People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 261, Surprise and Fate
Luo Jing pressed her face against Jing Ni's back, hugging her tightly with both hands, trying to completely merge herself into Jing Ni's body.

"Emotions are human instincts. Accepting me is also accepting yourself."

Luo Jing's voice seemed to possess a bewitching power, stirring up Jing Ni's already chaotic heart.

Jingni looked at her reflection in the stream, a look of confusion appearing in her cold eyes for the first time, but then she became resolute.

"No, I am Jing Ni of Luo Wang, not Luo Jing."

Jing Ni said coldly, and swung her Jing Ni sword, the pink sword energy stirring up the calm stream and splashing up countless water columns.

Are you afraid? Afraid that the Net will hunt you down once they find out you've regained your emotions?

Jingni remained silent, letting the torrent of water droplets fall and hit her.

Her jet-black hair was wet with rain, and a few drops of water slid down her forehead and landed on the metal combat suit plates.

Are you afraid of being hunted down by the Luo Wang organization?
Jing Ni didn't know whether she was afraid or not. She knew the power of the Net well. Once she showed signs of regaining her emotions, she would definitely be regarded as a failure and thus be chosen to replace her.

Jingni is not afraid of death. As a killer who has killed countless people, she has long been numb to death.

But she didn't know what she was hesitating about or what she was afraid of.

"Regardless, I am still Jing Ni of the Luo Wang. My mission is to protect Xu Qing and get him to join the Qin Kingdom." Jing Ni put the iron mask back on and said in a cold voice.

Luo Jing looked at Jing Ni, whose eyes were cold, smiled slightly on her pretty face, gave her a meaningful look, and then disappeared.

She understood what Jingni was really thinking, and she knew that from this day forward, Jingni could never go back to the way she was before.

Jing Ni watched Luo Jing disappear, then strode off towards Xinzheng City with her long, beautiful legs, determined to continue her mission.

Meanwhile, Xu Qing had returned to Xinzheng City. Instead of going home, he went to Zilan Pavilion.

As Xu Qing pushed open the door, he saw Zi Nu and Nong Yu sitting around the table.

Zi Nu was as charming and beautiful as ever. When she saw Xu Qing arrive, her narrow eyes curved slightly downwards, and a smile appeared on her pretty face.

"You're always back. Where have you been so late?" Zi Nu asked with a light laugh.

Nongyu watched Xu Qing enter the room, a hint of joy and shyness flashing in her bright eyes. She lowered her head slightly and called out.

"Brother-in-law, you're here."

"I went out of the city to Qianlong Hall. A patient came to Situ Wanli with the token that had been given away, asking me to save him."

Xu Qing walked over and sat down next to Zi Nu, looking at the two of them and saying with a light smile.

Xu Qing's dealings with Qianlong Hall were no secret. After all, an iron token would be issued every month at the Treasure Exchange Conference. Everyone in the martial arts world knew that if you wanted to ask Xu Qing, the divine doctor and deputy head of the medical family, to save someone, you either had to try your luck by attending Xu Qing's monthly consultations or go to Qianlong Hall to ask for a token.

"A lot happened after you left the Crown Prince's residence. Han Fei and Wei Zhuang blocked Tian Ze in the Cold Palace of Han, and Princess Honglian was captured." Zi Nu did not doubt Xu Qing's words, but explained the events that had occurred in the city to him.

Nongyu looked at Xu Qing with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, as if she had something to say.

"Currently, both the Crown Prince and Princess Honglian have been abducted by Tianze, and the palace gates are guarded by imperial guards, preventing foreign officials from entering or leaving. The palace claims that the King was frightened by Tianze's attack on the palace, and in his panic, his old illness relapsed, so he summoned Lady Mingzhu to attend to him."

"Han Fei and Prime Minister Zhang have repeatedly requested to enter the palace, but have been stopped each time. The situation in Xinzheng is complicated. In order to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, Han Fei and Zifang are trying to find a way to balance Ji Wuye and the Fourth Prince Han Yu."

As Zi Nu finished speaking, she glanced at Xu Qing.

"Does Han Fei want me to go into the palace to investigate the truth?" Xu Qing asked.

“That’s right. The only one who can get into the palace now is you, the divine physician and imperial physician. The king is currently under house arrest, and Han Fei is worried that the Tide Demoness in the night will take the opportunity to control the court. Therefore, he hopes that you can enter the palace to investigate the king’s situation and find out the true identity of the Tide Demoness.”

Zi Nu tilted her head slightly to look at Xu Qing, her purple eyes filled with affection. The hairpin holding her purple hair swayed slightly as she handed the prepared drink to Xu Qing.

"That's not a problem. I'm the only one who can enter the palace right now."

Xu Qing took the wine glass and, in doing so, took Zi Nu's small hand, gently kneading her fair and tender hand.

Even if he refused, it wouldn't work. Based on Xu Qing's understanding of the Tide Demoness, she would definitely summon him to the palace to accompany her if he had such a good opportunity.

I'm afraid the Tide Demoness will send someone to invite him soon.

Zi Nu gave Xu Qing a coquettish glare, her eyes filled with helplessness, but it looked more like a sign of doting affection.

"Besides this, there's something else you need to do."

Zi Nu didn't say it outright, but instead looked at Nong Yu, who seemed a little nervous.

From the moment she sat down, Xu Qing noticed Nongyu's unusual demeanor. She seemed hesitant to speak, as if she wanted to say something but held back, clearly indicating that she had something to say.

"Nongyu, just say what you want to say. Is it about Liang Zhu? Do you need my guidance?" Xu Qing said with a light laugh.

Speaking of which, it had been a long time since he had personally flirted with Nongyu—or rather, tuned her zither.

Nongyu blushed, a shy feeling rising in her heart as she thought of Xu Qing playing the zither with her.

"No, no, it's... it's that I want to go into the palace with them to investigate the identity of the Tide Demoness."

After Nongyu finished speaking, she secretly glanced at Xu Qing's expression, and began to feel uneasy.

Xu Qing's smile froze, then she became serious and said without hesitation.
"No, the palace is too dangerous, and the specific situation is still unclear. It would be too dangerous for you to come with me into the palace."

Are you kidding me? If Nongyu enters the palace, won't his affairs in the harem be exposed?

Putting aside the matter of Chao Nv Yao for now, if his affair with Hu Meiren were exposed, wouldn't everything fall apart?

"Brother-in-law, I also want to help," Nongyu said excitedly.

If she had only wanted a stable life, she would have gone to Mount Taiyi with her parents. The reason she stayed behind was to help Zi Nu and Xu Qing.

The situation is becoming increasingly unfavorable for Quicksand, and she wants to do her part rather than hide in the shadows and enjoy a peaceful life while others are in danger and fighting for their lives.

"No, this is not negotiable," Xu Qing said seriously.

Seeing Xu Qing's somber expression, Zi Nu gently squeezed Xu Qing's hand, signaling him not to be so serious and to speak more calmly.

“I know you want to help, but the situation in the harem is far too complicated. If you come with me into the palace, it will definitely arouse suspicion from others, and they might even try to harm you or blackmail you.”

"There will be plenty of opportunities to ask for your help in the future, but this time it really can't be done."

After receiving Zi Nu's signal, Xu Qing's expression calmed down, and he patiently persuaded Nong Yu.

Xu Qing was naturally aware of Nongyu's thoughts. Logically speaking, he should agree to such an experience. As long as he was careful, he wouldn't be discovered in the affairs of the harem.

Xu Qing really didn't want Nongyu to follow the old path in the original story. Nongyu loved playing the zither and hoped to establish a school of thought in the art of the zither. If she were to get involved with the behavior of assassins, it would be very detrimental to her future in the art of the zither.

However, Nongyu's plain face was filled with protest, her eyes stubbornly fixed on Xu Qing, her pink lips moving slightly as she spoke.
"Brother-in-law, I'm not a child anymore. I have the ability to resist."

“Nongyu isn’t just good at playing the zither. She’s been receiving training from me, and her skills are already comparable to second-rate martial arts masters, especially in terms of lightness skills and stealth, which are now on par with mine,” Zi Nu chimed in, speaking up for Nongyu. Zi Nu understood Nongyu’s thoughts best. Although she didn’t want her beloved younger sister to take risks, Nongyu would ultimately have to face danger alone.

With Xu Qing and Hu Meiren inside, and Liu Sha outside, Nongyu's safety was well guaranteed.

"No, there's no room for discussion on this," Xu Qing insisted.

Zi Nu hadn't expected Xu Qing's attitude to be so resolute. Clearly, he truly treated Nong Yu as a daughter and wanted to protect her. She could only look helplessly at Nong Yu, casting a helpless glance at her.

I, Nongyu, knew that Xu Qing was doing it for her own good, but I was still prepared to persevere a little longer.

However, before she could speak again, Hongyu knocked on the door and said to the person inside.
"Sister Zi Nu, Sister Nong Yu, someone from the palace has come. They say they want your brother-in-law to come to the palace to examine the king's pulse."

Zi Nu and Nong Yu looked at Xu Qing, and Xu Qing patted Zi Nu's small hand and said...
"It seems my leisure time is over. Leave the affairs of the palace to me. As for Nongyu, let her stay in Zilan Pavilion."

"Let me first investigate the situation inside the palace. If it's safe, then we'll consider this matter."

"Okay, then you should also be careful and watch out for people at night."

Zi Nu glanced at the stubborn Nong Yu, then stood up, wrapped her arms around Xu Qing's, and followed him out the door.

As Nongyu watched the two leave, her face fell instantly, her starry eyes filled with determination.

“Nongyu is no longer a child. She will have to stand on her own sooner or later. Besides, with you in the palace, she won’t be in too much danger.”

Zi Nu wrapped her arm around Xu Qing's and spoke in a seductive, mature voice.

“I know, but I don’t want Nongyu to get involved in these things. She has a good chance of establishing her own school of qin music, becoming the second master of qin music, or even surpassing Kuang Xiu of Zhao and becoming a grandmaster.”

"I don't want her to hold herself back."

Xu Qing expressed her thoughts, her words filled with helplessness.

Zi Nu's alluring eyes were fixed on Xu Qing. She bumped into him slightly, her ample breasts pressing against him as she said playfully.
"You really care about Nongyu~ Why didn't you care about my safety before?"

Zi Nu will get jealous, which is natural for women, but she will never be jealous of Nong Yu.

Xu Qing was well aware of this and naturally understood that the other party was teasing him. So he hooked his right arm around the other party's slender waist and pulled him into his arms with a little force.

Zi Nu let out a soft hum and nestled into Xu Qing's arms. Her small feet, clad in purple high heels, were slightly raised as she looked up at Xu Qing.

"What are you talking about? How could I not care about your safety? Back then, I fought someone for the first time and exposed my identity for you."

"You are the apple of my eye. Even if I am wounded, I will not let you suffer the slightest harm."

Xu Qing looked at Zi Nu and said affectionately.

"Hmph~ All you do is say nice things."

Zi Nu hummed softly, a hint of shyness on her face, and unconsciously tightened her grip on Xu Qing's arms.

Looking at the alluring Zi Nu, Xu Qing lowered his head slightly and bit her rosy lips.

"Woo~"

Zi Nu tilted her head slightly, her beautiful eyes half-closed, in response to Xu Qing.

The tenderness and excitement of that moment are something outsiders cannot understand.

After a long while, Xu Qing could feel the purple maiden in his arms gradually losing her strength, while letting out a few alluring moans.
After sensing that the other's breathing was a little unsteady, the two released each other. Zi Nu looked at Xu Qing with seductive eyes, her small mouth opening and closing slightly as she breathed.

"Whoo~"

"What a dishonest and wicked person! Hurry up, don't waste time!"

Zi Nu breathed softly and gently slapped Xu Qing.

"Okay, I'll go back and change my clothes and get my medicine kit. Leave the things in the palace to me. I'll come back to you when I'm done."

Xu Qing smiled slightly at Zi Nu, wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth, and left Zi Lan Xuan. The palace carriage was already waiting for him outside the door.

After watching the royal carriage leave, Zi Nu withdrew her affectionate gaze, clasped her hands on her lower abdomen, and walked towards her room with a radiant smile.

Before long, Zi Nu returned to her room.

"Sister Zi Nu~"

Nongyu looked at Zinu pitifully, her beautiful eyes blinking and her little mouth slightly pouting.

Since she couldn't get through to Xu Qing, she begged Zi Nu. If Zi Nu agreed to let her enter the palace, she could go directly to her aunt, Consort Hu.

When Xu Qing finds out, he won't be able to kick her out of the Han Palace.

Looking at the coquettish Nongyu, Zi Nu's pretty face was full of helplessness. She sighed softly and said...

"Don't look at me like that. If he doesn't agree, there's nothing I can do to help you."

Nongyu quickly walked to Zinu's side, hugged her arm, and said coquettishly.

"Please help me. You know my skills; I won't be helpless in a dangerous situation."

"Hey, I wouldn't dare contact Hu Meiren for you, but if you can prove your abilities and put her at ease, maybe there'll still be a chance."

"He didn't go directly to the palace; he should be on his way home now."

Zi Nu affectionately ruffled Nong Yu's wine-red hair, and finally revealed her solution.

Upon hearing this, Nongyu's eyes lit up, and an idea instantly formed in her mind.

Yes, as long as she proves her abilities, Xu Qing won't be so heartless as to reject her again.

"Okay, I know what to do. Sister Zi Nu, just wait for my good news."

Nongyu released Zinu, left a message, and headed towards her room. She prepared to change into professional clothes to give Xu Qing a surprise.

An operation known as "Infiltration" by a female assassin, who will stop at nothing to obtain information about the organization's hidden mission, has begun.

Zi Nu watched Nong Yu's departing figure, her eyes filled with helplessness. She thought about going with Nong Yu to prevent Nong Yu and Xu Qing from getting into a fight and causing trouble.

Just as Zi Nu was about to leave, a bird landed by the window, its purple eyes fixed on her.

Upon seeing the bird, Zi Nu's eyes widened instantly, her slender jade hands clenched tightly, and her purple eyes were filled with complex emotions.

"Has what was bound to happen finally happened?"

With a sigh, Zi Nu reached out and took the bird, her expression complex, her thoughts unreadable.

(End of this chapter)