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

Chapter 361, Zhao Gao Seeking Progress, Zi Nu's Letter
Xu Qing followed the eunuch toward the rear hall. As they walked, Xu Qing glanced at the eunuch leading the way.

Xu Qing couldn't see the eunuch's face, but the red hair under the eunuch's headdress was particularly eye-catching, and a look of surprise flashed in Xu Qing's eyes.

"What is your name?" Xu Qing asked the eunuch in front of him in a deep voice.

The other person's red hair was really too eye-catching. There were still eunuchs with red hair in Zhangtai Palace. This reminded Xu Qing of someone.

Upon hearing this, the eunuch stopped in his tracks, a hint of nervousness flashing through his mind. Being suddenly asked his name, he immediately thought that he had done something wrong and displeased Xu Qing.

Although he had been respectful and respectful all the way without overstepping his bounds, he was still one of the lowest-ranking eunuchs in the palace, and anyone could take their anger out on him.

"Your Excellency, please calm your anger. I beg your forgiveness if I have made any mistakes," the eunuch quickly turned around and bowed to Xu Qing.

"What's your name?" Xu Qing asked, frowning.

“My name is Zhao Gao, and I am a servant in the Zhangtai Palace.”

Zhao Gao maintained his bowing posture and spoke in a slightly trembling voice.

Zhao Gao, it really is this guy, he's interesting.

Looking at the obsequious Zhao Gao in front of him, Xu Qing couldn't reconcile him with the powerful and influential Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office in the original story.

Zhao Gao was likely appreciated and valued by Ying Zheng after he assumed personal rule. At that time, he was just one of the most inconspicuous among the thousands of palace servants in Zhangtai Palace. Moreover, he came from the inner court and was the descendant of a criminal, so his status was even more lowly.

"It's alright, you can continue leading the way," Xu Qing said.

Originally, he just wanted to confirm the other party's identity. Although Zhao Gao was quite capable in the original story, the other party was just an insignificant eunuch, and he didn't need to pay attention to him at all.

"promise."

Zhao Gao felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and continued leading Xu Qing toward the palace where Ying Zheng was.

Although he didn't understand why Xu Qing wanted to ask his name, he was fine as long as it wasn't a punishment.

He was merely a eunuch from the inner court. Compared to Xu Qing, a favorite of the king, a high-ranking official, a chief physician, and a great minister, he was like a tiny mayfly in the world, not even having the chance to look up at him.

Soon, Xu Qing arrived at the rear hall under Zhao Gao's guidance, and Xu Qing entered the hall alone.

Zhao Gao glanced enviously at Xu Qing, who could enter the palace without being announced. No one doesn't yearn for power and status, especially someone like Zhao Gao, who was born into the Xianyang Palace as a eunuch and had suffered cold treatment from others since he was old enough to understand things.

Even if he didn't say it, he hoped that one day he could become a person of high status and have the opportunity to get rid of his lowly status as a eunuch.

"I need to go and exchange two copies of Qin law with the tutor in the inner court tonight," Zhao Gao thought to himself.

In the Qin state, what was the best way to get ahead? Naturally, it was to thoroughly study the Qin laws and take the examination. If you passed, you could enter the Shaofu (a government office) and have the opportunity to change your fate.

Even if you don't pass the test, if you are appreciated by a benefactor someday, you can still change your life with your knowledge.

Zhao Gao always believed that opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared, and the fact that Xu Qing took the initiative to ask him his name today made him feel that this might be an opportunity that he could try to seize.

Upon entering the hall, Xu Qing immediately spotted Ying Zheng, whose expression was somewhat gloomy. He cupped his hands in greeting and said...

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."

Upon seeing Xu Qing arrive, Ying Zheng's expression softened somewhat, and he began to speak.

"Sir, you don't need to be so polite in private."

Xu Qing didn't take Ying Zheng's words to heart. Ying Zheng could tell him not to worry about these formalities, but he couldn't actually refuse to bow.

"Is Your Majesty worried because of what happened in the court meeting?" Xu Qing asked after straightening up.

"Yes, after today, I'm afraid the royal family will completely lose faith in me. Lord Jingyang is also an elder of the royal family, and he must be even more disheartened with me."

Ying Zheng's face showed a look of emotion, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, and his voice was full of loss.

Although he had prepared in advance, Ying Zheng was still somewhat saddened afterward. The royal family had provided a lot of help to him at the beginning of his reign, and people like Lord Weiyang were wholeheartedly supportive of him.

He still felt bad about betraying the imperial clan and embarrassing Lord Jingyang in public.

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown; this is all for the sake of Qin. I will soon be at the residence of Lord Weiyang, where I will explain this to Your Majesty,” Xu Qing said.

Ying Zheng looked up at Xu Qing, dispelling the sadness in his heart, and nodded.
"Then I'll leave it to you, sir. If Lord Weiyang's attitude is not good, there's no need to force him. I will explain to him later."

Ying Zheng was unsure whether the royal family would still believe him after the court meeting. If Lord Weiyang had completely given up hope, he would not force him to join the plan, lest the news leak out and the plan fail.

“Your Majesty, I understand, but there is one more thing I must tell you,” Xu Qing said, looking at Ying Zheng.

"What is it?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.

After organizing her thoughts, Xu Qing recounted her meeting with Ying Yu the previous night, including the other party's identity and plans.

Ying Zheng and Gai Nie looked surprised upon hearing this. Back in Xinzheng, the two had also speculated about Yan Ri's identity, but none of them had connected it with the royal family.

"Ying Yu, is that it? I've heard of his name before, but I never imagined he was Yan Ri," Ying Zheng said thoughtfully.

He was all too familiar with the name Ying Yu. Ying Yu had been a staunch supporter of Cheng Jiao, actively contacting members of the imperial clan and ministers on her behalf. After he ascended the throne, Ying Yu's whereabouts in Xianyang became less frequent. Since Ying Yu wasn't considered an important figure, he hadn't paid much attention. However, he hadn't expected that, under the orders of the old Imperial Clan Minister and the Marquis of Guannei, Ying Yu would enter the Luo Wang (a secret network of power) and become Yan Ri.

“It is indeed unexpected, but this person is worth using. With him by Lao Ai’s side as an informant, we can also know Lao Ai’s every move,” Xu Qing said in a deep voice.

"Since Mr. Ying Yu has contacted you, then this person will be handed over to you."

Ying Zheng had no intention of settling old scores with Ying Yu, because it was completely unnecessary. If the other party could successfully infiltrate Lao Ai's side, he could also gain some credit after the deed was done.

"Yes," Xu Qing said.

"I almost forgot to mention the important matter. Li Si sent back a message saying that he will be returning to Xianyang soon. He also brought a letter from the state of Han, written to you by Miss Zi Nu."

As he spoke, Ying Zheng took out a sealed letter from the cloth on the table.

"Li Si is coming back? This means Your Majesty has gained another ally. Congratulations, Your Majesty."

Xu Qing smiled as he accepted Zi Nu's letter. His sister Zi Nu was so caring, always thinking of writing him a letter.

I wonder how that old lady, Chao Nu Yao, is doing? She must be lonely and sleepless in the deep palace without his company. It seems he needs to find an opportunity to go to Korea.

Based on the current situation, Han Fei should be dealing with Emerald Tiger by now. He needs to seize this opportunity to win over Bai Yifei, and at the same time, visit his older sister in the Han Palace.

“Since Zhongfu has given his consent, Li Si can use him directly, but we’ll have to wait until he returns to discuss everything.”

Ying Zheng also showed a slight smile. Although Zhao Ji and he had drifted further and further apart, fortunately, his uncle Lü Buwei was still trustworthy, which gave him some comfort.

Seeing that Ying Zheng had nothing else to say, Xu Qing then spoke.

"If there is nothing else, I will take my leave now. Lord Weiyang is waiting for me."

"Go ahead, sir. The military doctors will be gathering in the next couple of days. We will inform you once everyone has arrived," Ying Zheng said.

"promise."

After bowing to Ying Zheng, Xu Qing left with the letter.

After Xu Qing left the inner palace, Ying Zheng looked at Gai Nie beside him and asked...
"Teacher, what is the situation inside Zhangtai Palace?"

"Your Majesty, I am still investigating, but I can confirm that there are four factions in Zhangtai Palace. The first is the Empress Dowager and Lao Ai, the second is Marquis Wenxin, the third is ordinary palace servants, and the fourth, the smallest, should be the remnants of the Black Ice Guard," Gai Nie said.

"The Black Ice Platform?" Ying Zheng murmured.

He knew he couldn't rely on Xu Qing for everything. Xu Qing was already busy enough handling matters in the court, and he had to take care of things in the palace himself.

"Teacher, find an opportunity to contact the people in the Black Ice Guard and have them tell the person in charge that I want to see him," Ying Zheng said, a glint of light in his eyes.

"Yes," Gai Nie said.

After leaving the inner palace, Xu Qing first went back to the Imperial Hospital. After answering some questions for several imperial physicians, he took Xia Wuqie and left Zhangtai Palace by carriage.

The carriage arrived at the residence of Lord Weiyang and stopped.

Xu Qing and Xia Wuqie got off the carriage one after the other. Before Xu Qing could speak, Xia Wuqie took the initiative to walk to the guard who opened the door.

"Please inform Your Majesty that the Imperial Physician has come to examine Lord Weiyang on His Majesty's orders," Xia Wuqie said, bowing.

The guard glanced at Xia Wuqie, then at Xu Qing behind him, and spoke.

"Please wait a moment, I will go and inform His Majesty."

"Good work."

After handing his sword to his companion, the guard entered the mansion and, after passing through several corridors, arrived outside Lord Weiyang's bedroom.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Physician has come to examine you on the King's orders," a eunuch said from outside the door.

Inside the bedroom, Lord Weiyang lay on the bed, while Lord Jingyang, who had stormed out of the court, sat beside him.

Upon hearing that Xu Qing had arrived, Lord Jingyang snorted coldly and said angrily.
"What good is healing a skin wound? Losing the hearts of the royal family and becoming estranged from relatives—how can the wounds in one's heart be healed?"

"Your Majesty is truly foolish. How can you not see this? Are you only concerned with the superficial wounds?"

"Forget it, there's no use saying more. But the Grand Chancellor was sent by the King after all, so we still have to let him in," Lord Weiyang said with a helpless sigh.

After court, Lord Jingyang found him and told him about what had happened in court. When he learned that Ying Zheng had also protected Lao Ai, Lord Weiyang's feelings were very complicated.

Despite his disappointment, Ying Zheng was still the King of Qin, so he still held some hope for him.

"Let him in," Lord Weiyang called out to the door.

"promise."

(End of this chapter)