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

Chapter 21, Temptation: The Battle Between Beauty Hu and the Tide Demoness

The next day, Xu Qing arrived at the Imperial Hospital early as usual to report for duty.

Compared to the bustling atmosphere of the previous days, the Imperial Hospital was unusually quiet today. Everyone seemed somewhat absent-minded, and some even looked worried. The slightest noise could startle them into a panic, like birds startled by the mere twang of a bow.

"Have you heard? The two physicians, Zhang and Chen, who got separated yesterday, are dead. Not only that, their entire family died overnight."

"Of course I've heard about it. They're said to have been killed by the Hundred Birds."

"I heard that the two of them were secretly connected with those assassins, so they were killed by the general."

"I heard that the two of them were killed by the Crown Prince because they were too close to the Fourth Young Master Han Yu?"

"What's the difference between the Crown Prince and the Grand General? Sigh, things aren't going to be easy for us in the Imperial Hospital from now on."

Xu Qing overheard their conversation and understood why the people from the Imperial Hospital were acting this way today; they were clearly terrified by Ji Wuye's methods. However, he was very fortunate to have escaped another calamity and even gained a considerable sum of money.

From their conversation, he also gleaned a crucial piece of information: the two deceased physicians were connected to the Fourth Young Master Han Yu, and this, in turn, led to the deaths of the assassins.

This made Xu Qing suspect that the Fourth Young Master Han Yu had hired these assassins to plot against the Crown Prince. In the original story, Han Yu had long coveted the position of Crown Prince and wanted to usurp it at all times.

"But what does all this have to do with me? I'm just a powerless little imperial physician. No matter how chaotic the situation in Xinzheng is, as long as I don't get involved, I'm not in any danger."

Xu Qing smiled calmly, picked up his medicine box, and was about to take Hu Meiren's pulse.

The physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy watched Xu Qing leave with envy in their eyes. Now, Xu Qing was the only one in the entire Imperial Medical Academy who was not affected at all.

Not only because the other party has powerful connections, but also because they chose to go to the West Wing yesterday instead of the East Wing.

Despite their envy, everyone was filled with worry. They had all gone to the pharmacy yesterday, and Ji Wuye must have been watching them. Now they could only hope to get through this ordeal safely.

Before long, Xu Qing arrived at Consort Hu's palace.

After a few days of rest, Hu Meiren's health has improved significantly, and she no longer needs to stay in bed.

Hu Meiren was dressed in a pink palace robe, her face lightly made up, and her charming eyes were captivating.

The form-fitting palace robe accentuated her curvaceous figure, highlighting her ample breasts, which appeared extremely exaggerated.

But Xu Qing, who had measured it herself, knew that it wasn't an exaggeration; it was a data anomaly.

A pair of long, fair legs were covered in flesh-colored stockings, and her feet were clad in white ankle socks. She knelt on the head of the table, her fair arms outstretched, allowing Xu Qing to take her pulse.

Hu Meiren looked at Xu Qing, who was carefully taking her pulse, her eyes flickering slightly, as if she were admiring some rare treasure.

After a day of calm, she had recovered from the embarrassment of that day. Putting aside her opinion of Xu Qing's dishonesty, she found his handsome face and the masculine aura he exuded increasingly captivating.

Thinking back to Xu Qing's hand that day, she felt a strange tingling sensation in her heart.

"I heard that Madam Mingzhu invited you to take her pulse the other day. Did she give you any trouble?"

A hint of worry flashed in Hu Meiren's eyes. She could guess why Chao Nuyao wanted Xu Qing to take her pulse. The deal between the two was enough to destroy all the status they had gained.

"Madam did not make things difficult for me, but..."

Xu Qing told Hu Meiren about the time the Tide Demoness asked him to take her pulse. He thought Hu Meiren was asking because she was worried that he would reveal her secret.

When Hu Meiren heard Chao Nu Yao ask Xu Qing to tell her stories about her illness in the future, a complicated emotion flashed through her mind. She couldn't quite put her finger on what this emotion was, but she felt a sense of unease and frustration welling up inside her.

"Tell a story?? You...you agreed?" Hu Meiren looked at Xu Qing with a serious expression.

"Your Madam's request is my only recourse," Xu Qing said, withdrawing his hand.
"My lady, your pulse has stabilized. You no longer need to take any medication. Just eat some tonics every day to replenish the qi and blood that you previously lost."

Hu Meiren was slightly taken aback when she heard Xu Qing's words.

But Xu Qing didn't notice Hu Meiren's strange behavior and continued packing his medicine box.

"If the beauty falls ill in the future, she may send someone to invite me here."

After Xu Qing finished speaking, he prepared to take his leave.

Hu Meiren's illness has almost completely healed, and he no longer needs to come every day. This means he will have more time to practice the Evergreen Technique and improve his medical skills.

Thinking of this, Xu Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, and a relaxed and happy look appeared between her brows.

Living in the deep palace year-round, and even when she went out, she would only watch plays at most, which meant that Consort Hu rarely came into contact with young men, especially handsome young men like Xu Qing.

Although she couldn't have anything going on with Xu Qing, looking at such a handsome young man every day was good for her eyes and helped cleanse the pollution brought by Han Wang'an's old face.

Now that Xu Qing says he won't be coming often anymore, Hu Meiren feels a little disappointed. But seeing the ease and joy in Xu Qing's eyes, she feels a surge of inexplicable anger and a strange competitive spirit arises within her.

So you're really willing to tell stories to Madam Mingzhu? Are you really less venomous than that venomous woman who could devour you at any moment? You think you can just leave after touching her? It's not that simple!
Seeing Xu Qing preparing to get up and leave, Hu Meiren suddenly spoke up.

"and many more."

"Is there something wrong with your health, my beauty?" Xu Qing asked, noticing the anger flashing in Hu Meiren's eyes. Ruo Tao also looked at her beauty with concern, wondering if something had happened to her again.

"Although my appetite has returned these past few days, I still feel a sense of unease and blockage in my heart," said Hu Meiren. "To prevent a relapse, I'm afraid I'll have to rely on Physician Xu to come and treat me in the future."

After speaking, Hu Meiren felt a tightness in her heart and lowered her head shyly, her eyes still secretly watching Xu Qing's expression. She appeared somewhat bashful, and coupled with her foxy and stunning face, she couldn't help but evoke a strong protective instinct in people.

But Xu Qing felt no protective instinct; instead, she was filled with doubt.

Hu Meiren's pulse was very steady, and she didn't seem to be suffering from any pent-up emotions.

Could it be that she's taken a liking to him? Although it sounds a bit narcissistic to say that, Xu Qing knows very well how over-the-top his face looks.

"If the beauty needs anything, she can simply send someone to summon me."

Xu Qing didn't refuse. He still needed Consort Hu as a protective umbrella, and visiting her every now and then was good for his eyes. Most importantly, he couldn't avoid it; treating the women of the harem was his duty as an imperial physician.

Even if I refuse Lady Hu now, Lady Hu can tell King Han An that I will still come.

"Alright, then we'll have to trouble Physician Xu from now on. Let's begin tomorrow," said Consort Hu with a smile.

Xu Qing was taken aback, but didn't dwell on it too much.

"It is my duty."

Xu Qing bowed and took his leave.

As Hu Meiren watched Xu Qing's departing figure, a faint smile appeared on her face. However, remembering her impulsiveness just now, the smile on her face froze.

What's wrong with me? Why am I acting so impulsively all of a sudden? It must be because I'm worried that he'll be framed by Madam Mingzhu.

Xu Qing had helped him find his sister and knew the truth about the tragedy at Fire Rain Manor, so he would inevitably need Xu Qing's help to avenge her in the future. He had Xu Qing come to him to treat his illness, protect him, and prevent him from being harmed by Madam Mingzhu.

Yes, I'm repaying a debt of gratitude.

Hu Meiren kept telling herself that she was only repaying a debt of gratitude.

Xu Qing went straight back to the Imperial Medical Academy, noted down the accounts of the medicines taken from the pharmacy yesterday, and then began to read medical books in his room.

Physician Wang was so frightened yesterday that he took leave today and didn't come. He has no one to ask about his confusion, and instead has to handle the affairs of the Imperial Hospital with the other two physicians.

Around noon, just as Xu Qing was about to take a nap, there was a knock on his door.

"Physician Xu, Madam Mingzhu requests your presence," a maid's voice rang out from outside the door.

Xu Qing's face darkened. No, he had just finished taking Hu Meiren's pulse that morning, and now she was so eager to test him again?

"Wait a moment, let me tidy up the medicine box," Xu Qing said helplessly.

"This servant will be waiting for you outside."

Xu Qing knew she couldn't avoid it, so she quickly packed her medicine kit, got dressed again, and left the room.

The maid bowed slightly to Xu Qing and then led him toward the Pearl Palace.

After passing through several palaces, Xu Qing entered the Pearl Palace.

Guided by the maid, Xu Qing entered her boudoir.

The moment Xu Qing saw the Tide Demoness, he immediately lowered his head.

It was lunchtime, and instead of lying on the bed, Chao Nv Yao was lying on her side on the small bed outside.

Her long, black hair was casually draped behind her, and her beautiful face, which was alluring but not seductive, showed a hint of fatigue.

She wore a transparent black lace dress with a wide-open neckline, clearly revealing a black patterned double-sided undergarment. A white gem was located in the abyss, connecting the two sides of the undergarment.

Two large, snow-white, and high-set breasts were tied with two lace ribbons extending from her bra, crossing over her flat stomach.

She wore only a short black lace-trimmed skirt on her lower body, and her long, slender legs were covered with flesh-colored stockings. Her delicate little feet were casually placed at the foot of the bed.

The enchanting woman lay on the bed, the afternoon sunlight casting shadows that added a touch of alluring languor to her bewitching and aloof aura.

"This humble official, Xu Qing, greets Madam." Xu Qing lowered his head, not daring to look at Chao Nu Yao any longer; the allure of that lace nightgown was simply too tempting.
If I look at it one more time, it will explode!

Seeing the slight tension and restraint on Xu Qing's handsome face, Chao Nu Yao's lips unconsciously curled into a charming smile.

"Come forward."

The succubus stuck out her pink tongue and licked her alluring pink lips, like a venomous snake flicking out its dangerous tongue upon spotting its prey.

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(End of this chapter)