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墨書 Inktalez
Upon hearing the words "Plum Grove," Nangong Shuang's heart stirred. "Does the Guo Residence really have a Plum Grove? May I take a look?"
"Of course!" Guan Chunyi replied eagerly, leading the way. "Our Guo Family has loved plums for generations, and we have a complete variety of plum trees in our estate, including many rare species. Although the flowering season has passed, the trees are still quite beautiful."
After passing through several winding paths, the two arrived at the back garden of the estate. A serene Plum Grove came into view; though there were no blossoms, the graceful branches created a unique charm.
Nangong Shuang paused to admire it, but her gaze was inadvertently drawn to a particularly special plum tree. It was an old plum tree with a thick trunk and twisted branches, clearly different from the others. What caught her attention even more were the markings that seemed to be carved into its trunk.
"That plum tree seems quite special," Nangong Shuang remarked, pointing at the old tree.
Guan Chunyi nodded. "That is the 'Nangong Plum,' which my great-grandmother transplanted from the Nangong Family. It is said to be over a hundred years old and is a treasured heirloom of the Nangong Family. After the downfall of the Nangong Family, this plum tree became their only remaining relic."
Nangong Shuang's heart trembled! The Nangong Family's plum tree! She distinctly remembered there being such an old plum tree in her childhood home, where her father often brought her to read and practice medicine beneath its branches. After the extermination of the Nangong Family, she thought this plum tree had also vanished, but unexpectedly it had been preserved in the Guo Residence!
She forced herself to suppress her excitement and stepped closer to inspect it. Indeed, there were markings on the trunk that at first glance appeared to be natural patterns, but upon closer examination revealed themselves to be artificially carved lines that vaguely formed a map!
"These... these markings are quite peculiar," Nangong Shuang asked casually, "Do you know what they signify?"
Guan Chunyi shook her head. "I’m not sure either. My father said these are secret markings of the Nangong Family and forbade us from touching them carelessly. If you’re interested, you could ask my father about it another day."
Nangong Shuang nodded slightly, but in her heart she had already made a judgment. The markings on this plum tree might very well be clues pointing to the location of the Nangong Ancestral Home's "Mei Xin Pavilion"! The Plum Blossom Token and the plum tree must be connected!
Just as she was about to investigate further, hurried footsteps approached from a distance; Steward Zhang Lu rushed over.
"Miss Nangong Shuang, Lord Guo has returned to the residence. Please come with me immediately."
Guan Chunyi exclaimed in surprise, "Father is back at this hour? Is there something urgent?"
Zhang Lu replied expressionlessly, "The lord only said for you both to hurry over; I dare not ask further."
Nangong Shuang and Guan Chunyi exchanged glances and silently followed. On their way, Nangong Shuang noticed an unusual atmosphere in the residence; guards appeared tense and servants whispered among themselves as if something significant had occurred.
Upon reaching the main hall, they saw Lord Guo sitting gravely in his seat. When he noticed them enter, he forced a smile. "Guan Chunyi, Nangong Shuang, please sit."
After they bowed and took their seats, Nangong Shuang sensed Lord Guo's unusual demeanor and proactively asked, "Is there something you wish to discuss?"
Lord Guo pondered for a moment before speaking solemnly. "To speak frankly, news has come from the government today that the court has decided to reopen the investigation into the Nangong Family's treason case!"
"What?!" Guan Chunyi exclaimed in shock. "The Nangong Family case has been closed for ten years; why would they suddenly want to reopen it?"
Lord Guo sighed. "It is said that new evidence has surfaced that suggests there were hidden circumstances surrounding the case back then. The court has ordered all departments to quickly organize related documents in preparation for a renewed investigation."
As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at Nangong Shuang. "What do you think about this matter, Nangong Shuang?"
Nangong Shuang's heart raced while she maintained her composure on the surface. "I am just a simple village girl who knows nothing of court affairs; how could I dare comment recklessly? However, if there truly is an injustice in this case, then having it reopened by the court would serve to vindicate those wronged and uphold justice."
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