"This is the key to the secret chamber of the Nangong Family's Mei Ying Villa," the Sixth Prince stated bluntly, seemingly testing Nangong Shuang's reaction. "It is said that within lies the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique, which can resolve the troubles of the Cold Poison Physique."
Nangong Shuang's heart trembled; how did the Sixth Prince know such details? She forced herself to remain calm. "May I ask why Your Highness is so interested in this item?"
"Because I am also searching for the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique," the Sixth Prince replied candidly. "However, unlike Zheng Yushi, I seek to restore justice for the Nangong Family."
"Is Your Highness speaking the truth?" Nangong Shuang could not hide her surprise.
The Sixth Prince nodded. "The Nangong Family Massacre Case is filled with doubts, and I have been secretly investigating it. Now that I have the Plum Blossom Token, perhaps we can uncover the truth."
"But this is only half of it," Xiao Zhongyan pointed out. "It is said that the Plum Blossom Token has two halves, and they must be combined to unlock the secret chamber."
The Sixth Prince looked at Nangong Shuang. "The other half is likely related to the Plum Blossom Mark on your wrist."
Nangong Shuang's heart raced; she had no idea how the Sixth Prince knew about her Plum Blossom Mark. Instinctively, she protected her left wrist. "Why do you say that, Your Highness?"
"I noticed your sealing technique earlier; it is clearly a skill passed down through the Nangong Family," the Sixth Prince said, looking directly into her eyes. "With the bloodline of the Nangong Family, you must have a Plum Blossom Mark. You are the only survivor of the Nangong Family, Nan Gong Shuang."
His words struck her like a thunderbolt, yet she maintained her composure. "Your Highness has mistaken me for someone else; I am merely a common healer."
"There is no need to hide," the Sixth Prince said gently. "If I intended to harm you, I would not have waited until now. On the contrary, I have been searching for a descendant of the Nangong Family to help uncover the truth."
Xiao Zhongyan stepped forward. "Nangong Shuang, what His Highness says is true. The injustice against the Nangong Family is closely related to the current Crown Prince. We need your help to reveal the truth."
Nangong Shuang fell into deep thought. At this point, concealing her identity was meaningless. Moreover, if she were to go to Mei Ying Villa in search of the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique, she indeed needed allies.
"Very well," she finally resolved. "I am Nan Gong Shuang, who narrowly escaped ten years ago. For these years, I have kept my identity hidden in hopes of one day avenging the Nangong Family."
"Indeed," the Sixth Prince nodded slightly. "Then are you willing to cooperate with us in seeking out the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique and uncovering the truth behind the massacre of your family?"
Nangong Shuang asked warily, "Why does Your Highness want to help me?"
"Because the injustice against the Nangong Family concerns royal legitimacy," the Sixth Prince replied earnestly. "The secrets recorded in the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique are enough to shake the Crown Prince's position. Ten years ago, your father was exterminated because he discovered this secret."
Nangong Shuang recalled scenes from her dreams—the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique and secret chamber mentioned by her father before his death—all seemed to align.
"I need time to consider," she finally said.
"That is only reasonable," the Sixth Prince replied without offense. "It is getting late; you should return and rest for now. We can discuss this matter further tomorrow."
Nangong Shuang nodded and took her leave, with Xiao Zhongyan personally escorting her back to her room.
On their way, Xiao Zhongyan spoke softly, "Nangong Shuang, I know it’s hard for you to trust others, but the Sixth Prince genuinely wants to help clear your family's name. If we can obtain the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique, it will not only resolve your Cold Poison troubles but also vindicate your family’s grievances."
Nangong Shuang looked at him in surprise. "You know about my condition?"
"I could tell from the chilling aura in your room just now," Xiao Zhongyan admitted. "The Cold Poison Physique is a rare occurrence, and ancient texts record that only the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique can fully control it."
Nangong Shuang fell silent for a moment. "You seem to know quite a bit about this matter. Could it be that the grievances between the Xiao Family and the Nangong Family are also related to this?"
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