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

Chapter 316, Why Bother with Day and Night (Part 2, Please Vote!)
Outside Xinzheng City, in the dense forest.

After Xu Qing finished recounting the story between Hei Bai Xuan Jian and Wei Zhuang Gai Nie, Han Fei also arrived at the agreed-upon meeting point.

"Young Master Shang, Brother Xu."

Han Fei cupped his hands in greeting to Ying Zheng and Xu Qing.

"Mr. Han Fei has arrived. It seems the matter in the city has been resolved," Ying Zheng said.

"Yes, this chaotic battle is finally over. Brother Xu suffered heavy losses in killing Bai Niao, and Brother Wei Zhuang was also seriously injured by Hei Bai Xuan Jian. Fortunately, Young Master Shang is safe and sound."

After speaking, Han Fei glanced at Xu Qing, his gaze complex and tinged with resentment. He really didn't know how to evaluate Xu Qing.

Moreover, he didn't know how to explain Hu Meiren's matter to Xu Qing. After all, Hu Meiren had committed suicide by poisoning herself and setting herself on fire in the palace. If Xu Qing found out, she would definitely hold a grudge against Han.

Zi Nu also noticed Han Fei's gaze, moved closer to Xu Qing, pinched the flesh on Xu Qing's waist with her small hand, and whispered...
"You don't actually have something going on with Miss Hu, do you?"

"How could that be? Don't you believe me? I'm an honest man and I don't talk much. That was just a frame-up by Ji Wuye to trick the king into giving the order to mobilize the imperial guards."

Xu Qing's expression remained unchanged, and he only sighed softly, but he was extremely nervous inside.

If his affair with Hu Meiren were to be exposed, not only would Zi Nu kill him, but even his kind and gentle sister-in-law Nong Yu would probably kill him too.

Ethical jokes are not to be taken lightly, let alone when he's playing with real issues.

Zi Nu stared intently at Xu Qing, trying to discern something from this scoundrel's face, but Xu Qing's acting skills, honed by the experiences of multiple women, were already superb, leaving no room for error.

"That's good, otherwise you'd never see Nongyu again in your life."

Zi Nu released her hand, her alluring mature voice still gentle and charming, but it sent chills down Xu Qing's spine.

"Don't worry, I can tell what's more important," Xu Qing said with a slight nod.

While Xu Qing and Zi Nu were talking in hushed tones, Gai Nie also returned, but he came back alone.

"Young Master Shang, Master, Ninth Young Master, Miss Zi Nu!" Gai Nie greeted them one by one.

Ying Zheng, Xu Qing, and Zi Nu nodded slightly, while Han Fei nervously looked at Gai Nie and asked...
"Brother Gai Nie, how is Brother Wei Zhuang?"

“Xiao Zhuang was struck by Hei Bai Xuan Jian’s sword, but he is not seriously injured. He has been taken to a safe place for treatment, and Zi Fang is with him,” Gai Nie said.

"That's good." Han Fei said with a sigh of relief.

Ying Zheng's gaze swept over Xu Qing, Zi Nu, and Han Fei before he spoke to Xu Qing.
"Sir, the matter in South Korea is over, and we are about to set off. I will go back to Qianlong Hall with my teacher and wait for you."

"Alright, Young Master Shang, please wait a moment. I'll come find you after I say goodbye," Xu Qing said with a slight smile.

Situ Wanli nodded to Xu Qing, then led his disciples and Gai Nie to escort Ying Zheng back to Qianlong Hall, while Xu Qing stayed behind to say goodbye to Han Fei and the others.

After everyone left, Han Fei looked at Xu Qing and said quietly.

"Brother Xu, you've really surprised me this time, but I have some bad news for you. Hu Meiren may be in trouble."

"Something happened? What's wrong with Auntie?"

As Nongyu's voice rang out, Xu Qing and Zi Nu looked in the direction of the sound and saw Nongyu, dressed in a black outfit, running from behind, her clean and elegant face full of tension.

"Ji Wuye falsely accused Brother Xu of having an affair with Consort Hu. The King was furious and gave Consort Hu a cup of poisoned wine. Her personal maid, Ruotao, set fire to the palace. Afterwards, only two corpses were found under the ashes. The posture and jewelry of the corpses did indeed belong to Consort Hu."

Han Fei sighed softly and then said in a deep voice.

"Is this true?" Nongyu asked, her eyes trembling, unable to believe it.

Zi Nu also looked at Xu Qing, a hint of worry and doubt flashing in her purple eyes, as if asking Xu Qing if this was true.

Xu Qing shook his head slightly and stepped forward to help Nongyu up. Nongyu also grabbed Xu Qing's arm.

"Brother-in-law, is Aunt really in trouble?" Nongyu asked Xu Qing with concern.

Hu Meiren was one of her few relatives. Although the two didn't have much contact, their blood ties were unbreakable. Now, hearing that Hu Meiren was in trouble, Nongyu was extremely anxious and didn't know how to tell her mother, who was far away on Mount Taiyi.

"Don't worry, I sent people to rescue her beforehand. If nothing unexpected happens, she should be fine." Xu Qing reached out and supported Nongyu's waist, holding her hand and gently comforting her.

Looking at Xu Qing and Nongyu, whose relationship seemed somewhat ambiguous, a complex look flashed in Zi Nu's eyes, but she still pretended that nothing had happened.

The relationship between Xu Qing and Nong Yu was fostered and promoted by her; if anyone is to blame, it is only herself, and no one else can be blamed.

"Really? Is Auntie really alright?" Nongyu nestled in Xu Qing's arms and looked up slightly as she asked.

"Hmm, she should be fine," Xu Qing said, gently patting Nongyu's back.

In fact, Xu Qing was also somewhat worried about whether Hu Meiren was alright. He had asked Jing Ni to rescue her, but there was still no news from Jing Ni, so he didn't know what the outcome was.

But in order to appease Nongyu, he could only say that Hu Meiren was fine.

Han Fei looked at Xu Qing, then glanced at Zi Nu out of the corner of his eye. Seeing Zi Nu's gentle expression, he silently gave Xu Qing a thumbs up in his heart.

Judging from the relationship between Xu Qing and Nongyu, Han Fei was certain that his confidant had also won over Nongyu, and did so right under Zi Nu's nose, leaving Zi Nu speechless.

That ability alone is enough to make any man envious.

Thinking of Hu Meiren again, Han Fei glanced at Xu Qing with a sour look. He didn't know about Zi Nu and Nong Yu, but he was quite certain that Xu Qing had an improper relationship with Hu Meiren.

After calming Nongyu down, Xu Qing released her and took out two bamboo scrolls from his robes, handing them to Han Fei.

"What is this?" Han Fei asked curiously.

"This is the birthday gift I promised to give to Honglian. One of the scrolls contains the acupuncture techniques I've learned. Although they are not as powerful as sword techniques, they are enough to protect oneself. The other scroll contains some of the lightness skills I've learned. Honglian takes me as her teacher, and this is the martial arts I promised to teach her."

"Now I can't give it to her myself, so I can only ask you, my brother, to pass it on. This way, I can fulfill my duty as her teacher," Xu Qing said with a shrug.

"I thank Brother Xu on behalf of Honglian. Take care after this parting. Qin is not like Han. There are dangers everywhere in Qin. There is Lü Buwei outside and Empress Dowager Zhao Ji inside. The King of Qin is in a difficult situation."

"And Brother Xu, you are wanted by your father and have entered Qin with a stigma, which could easily become a handle for these people to use against you."

Han Fei took the bamboo slip and looked at Xu Qing with regret.

If he could, he really didn't want Xu Qing to go to Qin. If Xu Qing stayed by his side, he would definitely be able to help him change Han.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and even if Xu Qing wanted to stay, she couldn't this time.

Regardless of whether the affair between the other party and Consort Hu is true or false, as long as rumors spread, the royal family will have to kill Xu Qing to save face and maintain their dignity.

"Don't worry, I have my own plans. I have a way to gain a foothold in Qin. I've also left you a gift: Mo Ya and Bai Feng, who are by Ji Wuye's side. Perhaps you can try to win them over," Xu Qing said with a light laugh.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Han Fei also became interested and asked Xu Qing curiously.

Mo Ya and Bai Feng are two of Ji Wuye's trusted subordinates. The former is also the leader of the Hundred Birds. If the two are turned against Ji Wuye, they will surely be able to severely damage him.

"The key lies with Bai Feng. Unlike the other Hundred Birds Assassins, he still retains a conscience and yearns for a free and ordinary life. Mo Ya, on the other hand, treats Bai Feng as a friend and a younger brother, valuing him highly and even going so far as to do so for him." Xu Qing told Han Fei about Mo Ya and Bai Feng. Since Ji Wuye wanted to kill him, he naturally wouldn't leave Han in disgrace without saying a word.

They must prepare a grand gift for Ji Wuye to repay him for his pursuit today.

Han Fei listened to Xu Qing's words, a smile spreading across his face, his eyes full of laughter.

Xu Qing's intelligence came at just the right time. He was originally worried that after Xu Qing left, Ji Wuye would take the opportunity to launch a massive attack on him in court. However, with the matter of Mo Ya and Bai Feng, he was able to deliver a ruthless blow to Ji Wuye.

"I understand, Brother Xu. I will seize the opportunity," Han Fei said solemnly, nodding.

"You may choose not to kill, but that doesn't mean others can't. There's no clean power struggle in the court; you can't achieve your goals without getting your hands dirty."

Xu Qing patted Han Fei on the shoulder and said earnestly.

"I know, but I have my own principles."

Han Fei gave a wry smile and said that he also wanted to become like Xu Qing said, but he couldn't get over that mental hurdle.

If he kills Ji Wuye and seizes power, how is he any different from Ji Wuye? How can he then win over the people and implement his own laws?

Seeing this, Xu Qing didn't say anything more, but just sighed and looked at Zi Nu and Nong Yu.

After seeing that Xu Qing and Han Fei had finished talking, Zi Nu and Nong Yu stepped forward to Xu Qing's side.

This time, Xu Qing didn't hide anything anymore. He directly reached out and embraced Zi Nu and Nong Yu, pulling them into his arms.

Zi Nu and Nong Yu gave Xu Qing a coquettish glare, a blush of shyness flashing across their pretty faces, though they wouldn't say anything about their relationship.

However, Xu Qing's direct embrace made them a little shy, especially with Han Fei, an outsider, watching from the side.

Han Fei glanced at Xu Qing, feeling like he'd been fed a mouthful of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection), gave an awkward smile, and then made an excuse to leave early.

"You bad person~ Han Fei is still here, how dare you be so bold?" Zi Nu said shyly.

Nongyu nestled in Xu Qing's arms, too embarrassed to speak, and could only bury her head to hide her blushing cheeks.

"Isn't it time to leave? If I don't give you a hug now, you won't have another chance for a while. I'll leave that manor to you. I've left tens of thousands of gold coins there, as well as some pills and herbs."

"It's been enough to support the sisters of Zilan Pavilion for a long time, so you can take a rest now."

"South Korea is not a place to stay for long. I know you don't want to leave with me, but you should be careful if you stay. If things get out of hand, leave yourselves a way out. I'll take care of everything. Don't be reckless!"

Xu Qing looked at his two lovely wives, whom he also worried about, and said softly.

He was too worried that Zi Nu would die in Korea because of some so-called destiny or mission, and would risk her life alongside Wei Zhuang and Han Fei.

"take care of yourself."

Zi Nu did not answer Xu Qing's question, but hugged him, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"Nongyu, you must listen to Zinu's words carefully. Don't be foolish and become an assassin again. You have the best chance of becoming a master of the zither. Listen to me, and I will get you the melody of 'High Mountains and Flowing Water' in the future."

Xu Qing gently ruffled Nongyu's wine-red hair and said.

"it is good."

Two clear tears streamed down Nongyu's face, which was buried in Xu Qing's arms, wetting Xu Qing's clothes.

"Okay, I'm leaving now, but I'll be back."

Xu Qing took a deep breath, reached out and pulled the two of them into her arms, and whispered.

Unfortunately, time waits for no one, and he didn't have the chance to fully enjoy this beautiful moment together. But fortunately, this separation brought his relationship with Zi Nu and Nong Yu into the public eye.

"kindness.."

Zi Nu nodded slightly, tears slowly sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto Xu Qing's neck.

Nongyu's soft sobs continued to rise, making Xu Qing's heart ache, but his gaze became even more resolute.

His current status makes it difficult for him to return to Xinzheng, but returning to Xinzheng after conquering it would be much easier than returning with a clear conscience. He must help Ying Zheng stabilize the internal affairs of Qin as soon as possible, and then begin the path to unifying the world.

"Okay, wait for me to come back."

Xu Qing released the two of them, and no matter how reluctant Zi Nu and Nong Yu were, they had no choice but to let go.

Under the watchful eyes of Zi Nu and Nong Yu, Xu Qing, carrying Cheng Ying and the Ling Xu sword on his back, turned and left without the slightest hesitation.

Xu Qing didn't dare to turn back, afraid that if he saw the sadness and longing in Zi Nu and Nong Yu's eyes, he would be even more reluctant to leave.

Zi Nu crossed her arms, silently weeping as she watched Xu Qing leave. Nong Yu covered her mouth and sobbed softly, but didn't utter a word to stop her.

The two women watched Xu Qing, letting the man who had stolen their hearts leave.

Inside the Myeongjeon Palace of the King of Han.

The mournful sound of a flute filled the air as a fashionable woman in a long black dress sat on the roof, playing her jade flute. Her alluring, narrow eyes were filled with sorrow and sadness.

"He's gone, but he'll come back."

Bai Yifei appeared beside Chao Nuyao, standing on the roof and looking into the distance as he spoke.

"But I didn't even have a chance to say goodbye to him."

Chao Nu Yao put down her jade flute and spoke softly, her voice calm but filled with deep sorrow.

Bai Yifei glanced at Chao Nuyao out of the corner of his eye. Seeing the sadness in her eyes, he realized that his cousin, who had lived in the deep palace for so long and was used to the wickedness of people's hearts, had finally fallen in love with Xu Qing.

“It would be safest if he left. He is even more important to the Qin state. With Lü Buwei and the King of Qin around, no one would dare to harm him.”

“I have protected his house; it contains the letters he left for you.”

Bai Yifei tossed a piece of cloth to Chao Nuyao. The moment Han Wang'an issued the arrest warrant, he led the White Armor Army to protect Xu Qing's residence under the guise of a search.

They took away everything inside, including the medicinal herbs, books, and utensils.

The Fairy Tide took the cloth, quickly opened it, and looked at its contents. The sadness in her eyes lessened somewhat.

"That wretched man~ He just left, without even leaving behind a poem. If two people are meant to be together forever, why should they be together every day and night?"

Chao Nu Yao chuckled softly, her eyes filled with tenderness, as she covered her chest with the cloth, as if burying Xu Qing's head in it.

"You should consider your situation. Neither Ji Wuye nor Han Wang'an will easily trust you again. You need to protect yourself," Bai Yifei said in a deep voice.

The Fairy Tide continued to gaze into the distance, her eyes gentle, a sweet smile playing on her lips, like a little girl.

(End of this chapter)