Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
After the two parted ways, Nangong Shuang immediately returned to her room to share her observations with Xiao Cha. Upon hearing the details, Xiao Cha expressed her concerns, saying, "Sister, this must be a trap! If she is truly the assassin from that night, her strength should not be underestimated. You must not leave the mansion alone with her."
"I certainly won't take her at face value," Nangong Shuang replied thoughtfully. "However, this is also an opportunity. If we can take advantage of this situation to uncover her background, we might find more clues about the Shadow Pavilion and the Crown Prince's Mansion."
Xiao Cha hesitated, "But the risks are too great. What if something goes wrong? Wouldn't that put you in danger?"
Nangong Shuang smiled slightly, "Don't worry, I have my own plans. In the next few days, keep a close eye on Xiao Cui's every move. See if she has any connections outside the mansion or if she is in secret communication with Lord Guo."
"Understood," Xiao Cha replied, her eyes shining with determination.
In the following days, Nangong Shuang returned to her calm routine, accompanying Guan Chunyi in studying and practicing calligraphy while occasionally helping Madam Guo with medical consultations. On the surface, the Guo Residence treated her with respect, but secretly they had never ceased their surveillance. Particularly, Xiao Cui made a point of getting close to her and frequently brought up matters concerning family illnesses.
Nangong Shuang maintained an appropriate distance, neither rejecting nor agreeing to Xiao Cui's advances, while secretly discussing strategies with Xiao Cha. Xiao Cha transformed into a little servant, gathering information throughout the mansion and collecting intelligence on Xiao Cui.
One evening a week later, Xiao Cha hurried back with a tense expression. "Sister, I've discovered that Xiao Cui sneaks out of the mansion every night to a courtyard in the southern part of the city. Strangely enough, she always returns with some medicinal herbs as if she is concocting something."
"Oh?" A glint of insight flashed in Nangong Shuang's eyes. "Did you manage to see who lives in that courtyard?"
Xiao Cha shook her head. "The courtyard is heavily guarded; I didn't dare get too close. However, I overheard some conversations from outside that seemed to relate to the Shadow Pavilion."
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment before suddenly realizing something. "After Zhang Lu was captured, the Crown Prince's Mansion will definitely send someone to take his place. This Xiao Cui could very well be their new spy assigned to monitor me."
"What should we do?" Xiao Cha asked anxiously.
Nangong Shuang spoke confidently, "We will meet force with force and cover our tracks as needed. Since the Crown Prince's Mansion is so concerned about me, they must fear that I will uncover the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique. We need to intensify our search for clues." She paused and added, "In two days, there will be an autumn banquet at the Crown Prince's Mansion; the Guo Family will certainly attend. At that time, there will be fewer people in the mansion—this will be our perfect opportunity to investigate."
Xiao Cha's eyes lit up. "Sister, that's a brilliant plan! I can disguise myself as a servant and move around freely without drawing attention."
The two conspired over further details before retiring for the night. However, Nangong Shuang remained unaware that outside her window, a pair of cold eyes was silently observing everything.
Xiao Cui stood in the shadows, silently curling her lips into a cold smile. "Nan Gong Yu Nie, you are finally going to reveal your true self. Once the Crown Prince learns of this, he will surely reward me handsomely."
She quietly slipped away, her figure quickly disappearing into the night.
As dusk fell over Guo Residence, the plum grove in the backyard was eerily silent. Nangong Shuang strolled alone along a path in the grove, lost in thought. It had been three days since she exposed Zhang Lu's corrupt practices. On the surface, Guo Residence had returned to tranquility; Lord Guo treated her and Xiao Cha even more graciously as if compensating for Zhang Lu’s incident. But Nangong Shuang knew this was merely a facade.
"Sister is admiring the plums?" Xiao Cha's voice came from behind her, interrupting her thoughts.
Nangong Shuang turned around to see Qiao Er disguised as Xiao Cha smiling brightly at her. In just three days, Qiao Er had seamlessly integrated herself into the household and quickly became well-acquainted with the servants around them—an invaluable source of information.
Comment 0 Comment Count