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

Chapter 97, Hu Meiren's Gratitude, The Meeting at Wushan
Just as the army was setting off, Xu Qing was also summoned by Consort Hu. However, this time he did not go to Consort Hu's palace, but went to the theater in the Han King's palace.

Compared to the dim lights at night, the theater lacked some of the hazy atmosphere during the day, but there were still quite a few wealthy ladies coming to watch the play.

Firstly, these noblewomen had little to do on a daily basis, and watching plays was their greatest form of entertainment.

Secondly, there was Consort Hu, a favored concubine. Everyone in Xinzheng knew that Consort Hu loved watching plays. Whenever a play was performed, the officials and nobles of Xinzheng would send their wives to see if they could cultivate a good relationship with Consort Hu and thus gain some leverage for their own careers.

As soon as Xu Qing entered the theater, she attracted countless eyes.

"Is that the Imperial Physician?"

"Yes, that's the legendary doctor. He is indeed as handsome as the rumors say."

"I really envy those who can have their pulse taken by him. If I could have his pulse taken privately, I would be willing to live twenty years less."

"Be careful what you say. The Imperial Physician has come to the theater. Could it be that Consort Hu is unwell?"

Many noblewomen watched as Xu Qing entered the small pavilion where Hu Meiren was, their eyes filled with envy, worry, or perhaps they were plotting something.

After entering the attic, Xu Qing followed Ruo Tao to a larger room on the second floor.

The room has a two-story design, with the inner room facing the stage, which is the best spot to watch the play. It is separated from the outer hall by a door.

Ruotao pushed open the partition door and said to Hu Meiren and Madam Hu.

"My beauty, the imperial physician has arrived."

"My lady, my lord," Xu Qing said, bowing respectfully.

When Hu Meiren and Madam Hu, who were chatting and laughing, saw Xu Qing arrive, they nodded slightly to him.

"I apologize for disturbing the Imperial Physician. Sister, thank you for taking my pulse yesterday. I was thinking of sending some gifts as payment for the consultation, but I think those gold and silver items are too vulgar."

"I thought that the Imperial Physician has been working too hard lately, so I thought I'd invite you to watch the play. It's a way to steal a moment of leisure from your busy schedule, and I hope it won't bother you?"

Hu Meiren winked at Xu Qing, her voice exceptionally soft and sweet.

Seeing the smile in Hu Meiren's eyes, Xu Qing also smiled and nodded.
"Then I must thank you for your kindness, my lady and madam. I just finished dealing with the affairs of the Imperial Hospital today, and I will be leaving the palace to practice medicine the day after tomorrow. I was just thinking about how to conserve my energy, but I never expected that you would give me a chance to slack off."

Hu Meiren's pretty face flushed slightly as she gave Xu Qing a reproachful look.

My sister is still here, why are you saying such inappropriate things?

Madam Hu paid no attention to the flirtatious glances exchanged between her younger sister and Xu Qing, nor did she understand the unspoken meaning behind their words.

"As long as we haven't disturbed the Imperial Physician, please take a seat here."

Madam Hu smiled and nodded at Xu Qing.

"Thank you very much, beautiful lady and madam."

Xu Qing didn't stand on ceremony and sat down in a seat on the side. Since Hu Meiren had invited him to the theater, it certainly wasn't just to watch a play.

Xu Qing glanced at the gentle and elegant Madam Hu beside him, and prepared to see what kind of surprise the beauty Hu could come up with for him.

Ruotao glanced at the three of them and then stood aside, waiting to be served.

"Today's actor was invited from the State of Chu by the Fourth Prince at a high price. Although he is not as famous as the actor from the State of Zhao for his performance of 'The Meeting at Wushan,' he is, after all, a native actor from Chu, and his talent lies in his authenticity."

Hu Meiren explained today's shamanistic ritual to Xu Qing, blinking occasionally.

Xu Qing glanced at Hu Meiren, whose neck was flushed a deep red, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. "This humble official knows nothing of opera, but a recommendation from a beauty like you is certainly worthwhile."

Upon hearing Xu Qing's words, Hu Meiren smiled knowingly, straightened her back slightly, and the folds of her dress at her waist and hips outlined an alluring curve.

Madam Hu, who was actually there to watch the play, did not notice Hu Meiren's unusual behavior; her attention was completely drawn to the upcoming witch opera.

"It's about to begin," Mrs. Hu reminded them.

As the witch opera was about to begin, Lady Hu swayed slightly, held her head with one hand, and whispered something to Madam Hu.

"Is my sister alright?" Madam Hu asked anxiously, holding onto Hu Meiren's hand.

"Don't worry, sister. It's just a common problem. The Imperial Physician is here. He can take my pulse."

Hu Meiren patted Madam Hu's hand with a relieved smile, then got up and walked towards Xu Qing.

Seeing this, Madam Hu hesitated to speak, but ultimately said nothing.

She wasn't stupid; she guessed that Hu Meiren had suddenly summoned Xu Qing to the theater because she probably had other instructions for him.

"The harem is dangerous, sister, you must stay safe and sound."

Watching Xu Qing and Hu Meiren leave together, Madam Hu prayed in her heart.

After walking to the outer hall, Xu Qing glanced at Madam Hu and Ruotao in the inner room and then closed the door.

"My beauty, what's wrong with your health? Do you need your pulse checked?" Xu Qing asked, looking at Hu Meiren.

Looking at Xu Qing, who was pretending to be serious, Hu Meiren rolled her eyes at him and said in a coquettish tone, "..."

"A hypocritical bad guy!"

Xu Qing chuckled mischievously and pulled him into his arms.
With one arm around Hu Meiren's smooth and delicate waist, he gently patted her plump and perky buttocks with the other.

A hint of nervousness flashed across Hu Meiren's charming and delicate face as she glanced furtively at Madam Hu and Ruotao, who were separated by only a door.

Seeing that the two were so engrossed in the witchcraft that they didn't notice anything amiss, Hu Meiren felt slightly relieved.

"Tell me what happened? Why did you bring me to the theater?"

Xu Qing put his arm around Hu Meiren's slender waist and asked softly.

"Yesterday, my sister told me to thank you properly for helping us recognize each other, so today I've come to thank you."

"This gathering at Wushan is a rare and wonderful spectacle; do you really want to miss it?"

Hu Meiren's small mouth opened and closed slightly as she whispered in Xu Qing's ear, her arms encircling him.

The pink palace boots were removed, and small feet encased in flesh-colored stockings gently stepped onto the floor, lifting the hem of Xu Qing's long robe.
Xu Qing glanced at the stage through the door. The Wushan Gathering had already begun. The actor playing King Xiang of Chu was meeting the goddess in his dream. King Xiang held the goddess's hand and poured out his heart.

However, compared to the original Wushan Meeting, Xu Qing couldn't help but think of another Wushan Meeting, Jia Baoyu's dream of visiting the Land of Illusion.

Now that Jia Baoyu is there, Qin Keqing is there, and the pavilion is there, it seems that only...
"Compared to the Wushan Meeting in the Chu State, I prefer the version by later generations."

Xu Qing held Hu Meiren in his arms and whispered in her ear.

(End of this chapter)