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墨書 Inktalez
Nangong Shuang and Xiao Zhongyan were startled by the sound and hurriedly ran towards its source. They saw Guan Chunyi struggling in the pond, while the people on the shore were in a state of panic.
Without a second thought, Nangong Shuang leaped into the water. She swam to Guan Chunyi's side, lifting the girl who had swallowed water and desperately paddled towards the shore. Seeing this, Xiao Zhongyan quickly extended his hand to help, pulling both of them onto dry land.
“Guan Chunyi!” Madam Guo cried out as she rushed forward to embrace her drenched daughter.
Guan Chunyi coughed up a few mouthfuls of water, her face pale and trembling. “I... I’m fine, I just accidentally... slipped...”
Nangong Shuang keenly noticed that the hem of Guan Chunyi's dress seemed to be caught on something, which had caused her to fall into the water. Looking at the edge of the pond, the stone steps were slippery but not impossible to stand on. This incident was likely not an accident.
“The young lady is shaken; it would be best for her to return to her room and rest,” Nangong Shuang gently advised, then bowed to Madam Guo. “Madam, I am also soaked; may I borrow Miss Guo Chunyi's dress for a moment?”
“Of course,” Madam Guo nodded repeatedly. “Go ahead, don’t catch a cold.”
Back in Guan Chunyi's chamber, the maids busily prepared hot water and clean clothes. Taking advantage of the moment, Nangong Shuang carefully examined the hem of Guan Chunyi's dress and indeed found a nearly imperceptible small hook that had caused her to fall.
“Miss, do you remember if anyone was near you when you were close to the water?” Nangong Shuang asked softly, her fingers brushing over the hook.
Guan Chunyi strained to recall. “Just some close friends, and...” She suddenly stopped, a flicker of hesitation crossing her eyes.
“And who else?” Nangong Shuang pressed.
“Also Xiao Zhongyan’s cousin, Xiao Yuyan,” Guan Chunyi whispered. “But she has always treated me well; she wouldn’t…”
Nangong Shuang felt a stir in her heart—who exactly was this Xiao Yuyan that she would appear at today’s banquet?
After changing clothes, Nangong Shuang excused herself under the pretense of fetching medicine for Guan Chunyi and returned to the garden alone. The banquet felt somewhat subdued due to Guan Chunyi’s mishap, with guests whispering in small groups. Nangong Shuang quietly approached the spot where Guan Chunyi had fallen and carefully inspected the stone steps.
“What is Nangong Shuang looking for?”
A cool voice came from behind her. Turning around, she saw Xiao Zhongyan standing not far away, his gaze fixed intently on her.
“Miss Guo Chunyi’s fall seems suspicious; I wanted to see what caused it,” she replied candidly while observing his reaction.
Xiao Zhongyan took a few steps closer and said softly, “I also feel it wasn’t an accident. Earlier, I noticed that before Guan Chunyi fell into the water, my cousin Xiao Yuyan was standing next to her.”
Nangong Shuang looked at him in surprise. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I want to know the truth as well,” Xiao Zhongyan’s eyes sharpened. “Guan Chunyi is my cousin; if someone intends to harm her, I certainly won’t stand by.”
A hint of doubt crossed Nangong Shuang’s mind—Xiao Zhongyan didn’t seem entirely aligned with the rest of the Xiao family; could there be divisions within them?
“Nangong Shuang’s act of saving someone is commendable,” Xiao Zhongyan suddenly changed the subject. “However, I’m curious how you jumped into the water so easily; it shows you are quite skilled in swimming. A country girl like you possesses such abilities?”
Another test! Nangong Shuang sneered inwardly but maintained a calm facade. “My hometown is near water; I learned to swim at a young age—it’s nothing remarkable. You flatter me too much.”
Xiao Zhongyan nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation. He continued, "Miss, your medical skills are remarkable, your talents outstanding, and your abilities exceptional. You truly are a rare and extraordinary woman. If I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes, I would almost think I had encountered the legendary daughter of the Nangong Family."
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