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Nangong Shuang's gaze swept across the room, and suddenly her heart tightened—among the crowd, she spotted a familiar face. Clad in a moon-white robe, exuding an elegant demeanor and handsome features, it was none other than Xiao Zhongyan, the Young Master of the Xiao Family, whom she had encountered in the Guo Residence garden a few days prior.
What startled her even more was the jade pendant hanging from Xiao Zhongyan's waist. Under the sunlight, it shimmered with a warm glow, and its intricate patterns bore a striking resemblance to the pendant worn by the killer she had seen in her dreams—the one associated with Nangong Night of Annihilation.
"It turns out that the Young Master of the Xiao Family is also here," Lord Guo remarked with a smile. "How have you been lately, Xiao Zhongyan?"
Xiao Zhongyan rose to bow respectfully, his demeanor composed. "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Guo. I am well. I heard that my cousin Guan Chunyi has recovered from her illness, so I came to congratulate her."
"You child, no need for such formality. Please, take a seat," Lord Guo said with a wave of his hand, his admiration for Xiao Zhongyan evident in his eyes.
Nangong Shuang observed quietly; it seemed that the Guo Residence and the Xiao Family had a close relationship, which explained Xiao Zhongyan's presence here. She maintained a calm expression, but her heart was on high alert.
At that moment, Guan Chunyi excitedly suggested, "Since we have so many esteemed guests today and the spring weather is delightful, why don't we play a poetry game?"
"Sounds good!" Everyone agreed enthusiastically.
"Let us proceed as Guan Chunyi suggested," Lord Guo replied cheerfully, turning to the guests. "Who among you would like to present the first line?"
A young gentleman stood up and recited loudly: "The spring breeze blows ten miles along Yangzhou Road; lifting the pearl curtains is never as good."
After a moment of contemplation, someone quickly responded with the next line: "The jade face is lonely with tears on the railing; a branch of pear blossoms brings spring rain."
As the verses flowed back and forth, it was Miss Qian's turn. She appeared somewhat nervous and stammered out an awkward couplet that drew quiet laughter from several young gentlemen. Miss Qian's face turned red with embarrassment. Seeing this, Nangong Shuang was about to step forward to help when Xiao Zhongyan suddenly spoke up: "Though Miss Qian's poetic talent may seem a bit inexperienced, it is sincere and heartfelt; why must we be so strict with form?" He smiled gently but inadvertently glanced at Nangong Shuang. "However, I am curious about how this Nangong Shuang's talents measure up."
All eyes turned to Nangong Shuang. Miss Qian quickly interjected, "Nangong Shuang is merely my family's maid; how could she dare to embarrass herself before everyone?"
"What does it matter if she is a maid?" Xiao Zhongyan replied leisurely, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "True talent lies not in one's status but in genuine insight."
Nangong Shuang understood that Xiao Zhongyan was intentionally testing her. If she declined, it would seem she had something to hide; if she accepted, she risked revealing too much. After a brief moment of thought, she decided to accept the challenge—perhaps this would give her an opportunity to uncover more about him.
"Young Master Xiao is too kind; Nangong Shuang is willing to embarrass herself," she said with a slight smile, her voice clear as spring water.
Xiao Zhongyan's lips curled into a slight smile as if he had anticipated her agreement. He then posed his challenge: "Halfway up the mountain, remnants of snow reflect the rosy clouds; who returns swiftly on horseback?"
This line seemed ordinary at first glance but contained hidden meaning. The imagery of "remnant snow," "returning," and "swift hooves" appeared to hint at something deeper. The guests pondered for a moment before realizing that this line was difficult to counter.
Nangong Shuang scoffed inwardly; indeed, Xiao Zhongyan was not here for mere pleasantries—he was clearly probing into her identity. The phrase "remnant snow" alluded to her name "Frost," while "returning" suggested she might be a descendant of the Nangong family returning to the capital. The mention of "swift hooves" pointed out her urgency and purpose in coming back.
After contemplating briefly, she responded confidently: "Under the moonlight, Mei Ying's fragrance remains as before; who will share in reminiscing about those years?"
This line too carried profound implications—the reference to "Mei Ying" hinted at Nangong Family's secret chamber while "fragrance remains" alluded to their heritage in incense-making. The final line posed an implicit question regarding past grievances between the Xiao Family and Nangong Family.
In an instant, astonishment filled the room. A flicker of surprise crossed Xiao Zhongyan's eyes before being replaced by admiration.
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