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

Chapter 118, A Gift for Zilanxuan
"You mean the Imperial Physician has arrived?"

"Yes, Sister Zi Nu, he is in the main hall."

Zi Nu was about to get up to greet him, but thinking of Xu Qing's repeated broken promises, she sat down again.

"He's here, so he's here. Just arrange for someone to receive him," Zi said calmly and nonchalantly.

Seeing the sullen Zi Nu, the maid covered her mouth and chuckled twice.

Everyone in Zilan Pavilion knew that Zi Nu had meticulously prepared a banquet to invite Xu Qing last night, but after waiting all night without seeing him, she was naturally displeased with Xu Qing's failure to show up.

"Sister Zi Nu, please don't be angry anymore. What if the Imperial Physician has come to explain to you? Besides, the Imperial Physician is of noble status, and if we go to receive him, it might displease him," the maidservant stepped forward and whispered to comfort her.

“Besides Ji Wuye, King Han An, and Crown Prince Han, he is the only one who knows the truth about Han Yu’s illness,” Wei Zhuang added.

Upon hearing their words, Zi Nu's expression returned to normal.

Anyone would feel a little uncomfortable if they were stood up twice, but how could she not go to greet Xu Qing when he came?
"Go and have someone prepare a new meal based on last night's, and then go to my room and fetch the bottle of orchid wine that I've been keeping," Zi Nu said, rising to her feet.

"Yes," the maid replied with a smile.

Zi Nu glanced at Wei Zhuang, took two deep breaths, and her expression returned to normal. A charming yet elegant smile appeared on her lips.

After watching Zi Nu leave, Wei Zhuang returned to the window. This was the best spot in Zi Lan Xuan overlooking Xin Zheng, offering a panoramic view of the Han King's Palace, the General's Mansion, and the Fourth Prince's Mansion.

"The next part of Xinzheng will be even more interesting."

Wei Zhuang revealed a meaningful smile.

As Zi Nu reached the top of the stairs, she immediately spotted Xu Qing surrounded by a crowd.

The nobles who were enjoying themselves in the hall and waiting for Zi Nu immediately greeted her with fawning smiles after seeing Xu Qing enter Zi Lan Xuan.

If Xu Qing had previously relied solely on the court brokers in the inner palace, then when Zhang Kai asked Xu Qing to treat his illness, Ji Wuye sent his trusted confidant late at night to invite Xu Qing to a banquet hosted by the Grand General. Furthermore, someone saw Zhang Liang, the young master of the Zhang family, personally delivering a thank-you gift to Zhang's home.

Ji Wuye and Zhang Kaidi's attempts to win over Xu Qing made the powerful and influential people suddenly realize what was going on.

Xu Qing is no longer a court broker who relies on the harem, but has become the fourth person in the Korean court who is qualified to play chess at the table.

Even if this fourth person has prestige but no real power, his ability to navigate between Zhang Kaidi and Ji Wuye and be won over by both of them is enough to keep him in the court.

Now that Han Yu is ill and the court is in turmoil, Xu Qing is undoubtedly their best choice, whether it's to gather information or to find a powerful patron.

"Imperial Physician, do you still remember me? When you treated the people of Xinzheng, I sent two cartloads of medicine to you."

"Imperial Physician, your father once treated me, and we had a very pleasant conversation."

The powerful and wealthy smiled and flattered Xu Qing, showing no trace of their usual domineering and arrogant behavior.

Xu Qing naturally understood the purpose of these people's goodwill towards him, but his visit to Zilan Pavilion tonight was not for the information Zi Nu mentioned, but for these powerful and influential people.

He was no longer willing to be a pawn to be manipulated. If he wanted to truly gain a foothold in South Korea and have the strength to remain neutral, he had to cultivate his own power.

With Consort Hu and the enchanting Chao Nvyao in the harem, and from Eunuch Han down to the Imperial Guards in the inner court, he had drawn them all into his corrupt network of interests. All he needed to do was gradually build himself and them into an alliance of interests where they would share both glory and ruin.

But the inner court alone is not enough; he must also have his own spies and eyes in the imperial court, but the imperial court has already been divided up by Zhang Kaidi, Ji Wuye, and Han Yu.

Therefore, he set his sights on these powerful officials, gradually bringing them into his own network of interests. He didn't need them to cheer him on; he only needed them to step forward and do small favors at crucial moments.

"Fellow officials, we all serve in the court, sharing the King's burdens and serving the country. There will be plenty of opportunities to talk in the future. If we all block the door, wouldn't that be delaying Miss Zi Nu's business?" Xu Qing said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the smiles on everyone's faces deepened. Xu Qing did not reject their overtures, and with this attitude, their trip tonight was not in vain.

"The Imperial Physician is right. Zilan Pavilion only discusses matters of the heart. There will be plenty of opportunities to talk about this in the future."

"Yes, yes, how could we possibly affect Zilanxuan's business?"

The crowd surrounded Xu Qing as they walked into the hall. Xu Qing chatted and laughed as he searched for Zi Nu's figure.

After looking around, Xu Qing saw Zi Nu standing at the top of the stairs on the second floor.

Zi Nu looked at Xu Qing, who was surrounded by admirers, and swayed her hips as she walked down the stairs. Her slender jade hand gently brushed against the stair railing, and she smiled slightly at Xu Qing.

"I am deeply grateful for the presence of the Imperial Physician. Please forgive me for not being able to greet you from afar."

Zi Nu was magnetic, and her laughter carried a hint of melancholy, as if she were complaining about something.

The powerful and wealthy watched as the alluring and elegant Zi Nu slowly walked towards Xu Qing, while Xu Qing looked at her with a smile, revealing a knowing smile.

"Haha, no wonder the Imperial Physician was so distracted, turns out there's a beauty waiting for him."

"Ah, Miss Zi Nu is stunningly beautiful and never shows any kindness to anyone. It turns out she favors a dragon among men like the Imperial Physician."

"Imperial Physician, please don't keep the beauty waiting any longer." Zi Nu walked to Xu Qing's side with a smile, put her arm around his arm, and leaned closer to him, making it seem as if the two were very intimate.

Xu Qing glanced at Zi Nu out of the corner of his eye. If you're going to act, you have to go all the way. As a veteran actor, you can't let the play fall flat.

So he took the opportunity to put his arm around Zi Nu's waist, his smooth, slightly warm skin feeling like a piece of fine mutton fat jade, and at the same time pulled Zi Nu half into his embrace.

Zi Nu's shoulders trembled slightly. She glanced at Xu Qing's restless hand and, seeing the amused looks from the people around her, could only suppress the urge to slap Xu Qing's hand away and maintain the smile on her face.

"Why are you all gathered here? Is it because my sisters from Zilan Pavilion don't meet your expectations?" Zi Nu said with a smile, leaning against Xu Qing's chest.

"Miss Zi Nu is joking. If the girls at Zi Lan Xuan are not good enough, then there are no good girls in Xin Zheng."

"I won't delay the Imperial Physician and Miss Zi Nu from catching up."

The crowd understood that Zi Nu meant to drive them away, and they all left one by one.

"Gentlemen, we can talk again another time."

After Xu Qing finished speaking, he put his arm around Zi Nu and walked upstairs.

After going up to the second floor, Zi Nu led Xu Qing into a room.

"Imperial Physician, haven't you had enough of hugging me yet?"

Zi Nu looked up at Xu Qing slightly, her smile unchanged, but her eyes flashed with coldness.

Xu Qing didn't push his luck, released Zi Nu, and said with a smile.
"Wasn't I doing this for them too? Isn't this what you wanted, Miss Zi Nu? Confirming the rumors between us would only benefit Zi Lan Xuan, wouldn't it?"

Zi Nu understood that Xu Qing was right, and couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

She had thought Xu Qing was as virtuous as the rumors suggested, but who knew this guy would actually take advantage of anyone, and always manage to step right on the line, leaving her both angry and helpless.

Seeing that she couldn't gain any advantage on this topic, Zi Nu changed the subject and brought up the matter of breaking her promise again.

"So the Imperial Physician knew what I was thinking? I thought you had completely forgotten about me. I broke our appointment twice. I thought you were disgusted by my Purple Orchid Pavilion." Zi Nu tilted her head slightly to look at Xu Qing, her words full of resentment.

If an ordinary person saw such a beautiful woman complaining to them, they would have been completely captivated. But Xu Qing knew Zi Nu's personality well; she wouldn't hold a grudge over such a trivial matter.

Under Zi Nu's astonished gaze, Xu Qing walked to his seat, lay down on his side, and picked up a fruit to eat.

At the same time, he raised an eyebrow at Zi Nu, signaling her to continue.

Upon seeing this, Zi Nu's smile vanished instantly, her deep eyes fixed on Xu Qing, and she put away her contempt.

Xu Qing's unconventional behavior left her puzzled, but she could tell that his decision to enter Zilan Pavilion this time was probably not just for fun.

"The Imperial Physician is indeed a remarkable person, but with your lack of romantic understanding, it's difficult for you to attract girls," Zi Nu said as she sat down opposite Xu Qing.

"Really? If I really end up alone in the future, please don't look down on me because of my age and refuse to let me into Zilan Pavilion," Xu Qing said with a smile.

"Imperial Physician, you jest. Zilan Pavilion welcomes all guests, and we certainly won't turn away a guest just because of their age." Zi Nu clapped her hands, and several elegantly dressed maids carried various dishes and fine wines into the room.

The maids placed the food and wine on the table, and before leaving, they couldn't help but glance at Xu Qing again, wanting to see what was so special about this legendary imperial physician, and how he could make their sister Zi Nu not only fail to gain any advantage, but also be teased by him.

"Imperial Physician, would you like to try the specialty of my Zilan Pavilion, orchid wine?" Zi Nu picked up a white jade wine pot, walked to Xu Qing's side, and poured him a cup of wine.

Xu Qing picked up his wine glass, took a sip of the orchid wine, and said with a lingering look on his face.

"The aroma is rich and mellow, captivating and intoxicating, with an excellent taste. It truly deserves to be the most famous wine of Zilanxuan."

Hearing Xu Qing's praise, Zi Nu felt a little proud. This was the best orchid wine she had brewed herself, how could it be anything less than excellent?

"I'm glad the Imperial Physician likes it. If you do, you're welcome to come and enjoy it often. I had prepared even better wine for you last night, but unfortunately you didn't come, so I had to enjoy it alone," Zi Nu said with a smile.

Seeing Zi Nu bring up his broken promise again, Xu Qing felt helpless. Was this something that couldn't be let go of?

It's not that he didn't want to come; he was just lured away by the Tide Demoness to live off her.
"I broke my promise yesterday, but something came up unexpectedly. A concubine in the harem suddenly fell ill, and the other physicians were helpless, so I had to go," Xu Qing said apologetically.

"I understand that the Imperial Physician is very busy, but you made me wait all night last night."

Zi Nu leaned forward slightly, her slender jade hand gently resting on Xu Qing's arm, looking like a coquettish little woman.

"So I've come today to apologize to Miss Zi Nu and have brought a gift," Xu Qing said, unmoved.

"A gift?" Zi Nu looked puzzled.

"A gift that will bring Zilanxuan's business to new heights and satisfy Miss Zinu."

(End of this chapter)