Li Wuting remained silent, his face tensed with a slight chill.

De Quan noticed Ning Rushen’s previously used ring and the casually replaced hairband still lying around. It seemed Ning treated the palace as his own home, but since the emperor hadn’t said anything, the servants hadn’t touched them either.

De Quan’s eyes darted, and he cleared his throat, “Lord Ning really should come pick up his stuff… it’s just cluttering up His Majesty’s space!”

Li Wuting responded indifferently, “If he doesn’t take it, just throw it out as junk.”

Seizing the cue, De Quan said slyly, “Ah, I’ll send someone to call Lord Ning back to pick up his junk!”

With that, he waved his feather duster, “Hurry up and go.”

As he turned back towards the edge of the field, he let out a lukewarm snort.

Ning Rushen followed Huo Mian into the mansion, surveying the austere grandeur of the estate with its sturdy trees and broad paths.

Passing through the front courtyard, they came to a spacious training field where about ten personal soldiers were practicing loudly.

Ning Rushen commented with enthusiasm, “Your place is quite lively.”

Huo Mian pointed, “These are the brothers from my personal guard I brought back from the northern frontier.”

The two walked to the edge of the field, and Huo Mian called them over, “Come here! Let me introduce someone.”

One of them looked at Ning Rushen, sizing up his combat potential, “Eh? Is this the moving target the general brought over…?”

Huo Mian slapped him with a clap! Then corrected himself, “Active… brother.”

Ning Rushen praised, “…Sounds auspicious.”

Huo Mian reintroduced, “Lord Ning is here as a guest today. After we finish practicing archery, I’ll join you guys for a match!”

Ning Rushen picked up a bow and stood beside Huo Mian at the edge of the field.

Huo Mian was less strict than Li Wuting, chatting while they shot arrows.

“So, you’re taking part in the civil service exams, what are you in charge of?”

Ning Rushen’s thoughts drifted suddenly, “Eating.”

Wiping out a hundred families’ feast.

Huo Mian, “? What?”

Ning Rushen shook his head, snapping back to reality, “I’m in charge of one group’s interview.”

“Oh, I heard about the interview thing,” Huo Mian said. “The Emperor and the Ministry of Rites have set up new rules, apparently it’s random grouping. Groups don’t share information about candidates or questions.”

Ning Rushen nodded, “That’s how it should be.”

This process mainly aimed to clean up the old factions, ensuring secrecy and fairness to other candidates.

Li Wuting would have thought everything through.

—Except the examiner is himself with a supposedly cracked brain.

He murmured, “He might want me to go on a killing spree…”

Huo Mian’s body tensed, alertly turning his head, “What are you thinking about? I just felt a rebel’s aura coming from you.”

Ning Rushen immediately reverted to normal, “Nothing like that.”

He paused, then couldn’t help but sincerely ask, “Do you remember anywhere I might have offended His Majesty?”

Otherwise, why would he always throw him into the pit?

Huo Mian was baffled, “How could you offend His Majesty? You were appointed by the late emperor and also contributed to His Majesty’s ascension. Besides, isn’t he teaching you archery every day? Look around the court; which other official receives such favor?”

Huo Mian laughed again, “Oh! Even though you got kicked out because of flat walnuts. Hahaha…”

Ning Rushen, “…”

Is that laughter polite?

Ignoring the offensive Huo Mian, he resumed his archery practice.

The afternoon light was just right, with pleasant sunshine falling on them.

Huo Mian looked at him and suddenly remarked, “Not to mention, you’ve been practicing diligently recently, and you look healthier.”

Ning Rushen paused, “Do I?”

·

After practicing for a while, the two put away their bows.

Huo Mian joined his soldiers in the training field for a vigorous session of weapons training, creating a whirlwind of activity.

Ning Rushen squatted by the field, enjoying the spectacle with the soldiers. After clapping and betting on winners a few times, he quickly integrated, earning some snacks and a few cups of fermented fruit juice.

The fruit juice was lightly fermented and sweet.

Not strong enough to intoxicate, but enough to flush one’s cheeks.

Having finished his drink, Ning Rushen’s eyes gleamed, and his ears tinged pink, causing several close soldiers to sneak peeks, touching their noses with a hint of restraint.

The atmosphere was lively both inside and outside the field.

Just then, a servant hurriedly reported that someone from the palace had arrived.

The field quieted down, Ning Rushen leaned forward from his kneeling position: ?

Huo Mian wiped his sweat and turned to see a young eunuch approaching rapidly, “What brings you here, honorable eunuch?”

The eunuch had spotted Ning Rushen from afar.

—Ning sat amidst a group of men, his crimson official robe strikingly conspicuous. He looked thoroughly cheerful, practically glowing.

He hurried over and bowed, “I don’t mean to disturb the general, but I am here by imperial command to find Lord Ning.”

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.

Ning Rushen was baffled. How did they know he was at the general’s mansion?

Who’s been leaking information?

He stood and asked, “What’s the matter?”

The eunuch recalled the imperial order, stumbling a bit as he bowed, “Lord Ning, His Majesty has ordered you to come back and pick up your… your junk!”

Ning Rushen: …??

…

Half an hour later.

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.

He thought that by this time Li Wuting would not be at the archery pavilion, but upon entering, he saw that familiar figure.

Li Wuting was practicing archery, his broad and upright back unshakeable like a mountain.

Palace servants waited around.

De Quan, standing behind Li Wuting, hurried over when he saw Ning arrive.

Ning Rushen greeted, “Eunuch De Quan, I’ve come to collect my junk…”

“What are you talking about, Lord Ning!”

De Quan dusted him with his feather duster, giving him meaningful looks. Leading him over, he whispered urgently, “When you get there, don’t mention picking up junk. Stick around at all costs.”

Ning Rushen, “???”

Was he here to pick a fight, sticking around?

They quickly approached the field.

De Quan urgently advised, “Just remember, I wouldn’t harm you!”

Ning Rushen, still shocked, replied, “…Alright.”

He reached Li Wuting just as the emperor hit the bullseye with enormous force, the arrowhead sinking deep into the target.

Ning Rushen moistened his lips, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”

Li Wuting turned to look over.

He saw Ning Rushen’s eyes bright, his cheeks and lips flushed, looking quite well-nourished.

Li Wuting scoffed, “It seems I’ve interrupted Lord Ning’s fun.”

Ning Rushen sharply responded, “Not at all, Your Majesty’s summons has brought today’s activities to a climax.”

“…” Li Wuting, “Are you mocking me?”

Ning Rushen, his face flushed, “Grateful.”

Li Wuting watched him for a few seconds, then took a handkerchief from a servant to wipe his hands, “Since you’re here, go tidy up your things.”

Ning Rushen responded with an “Oh,” and turned to collect his scattered items.

He stood by the low table, with De Quan beside him.

De Quan mouthed to him, “Find a way to stay!”

Offering tea, wiping sweat, massaging arms—how could he fail to stay?

Ning Rushen, “…”

Thinking how to stick around, he suddenly pictured Prince Xuan’s face.

After a two-second pause, he suddenly kicked the table corner and bent over holding his knee, “Ah, my foot’s twisted!”

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”

De Quan, “…”

De Quan’s face twisted, is this how you plan to stay?

“Twisted your foot?” Li Wuting’s gaze fell.

Ning Rushen hopped and sat down, holding one leg, looking at Li Wuting, “It’s pretty bad.”

“Oh, how bad?”

“Could be from fifteen minutes…” Ning Rushen began, catching De Quan’s look, he changed his statement, “…to an hour before I can walk.”

Li Wuting, “…”

He almost laughed, “Lord Ning can diagnose himself now?”

Ning Rushen modestly pursed his lips, “Just some strong self-management skills.”

A pause lingered as the gaze above settled on him.

Then Li Wuting ordered, “Call the Royal Physician.”

Ning Rushen looked up: ?

Li Wuting’s smile was teasing as he watched him, “I want to see if Lord Ning really can’t walk for fifteen minutes to an hour.”

“……”

·

Soon, a Royal Physician hurried over with his medical kit.

Li Wuting gestured with his chin, “Check Lord Ning’s twisted foot.”

Ning Rushen, huddled in the chair, mumbled, “This is disrespectful, offending Your Majesty’s sight…”

Li Wuting, “My eyes forgive you, Physician.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The physician obeyed, grabbing Ning’s boot, “Lord Ning, don’t move, let’s get this boot off first.”

The dark boot was quickly removed.

Then the snow-white sock.

The crimson robe draped over Ning Rushen’s calves, revealing his delicately shaped ankle and a beautifully formed foot beneath.

Too beautifully formed, not even a mark on it.

The physician paused, “Where is Lord Ning hurt exactly?”

Ning Rushen’s toes curled, “It’s a deep, not obvious twist.”

Li Wuting chuckled nearby.

This was a first for the physician. He glanced at the fair-skinned, red-robed Ning Rushen, then at the emperor standing aside, failing to deduce anything.

He simply went with the flow, applying some circulatory ointment through a cloth, “Well, Lord Ning, just endure a little pain.”

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”

A perfectly fine foot began receiving treatment for no reason.

Ning Rushen could only brace himself and sit, his leg bent in the chair.

His foot was indeed beautiful, pale as warm jade with faintly visible blue veins, a small mole adding a charming touch. Whether from the chill or embarrassment, his toes curled slightly, clutching the edge of the stool.

Li Wuting glanced then withdrew his gaze, “How was your visit to the general’s mansion?”

Ning Rushen, hands on his knees, “Diligent study and practice.”

“Really? You looked quite content on your return.”

“…” What, telling the blunt truth?

Ning Rushen bluffed gently, “I practiced archery with General Huo, discussed the exams, and was inspired by the vigor of our Great Cheng soldiers. It was quite stirring.”

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression easing slightly.

Finally, De Quan relaxed, he knew calling Lord Ning back was the right move. See, the emperor might not say it, but he’s pleased!

De Quan felt assured, considering himself quite perceptive.

…

The physician treated the non-existent sprain for a while.

Seeing enough was enough, Li Wuting waved the physician away.

Ning Rushen sighed in relief, quickly bending to put on his socks and boots. 

Just as he finished, an attendant outside reported, “Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites requests an audience.”

He quickly stood, straightening his robe with a swoosh.

Li Wuting glanced as Ning dressed neatly, then commanded, “Announce him.”

Minister Guan Fan quickly entered, bowing, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”

“Guan Minister, at ease. What brings you?”

“Your Majesty, the examination hall at the Tribute Academy is fully prepared.”

Li Wuting tapped his finger lightly, “Hmm, take me to see.”

Guan Fan hurriedly complied. Li Wuting then stood, casting another look at Ning Rushen, “You come along too.”

After speaking, he walked out with Minister Guan.

Ning Rushen hurried to catch up.

Just as he quickened his pace, Li Wuting suddenly stopped ahead, turning to glance at Ning’s supposedly injured foot.

“…” Ning Rushen also stopped abruptly.

Their eyes met, and he lightly lifted that foot, hopping towards Li Wuting as if to prove it was fine.