Ning Rushen lay leisurely in the courtyard, waiting for his meal, as he pondered to himself:

By now, Shi Yi should have already gone to report before the Emperor.

Having a weather-vane spy in the palace courtyard has some value after all.

As he swayed lazily on the lounge chair, a sudden rush of footsteps echoed from the courtyard gate. Yan Min led a young eunuch inside.

Ning Rushen glanced at the darkening sky: at this hour?

Unable to imagine any urgent matters, Ning Rushen tentatively asked, “How’s His Majesty’s mood?”

The little eunuch hesitated, “He… he was smiling.”

Ning Rushen instantly felt half-relieved and popped two walnuts into his mouth, “Thanks, Little Eunuch.”

He then followed them into the palace.

Initially, Ning Rushen thought they were heading to the Imperial Study, but unexpectedly, the eunuch led him straight to the Hall of Cultivated Mind.

The Hall of Cultivated Mind was ablaze with light.

Upon entering, Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting sitting sideways, flipping through a book with lowered eyes. De Quan stood nearby, looking at him with a look of anxious reproach: Huh!

That look as if he’d committed a great crime sent shivers down Ning Rushen’s spine.

Swallowing, Ning Rushen looked towards Li Wuting.

Li Wuting seemed unbothered by his arrival, his cold and handsome profile showing no clear emotion.

Ning Rushen bowed, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”

No response came.

Recalling the little eunuch’s words, Ning Rushen peeked up, “Did Your Majesty summon me for some happy occasion?”

As soon as he finished saying “happy,” he heard Li Wuting scoff, “Ha!”

Ning Rushen: …?

The book in Li Wuting’s hands was set down.

He stood and walked over, looking at Ning Rushen with a half-smile, “I have no happy news, but it seems you, Lord Ning, have plenty of happy things going on.”

Happy things? What is he talking about?

Ning Rushen raised his head in confusion.

Looking up, he realized they were standing very close.

The back of his raised hand nearly brushed against Li Wuting’s meticulously layered robes. Li Wuting’s gaze dropped down, his towering shadow enveloping Ning Rushen, his eyes reflecting Ning Rushen’s figure.

Ning Rushen had an odd feeling, as if someone was gripping the back of his neck.

A shiver instinctively traveled down his spine:

What now? Could it be he’s displeased with his prolonged lounging?

They exchanged glances for a few beats, and finally, Li Wuting spoke, “Lord Ning, are you dissatisfied with your position in the court, or do you feel I’ve been stingy with your rewards?”

Ning Rushen quickly replied, “No, Your Majesty, I make a full pot every day.”

Li Wuting, “…”

De Quan shut his eyes: Have you come to the Imperial Court to make money or what?!

Ignoring his choice of words, Li Wuting’s tone turned frosty, “Is that so? Because I heard that Lord Ning has already started seeking new avenues.”

Ning Rushen: ???

What new avenue? It’s not like he’s selling baked sweet potatoes on the street!

Li Wuting paused, seeing the clear confusion in his eyes, and kindly hinted,

“Are you not planning to pack up and retire in the countryside?”

Ning Rushen froze for a few seconds before he realized what had happened.

Good grief, that Shi Yi, spreading rumors again!

Thinking it over, Ning Rushen remembered he was putting eye drops in the Hundred Families Congee earlier, and while his little dog was barking loudly, he’d completely missed the flow of conversation.

That gave Shi Yi just the opening he needed to spin his talents.

Ning Rushen quickly clarified, “Your Majesty, that is not the case.”

Li Wuting looked at him, waiting for more.

Ning Rushen’s gaze was clear and sincere, “What I meant was that it would be good to clear out the Hundred Families Congee as well.”

“Oh? Then who was talking about retirement?”

“Assistant Minister Geng.”

“…”

Silence stretched before them.

Li Wuting looked at him meaningfully and spoke softly, “I would think that given how Assistant Minister Geng has been vaulting over walls to find you, the two of you must have a deep connection.”

Ning Rushen averted his eyes bashfully, “That’s more his personal hobby.”

Li Wuting: .

·

Li Wuting seemed to accept his sincere words and selfless willingness to throw his colleague under the bus, and no longer pursued the matter.

“Forget it.”

The coldness on his face softened, and his expression grew less severe.

Ning Rushen observed: Is that it?

Calling him over this late in the evening—could it really be just for this?

As he mused, De Quan spoke up, “Your Majesty, shall I go call for your meal? You haven’t eaten yet while attending to court matters.”

Li Wuting agreed, “Go ahead.”

With a flick of his duster, De Quan gave the command.

Ning Rushen looked over, “Why hasn’t Your Majesty eaten?”

Li Wuting shot him a cool look.

Ning Rushen felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze: …

What are you looking at? Surely, he hadn’t gotten full just by being annoyed with him.

Behind the Hall of Cultivated Mind was a small kitchen.

As soon as De Quan ordered, dishes for supper were quickly brought up, filling the air with delicious aromas.

Ning Rushen’s gaze followed the dishes, and he swallowed, “Your Majesty, I haven’t eaten either… Perhaps I should take my leave…”

Li Wuting finally spoke up, “Stay, eat before you go.”

“Oh, how kind…”

In an instant, Ning Rushen scooted over, “Shall I sit here?”

“Across from me; I’m afraid you’ll get too comfortable otherwise.”

“…”

How very considerate of you.

…

The imperial dishes were, as expected, delicate and delicious.

As the late-night meal spread out before them, Li Wuting partook modestly and then set down his chopsticks.

Ning Rushen, on the other hand, made no such pretense, eating heartily until he was stuffed. His cheeks flushed, and his eyes closed in satisfied contentment:

Ah, palace food—so delicious.

As he savored the moment, Li Wuting’s voice came, “Are you done?”

Ning Rushen nodded, “Delicious!”

“Oh? How does it compare to the Hundred Families Congee?”

“…” Is this topic ever going to end?

Ning Rushen replied, “The Hundred Families Congee can’t hold a candle to the imperial cuisine.”

Li Wuting gave a noncommittal hum.

After finishing the meal, the sky grew darker.

Ning Rushen rose and took his leave, “Your Majesty, I shall return.”

However, Li Wuting stood as well, remarking offhandedly, “Having just finished a meal, it’s the perfect time for a walk.”

Ning Rushen blinked, “As you wish.”

The distance from the Hall of Cultivated Mind to the palace gate wasn’t short.

The two walked in the direction of the palace gate.

After some distance, Li Wuting spoke from beside him, “The interviews are coming up soon. How is your back?”

“It’s almost healed.”

Ning Rushen rubbed his waist, thinking about the upcoming interviews: For these families, the cultural exam isn’t the main point. Since Li Wuting dumped this mess on him, where should he start…

The evening sky had grown dim, and darkness covered the surroundings.

Lost in thought, Ning Rushen absentmindedly traced his waistline, the pale hand gliding along the red fabric…

Li Wuting’s gaze dropped momentarily.

Suddenly, he recalled the way Ning Rushen’s back twitched when his ear was touched.

Just as he was about to avert his gaze, he saw Ning Rushen step absentmindedly into the descending hall steps. Li Wuting’s heart skipped a beat, and he stretched out an arm to pull him back—

“Mm…!” A large hand gripped his waist.

Ning Rushen was pulled straight into Li Wuting’s chest!

Startled, he braced himself with one hand on Li Wuting’s collar, his heart pounding.

Coming to his senses, he realized Li Wuting’s hand was still on his waist.

The feel of his waist was soft yet firm, and the official robes were smooth against his hand, almost drawing him to trace that curve.

Li Wuting tightened his fingers slightly.

Yet his hand, in a gentlemanly manner, stayed completely still.

Just as Ning Rushen’s racing heart settled, he heard a low voice from above, “Are you steady?”

A warm flush crept over his ears, and he shivered slightly, “Release me, Your Majesty, and I’ll be steady.”

Holding any longer would be questionable.

Li Wuting, “…” His hand fell away.

Ning Rushen, regaining his composure, rubbed his waist, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Li Wuting glanced at him, “Seems the Hundred Families Congee isn’t adding any meat.”

“What?”

“Nothing. What were you thinking about, not watching your step?”

The topic circled back.

Ning Rushen replied, “I was thinking about the interviews; I’ve never done this before…”

“There’s a first for everything,” Li Wuting offered lightly, “You weren’t born knowing how to swindle either.”

Ning Rushen: .

He accepted the advice earnestly, “Your Majesty is absolutely correct.”

Li Wuting’s lips quirked slightly, “Since I entrusted it to you, handle it as you see fit.”

He paused, “But don’t disappoint me.”

Ning Rushen thought, If I handle this as I see fit, things might get a little wild. He hesitated but nodded:

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, I’ll select only the finest talent for you.”

·

When he finally returned home, it was late.

After tidying up, Ning Rushen prepared for bed.

As he was washing up, he felt an itch on his neck and shoulder and scratched it.

A series of red marks appeared along his porcelain-white neck.

Relieved by the scratching, Ning Rushen was surprised when Yan Min entered and, seeing the red marks, exclaimed, “Master, how can you treat yourself like this!”

“…I was just scratching an itch.”

Yan Min walked over hurriedly, “What’s going on?”

Ning Rushen lowered his hand, “Probably an allergy from something I ate at the palace.”

“I’ll go fetch a doctor!”

“No need; a night’s sleep will do.”

Exhausted, Ning Rushen crawled into bed, dismissing Yan Min.

He had a restful night.

The next morning, he awoke, no longer itchy but with faint claw marks from last night.

Throwing on his clothes, he opened his door, and immediately saw Geng Yan clinging to his wall, looking around.

Seeing Ning Rushen, Geng Yan whispered, “The Emperor isn’t here, right?”

Ning Rushen, “…”

He replied quietly, “I just woke up. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“The after-effects are too strong,” Geng Yan sighed, sliding down from the wall. “I’m off today; let’s go out for a stroll.”

Noting the nice weather, Ning Rushen changed his clothes and joined him, “Let’s go.”

The city market was as bustling as ever in the morning.

Stalls lined both sides of the road, vendors coming and going, adding to the lively scene.

Ning Rushen wandered leisurely, hands tucked in his sleeves.

Geng Yan glanced over, “Where’s that rowdy bodyguard of yours?”

“Sent him to queue for sesame cakes in the west.”

“When did you start liking sesame cakes from the west?”

Ning Rushen gave a knowing look, “The cakes aren’t the point.” It’s getting rid of him.

Not quite getting it, Geng Yan nodded, “Oh, by the way, there’s a nice little eatery in the west; shall we go for lunch?”

Ning Rushen was delighted, “Do you even need to ask?”

He rubbed his hands together, “Where is it? Let me see.”

“You’re not going to spot it from…”

Geng Yan looked at him and suddenly froze, his gaze fixed on Ning Rushen’s exposed neck, red marks all over.

He was shocked, “Where on earth did you go last night?!”

Ning Rushen followed his gaze, “Oh, that. I was at the palace last night…”

Geng Yan’s breath hitched, his lips quivering.

Ning Rushen, “Just had a meal, but got an allergy, scratched a bit.”

Geng Yan let out a long exhale, “Can you stop scaring me with your words?”

Seeing his reaction, Ning Rushen frowned, “Your imagination runs wild.”

Geng Yan, “…”

“Come on, weren’t we going to the west?”

Ning Rushen gestured, and they headed westward.

Wading through the street crowd, Ning Rushen chuckled to himself. Poor Geng Yan, seems like he’s possessed. As he walked, his mind wandered to Li Wuting’s hand supporting him last night:

Restraint, propriety—not even a twitch of the fingers.

A true ruler and minister, proper as ever.