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

Chapter 417, Zi Nu's Reward, Gongyang Ru Comes to Seek Her
Meanwhile, in the town at the foot of Mount Taiyi.

A ray of bright sunlight streamed through the window into the messy room, where clothes were scattered everywhere, purple high heels were askew, and torn stockings were carelessly tossed on the seats.

Zi Nu's handkerchief, which she always carried, was crumpled up and tossed aside in a corner where no one paid any attention. The still-damp bedding was also draped over the table.

On the bed, Xu Qing and Zi Nu slept in each other's arms. The bright sunlight shone on Zi Nu's fair skin, which was as white as snow, giving it a slightly alluring glow.

"Ugh~ What time is it now?"

Zi Nu nestled in Xu Qing's arms, gently rubbing her face against his chest, and asked in a lazy, husky voice, looking just like an elegant, languid cat.

The dazzling sunlight shone on her face, causing Zi Nu to instinctively raise her small hand to shield her eyes. The fine silk quilt fell slightly, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin.

Two strands of purple hair covered her front, supported by the towering peaks.

"Don't worry about it, there's still plenty of time."

Xu Qing didn't even open his eyes before grabbing Zi Nu around the waist and pulling her into his arms.

Stroking Zi Nu's smooth waist, Xu Qing gently kissed her face twice. Last night, Zi Nu had stayed up late to comfort his weary soul. If Zi Nu hadn't finally given up, they probably wouldn't be asleep now.

"The covenant between heaven and man has ended, and the people of the Hundred Families are about to leave. As the person directly involved, aren't you going to see them off?"

Zi Nu embraced Xu Qing with her slender arms, her long, beautiful legs pressing against his body. She buried her head in Xu Qing's neck, her red lips parted slightly, and she spoke in a mature and alluring voice.
Delicate little feet gently caressed Xu Qing's calves, like a cat's tail, stirring Xu Qing's restless heart.

Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes, looked at the gentle Zi Nu in his arms, and a happy smile appeared on his face.

"I guess everyone drank quite a bit last night, so they'll probably leave around noon or in the afternoon. I'll just go back up the mountain then. It's rare to have a chance to spend some time with you, so please let me stay a little longer."

Xu Qing inhaled the fragrance of Zi Nu's hair and said reluctantly.

"Business is important. I came with the South Korean delegation, but I don't necessarily have to go back with them."

Zi Nu looked up at Xu Qing, her charming eyes filled with boundless tenderness. Her fair hands slid up and down on Xu Qing's chest as she whispered words of advice.

"Alright, alright, I'll rest for another fifteen minutes and then get up," Xu Qing said helplessly.

"Okay, then you lie down first, I'll go prepare some food for you."

Zi Nu opened her eyes from Xu Qing's embrace, propped herself up on the bed with one hand, and used the other hand to lift her hair. She yawned softly, her small face full of fatigue and languor.

The blanket covering her body slipped down, exposing Zi Nu's fair and graceful body to the air. Her slender waist was slightly bent, outlining a charming curve with her full and pert buttocks.

Glancing around the messy room, especially at the still damp bedding, Zi Nu blushed, a hint of shyness flashing in her purple eyes.

"Look what you did last night!"

Zi Nu gently poked Xu Qing, gave him a charming eye roll, and opened her small mouth to hum.

"You didn't stop me last night either, I wonder who was the one who finally gave in and begged for mercy~"

Xu Qing lay sprawled on the bed, looking up at Zi Nu and saying with a light laugh.

Zi Nu's face grew even redder. She shyly turned her head away, not daring to look at Xu Qing, but soon she stood up from the bed, leaning against the wall with one hand, looking at Xu Qing with ill intent.

Xu Qing cast a questioning look at Zi Nu, but before he could ask, he saw a delicate little foot stepping towards his face.

"Serves you right for making fun of me~ Get up and go back up the mountain now~"

Zi Nu exerted a little force, her voice charming yet husky, giving people a unique feeling.

"Waaah~ I was wrong, I was wrong~"

Xu Qing's drowsiness vanished instantly, and she spoke in a muffled voice.

"You only realize you were wrong now? You only realize you were wrong now?"

"I really know I was wrong."

Hearing the sounds of Xu Qing and Zi Nu playing around next door, Hu Meiren's tired face showed a hint of helplessness, and deep dark circles appeared under her long, narrow fox-tailed eyes.

Not only did Xu Qingzi not sleep well last night, but even her neighbor couldn't sleep peacefully.

"It's so nice to be young!"

Hu Meiren stretched and glanced at the water stains on the wall. Her fair face instantly flushed red.

The door was suddenly opened, and Hu Meiren was instantly jolted awake from her shame, only to see Ruotao walk in.

"Madam, why do you have such dark circles under your eyes? Didn't you sleep well last night?"

Ruotao looked at the tired Hu Meiren and asked with concern.

"It's nothing, I just slept a little lightly last night, it's fine," Hu Meiren said, yawning.

"Madam, your hand." Ruotao said in surprise, pointing to Hu Meiren's right hand.

Hu Meiren's right index and middle finger nails had become shorter at some point, standing out conspicuously among the long nails of her other three fingers.

Hu Meiren glanced down at her hand, a blush creeping onto her face. She quickly withdrew her hand, her toes curling slightly inside her pink high heels, and said guiltily...
"I bumped into something last night, but it's nothing serious. Could you tidy up the clothes and floor over there first? I got up to drink water last night and accidentally spilled some on my clothes."

Ruotao glanced at the undergarment and white nightgown lying on the seat, as well as the water stains on the floor beside her. She then looked at Hu Meiren with a hint of confusion in her eyes.

She felt something was off, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"it is good."

Since she couldn't figure it out anyway, Ruotao simply stopped thinking about it and, after putting down the food in her hand, began to tidy up Hu Meiren's room.

After hearing Ruotao go upstairs, Xu Qing and Zi Nu stopped their playful fight. They quickly got dressed, ate something simple, and then Xu Qing left the courtyard.

Before long, Xu Qing returned to Mount Taiyi. Before he even got back to his residence, he was greeted by Qingfeng Daotong.

"Uncle-Master, you're finally back! Master requests your presence; a distinguished guest awaits you," Qingfeng said anxiously.

"Don't rush, speak slowly. Who's waiting for me?" Xu Qing asked, puzzled.

After a brief adjustment, Qingfeng's breathing calmed down. He had been searching for Xu Qing for an hour that morning, and had searched half of Taiyi Palace without finding him.

"It is the head of the Gongyang School of Confucianism, the old master Gongyang Di. The old master Gongyang found the teacher early this morning, saying that he wanted to meet you," Qingfeng said.

"Gongyang Confucianism?"

A glint of light flickered in Xu Qing's eyes. He hadn't taken the initiative to seek out Gongyang Ru; instead, the other party had come to him first.

He hadn't yet spoken to Gongyang Ru about the incident where Gongyang Ru staged an accident to extort money from him. Although the matter was beneficial to both parties, Gongyang Ru's unauthorized actions still made him somewhat unhappy.

Moreover, he also needed to have a serious talk with Gongyang Ru about what would happen after he entered Qin.

Qin is not like Qi. If Gongyang Ru gets angry, he might cause a huge mess.

“Okay, take me there.” Xu Qing nodded and said.

"Yes."

Qingfeng led Xu Qing toward Chisongzi's courtyard. Along the way, Xu Qing didn't forget to ask Qingfeng about the events at the victory banquet after he left. Although there were many audacious individuals among the Hundred Families, this was, after all, Mount Taiyi. While there were some minor conflicts, they were not serious matters.

Before long, Xu Qing followed Qingfeng to Chisongzi's courtyard.

As soon as Xu Qing entered the courtyard, he saw Chi Songzi and Gongyangdi sitting at the stone table.

"Senior brother, Patriarch Gongyang," Xu Qing said, bowing to the two of them.

“Junior brother has arrived. Patriarch Gongyang has something to discuss with you. Sit down and let’s talk slowly,” Chisongzi said, stroking his beard.

Xu Qing nodded slightly, walked to the opposite side of Gongyangdi and sat down. Qingfeng served Xu Qing a cup of tea and then left the courtyard.

"It's been a long time since I last met you, Grand Master. I forcibly dragged you into the Gongyang School of Confucianism without your consent. I apologize for any offense caused!" Gongyang Di didn't put on airs as an elder and cupped his hands in greeting to Xu Qing.

One cannot hit a smiling face. Seeing a centenarian from Gongyang Village adopting a humble attitude towards him, Xu Qing could only suppress his dissatisfaction.

"Patriarch Gongyang is joking. I was indeed enlightened by Confucianism, but I don't know which school of Confucianism my teacher belonged to. I am also very grateful to Gongyang Ru's friend for risking his life to prove my innocence, otherwise I would definitely have been framed by Ji Wuye and smeared."

"I would never dare to blame you. I should be thanking you and Gongyang Ru. May I ask what the name of the senior brother who assassinated Ji Wuye is?"

Xu Qing politely returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, speaking in a humble voice.

Seeing Xu Qing address Shen Zhichun as "senior brother," Gongyang Di smiled. He knew that Xu Qing was only slightly displeased with Gongyang Ru's sudden attempt to stage an accident, and didn't actually have any issues with Gongyang Ru himself.

"His name is Shen Zhichun. He's my most promising disciple, and the one who best represents the Gongyang family among the next generation of Confucian scholars. But... alas..."

Gongyang looked somewhat somber, his eyes filled with regret.

Shen Zhichun was his most promising disciple, but he had to sacrifice his life for the future of Gongyang Confucianism, which he deeply regretted.

If they had another chance to choose, he and Shen Zhichun would still choose this method, because it concerns the future of Gongyang Ru.

Seeing Gongyang Di's pained expression, Xu Qing couldn't help but feel a deep respect. A person who would risk his life for Gongyang Ru deserves everyone's respect.

"Senior Brother Shen died young because of me. Does he have any descendants?" Xu Qing asked.

“He has a young son who is currently with the Gongyang family, but you don’t need to worry about him. I will take him with me and teach him,” Gongyang said with a sigh.

Seeing this, Xu Qing said nothing more. Now that the pleasantries were over, it was time to get down to business.

"If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. You came to see me so early this morning, is there something you want to tell me?"

(End of this chapter)