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墨書 Inktalez
Xiao Zhongyan also saw the content of the note, his expression turning grave. "Shadow Pavilion... usurpation... this is far more complicated than I imagined."
"Who is Xiao Er?" Nan Gong Shuang asked, putting away the note with a wary tone.
"My second uncle, Xiao Jingyan, currently oversees military affairs and holds considerable influence in court," Xiao Zhongyan replied, his face serious. "I didn't expect him to be involved in this."
The two fell silent, each contemplating the shocking information revealed by the note. After a moment, Nan Gong Shuang broke the silence. "Where is Mei Ying Villa?"
"Mei Ying Villa is a retreat of the Nangong Family outside the city, about thirty miles from the capital. It is nestled by the mountains and water, offering a tranquil environment. It is rumored that after the Nangong Family was exterminated, it was also burned down," Xiao Zhongyan explained. "However, if there are hidden chambers, we might find clues among the ruins."
Nan Gong Shuang nodded. "I must go to Mei Ying Villa as soon as possible."
"Wait," Xiao Zhongyan stopped her. "Right now, Zheng Yushi is searching for you throughout the city. It would be too dangerous to leave recklessly. I have a suggestion—three days from now is the Lantern Festival in the capital. The gate controls will be relaxed then, and it will be safer to slip out among the crowds."
Nan Gong Shuang thought for a moment and found it reasonable. "So how should I avoid capture during these three days?"
Just as Xiao Zhongyan was about to respond, hurried footsteps sounded from outside.
"Young Master? Are you inside?" came a young woman's voice.
Xiao Zhongyan's expression changed slightly as he whispered, "It's my sister, Xiao Yuyan. She has a close relationship with my second uncle; we can't let her see you."
He pointed toward a bookshelf in the inner room. "There's a hidden chamber behind that. Please hide there for now."
Nan Gong Shuang quickly concealed herself in the hidden chamber while Xiao Zhongyan tidied himself up and opened the door.
"Brother, so this is where you are!" A round-faced girl entered, curiously surveying the study. "Second Uncle has been looking for you for a long time; he said he has something important to discuss."
"What’s so urgent?" Xiao Zhongyan asked casually.
"I heard it's about that remnant of the Nangong Family," Xiao Yuyan said mysteriously. "Yesterday, Zheng caught a woman from the Nangong Family at Yao Wang Miao; Second Uncle is taking this matter very seriously."
Xiao Zhongyan was taken aback. "Caught? Where?"
"I'm not sure; I only heard Second Uncle say that she is currently imprisoned in the dungeons of Dali Temple and will be interrogated tomorrow," Xiao Yuyan shrugged. "Why are you so concerned about this matter?"
"It's a major case in court; naturally, I need to pay attention," Xiao Zhongyan replied evasively. "You should go back now and tell Second Uncle I'll be there shortly."
Xiao Yuyan looked around suspiciously but eventually nodded and left.
Once her footsteps faded away, Nan Gong Shuang emerged from the hidden chamber, her expression darkening. "It seems Zheng Yushi has caught an imposter."
"Whoever it is could be implicated because of you," Xiao Zhongyan said gravely. "We need to rescue her quickly."
"We?" Nan Gong Shuang scoffed lightly. "Why should Xiao Gongzi get involved? This matter has nothing to do with you."
Xiao Zhongyan looked at her seriously. "I also want to uncover the truth behind the Nangong Case. Besides, we are in this together now."
Nan Gong Shuang was silent for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, then let's split up. You go meet your second uncle to gather more information; I'll check the situation around the Dali Temple and find a way to rescue the people."
"Absolutely not," Xiao Zhongyan firmly refused. "The Dali Temple is heavily guarded. It's far too dangerous for you to go alone. How about this: I'll handle my second uncle first, and then I'll take you with me to the Dali Temple tonight."
Nan Gong Shuang thought for a moment and found his reasoning sound. "Then where should I go for now?"
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