sharp snap, pop!

Neighhh— Lu Zhang’s horse reared in pain, darting away from Ning Rushen’s horse in a frenzy.

At the same time, Ning Rushen’s horse also spooked, rearing up with a loud neigh.

Ning Rushen was jolted upward, clinging tightly to the horse’s neck, his legs gripping the horse’s sides as his crimson robes billowed in the wind.

From outside the field came shouts of alarm, “Lord Ning!”

While suspended in midair, a figure suddenly appeared.

Yin Zhao, the commander of the Royal Guards, grabbed the reins, calming the startled horse, which snorted a few times before settling.

Ning Rushen finally steadied himself. “Thank you, Commander Yin.”

Yin Zhao replied, “No need to thank me.”

Huh? Ning Rushen hadn’t fully processed what was happening when panicked cries echoed from ahead. He looked up to see Lu Zhang bouncing on his horse like a loose balloon, galloping off into the distance.

“……”

The horses were spooked, and the competition had to be halted.

Lu Zhang and his companions stood before Li Wuting, apologizing, while Ning Rushen stood beside them, still thinking about that “pop” sound.

A traitor among us?

As he pondered, Li Wuting spoke, “The situation was unexpected; it’s not your fault.”

Lu Zhang and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

The next moment, they heard Li Wuting continue, “I saw your excellent riding skills. You set a great example. I hereby permit you to continue the race. After twenty more laps, we will determine the winner, for the benefit of your colleagues to observe and learn.”

“Twe…” Lu Zhang’s legs nearly gave out as he almost collapsed.

Li Wuting added, “Ning Chen was injured by a startled horse. He is disqualified.”

Ning Rushen snapped out of his thoughts, huh?

Li Wuting said sternly, “Now return to your post at the emperor’s side.”

“…” Ning Rushen opened his mouth, “Understood.”

·

Lu Zhang and his companions, devastated, went off to complete their laps.

Ning Rushen walked up to the viewing platform, bowing to Li Wuting, “This official thanks His Majesty for his kindness.”

Thankfully, he hadn’t been “granted” the same privilege, or twenty laps later, his legs would be rubbed raw.

Li Wuting glanced at him, “Hmm.”

With no further orders, Ning Rushen stood by, waiting.

His legs, sore from the friction, and his lower back, aching from the ride, prompted him to shift his posture slightly and rub his waist, trying to ease the discomfort.

Li Wuting’s peripheral vision caught the movement, and it annoyed him.

He tapped his fingers on the table, “Give him a seat.”

A low stool was placed beside the desk, typically reserved for the emperor’s attendants or concubines. Since Li Wuting had no concubines, Ning Rushen sat down.

This spot placed him very close to Li Wuting.

So close, in fact, that if he turned his head, he could almost brush against Li Wuting’s knee.

The competition continued on the field, and Li Wuting sat upright, focused on the action.

After a while, Ning Rushen began to recall the earlier “pop” sound. He mulled it over for a few seconds before casually bringing it up.

“Speaking of which… Just now, when the horses almost collided, some pebble came flying out of nowhere and saved me.”

Li Wuting glanced at him.

Ning Rushen hesitated to be too blunt, so he murmured to himself, “It didn’t seem like Commander Yin. Who could it have been?”

“……”

Suddenly, a large hand clamped onto his cheek, turning his face back.

“Uh…” Ning Rushen’s eyes met Li Wuting’s sharp gaze, the intensity in his deep eyes cutting like cold stars.

Li Wuting examined him closely, “Since when did you, Ning Qing, start taking credit on behalf of others?”

Even when it had nothing to do with his own interests.

For the Geng family, for Shi Yi.

In the close distance, the atmosphere became more oppressive.

After a long pause, Ning Rushen, his lips squeezed into a fish-like pout, muttered, “Since… they started becoming worth it.”

Li Wuting, “………”

·

The first competition soon ended.

Li Wuting rose from his seat, leaving the viewing platform with his entourage of eunuchs and guards.

As soon as the emperor departed, the officials around the field also began to disperse.

Ning Rushen descended from the platform, glancing around. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the field, while three riders continued their dismal laps.

Yin Zhao stood off to the side, holding his embroidered spring blade, overseeing the race.

Ning Rushen approached him, “How many laps have they done?”

Yin Zhao replied, “Twelve.”

Ning Rushen was shocked, “It’s been so long, and only twelve?”

Yin Zhao said nonchalantly, “I took a break to watch the pitch-pot competition, so I lost count.”

Ning Rushen, “……” A man who knows how to play the game.

Bidding farewell to Yin Zhao, he returned to his tent.

After a tiring afternoon, Ning Rushen took a bath and changed into fresh clothes. By the time he emerged, night had already fallen.

Fires were lit around the camp, with guards patrolling in pairs.

Ning Rushen thought for a moment and decided to head to a quieter spot. He called out cautiously into the night, “Little Pebble?”

No response.

He bent down, picked up a small stone, and flicked it, pop.

A few seconds later, Shi Yi appeared silently in front of him, “What is it?”

…So he followed me after all.

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly, “Thanks for helping with the horse earlier. How did you even get into the Spring Hunt grounds? Private guards aren’t allowed here.”

Shi Yi replied, “They’re not, but all the Royal Guards recognize me. No one stopped me when I came in.”

Ning Rushen mused, oh, no one knows you’ve been cast out yet…

Shi Yi added, “Besides, the leader told me to follow you.”

“…I don’t think he meant this kind of ‘following.’”

Ning Rushen, exasperated by his honesty, rubbed his temples, “Forget it. Just go back before anyone…”

Mid-sentence, he saw Shi Yi’s pupils constrict slightly, as if he wanted to slip away but was somehow rooted in place by instinct.

Ning Rushen felt a jolt in his chest.

The next second, Li Wuting’s voice came from behind, “Ning Qing, who are you talking to?”

“……”

He was standing in the space where the light from the fires met the shadows of the tents.

Ning Rushen turned and saw Li Wuting standing with De Quan and a group of guards in tow.

His lips moved awkwardly, while Li Wuting’s gaze shifted past him to Shi Yi standing behind him.

The three of them exchanged startled looks.

The scene suddenly grew a bit awkward.

Ning Rushen found himself in one of the most uncomfortable moments of his life—

His former boss, his current boss, and the dismissed “double agent” were all meeting for the first time.

The most embarrassing part was, should they even acknowledge their relationships?

If they did, then everything would be dragged out into the open—Li Wuting throwing pebbles at him via the Royal Guards, Shi Yi playing both sides, and his own shameful antics in the Imperial Study.

It would all be aired out like dirty laundry.

It was clear that the other two had also thought about this. The silence between them was heavy, with no one willing to break the ice.

Li Wuting looked at him with a deep, unreadable gaze, not saying a word.

Shi Yi employed his “foolish retreat” strategy, hanging his head and playing dumb.

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, deciding to preserve everyone’s dignity and maintain the delicate balance of not exposing the truth.

“Your Majesty, this is my guard, Little Pebble.”

Li Wuting paused for two seconds, “Hmm.”

Not asking any further questions, it seemed he accepted this explanation.

Ning Rushen played along, “Alright, Little Pebble, you may leave now.”

Shi Yi bowed and turned to go.

At that moment, Yin Zhao came over to report to Li Wuting after finishing the lap count. 

“Your Majesty.” 

He spotted Shi Yi and looked him up and down with his spring blade in hand.

“Oh, Shi Yi, are you also here to report to His Majesty?”