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墨書 Inktalez
Nan Gong Shuang changed into a gray cloth outfit and donned a wide-brimmed hat, blending into the crowd. Her expression was calm, but her eyes were sharp as an eagle, scanning every detail in the square.
"Today, we will execute the notorious criminal who stole military funds, along with five accomplices!" a constable announced loudly. "By the decree of the Emperor..."
Nan Gong Shuang's gaze fell upon the prisoners in the cart. One elderly man with white hair particularly caught her attention. Though haggard, he stood tall with a resolute gaze.
"Isn't that Chen Bo..." A jolt ran through Nan Gong Shuang as her nails dug into her palm. Chen Bo was the old steward of the Nangong Family; he had been over sixty when the Nangong Mansion was destroyed, and she had thought he had long since passed away.
On the execution platform, an official in a purple robe sat upright. Nan Gong Shuang squinted and recognized him as Zheng Yushi, one of the presiding judges in the Nangong Case years ago.
"Bring up the prisoners!"
Several convicts were brought to the Execution Ground and knelt in a row, with Chen Bo placed last.
An official read out the charges: "Criminal Chen Fu, former steward of the Nangong Mansion, colluded with accomplices to steal military funds amounting to one hundred thousand taels. The evidence is conclusive; according to the law, he shall be executed immediately!"
"Injustice!" Chen Bo suddenly cried out. "When did this old servant ever steal military funds? Someone is framing me! The truth lies with Mei Ying..."
"Bold! The criminal is arguing in court; add another charge!" Zheng Yushi shouted angrily. "Execute him!"
Nan Gong Shuang's heart raced as her fingers quietly gripped a silver needle hidden in her sleeve. Just as she prepared to act, Chen Bo's eyes suddenly met hers.
The old man froze, disbelief flashing across his face, followed by joy and shock. He subtly shook his head, signaling her not to act rashly.
"The injustice of the Nangong Family will one day be revealed!" Chen Bo shouted loudly, his voice aged yet powerful. "Mei Ying Bu San, the truth will endure!"
Nan Gong Shuang gritted her teeth, watching helplessly as the blade fell and Chen Bo collapsed lifelessly to the ground. Her nails embedded deeply into her palm, blood seeping out unnoticed.
Zheng Yushi sneered from the platform: "Though the case of the Nangong Mansion's rebellion has been closed for many years, remnants still refuse to give up hope. Citizens, remember this: those who dare to harm the court will meet this fate!"
Nan Gong Shuang clenched her fists tightly, suppressing the raging fury within her. The look and words of Chen Bo before his death clearly conveyed a message to her—"Mei Ying Bu San." Could it be related to the Plum Blossom Mark on her wrist?
Just as she turned to leave, she suddenly felt someone watching her. Alert, she scanned her surroundings and spotted a young man in a brocade robe at the edge of the crowd, looking thoughtfully at her. He was handsome with striking features and an extraordinary demeanor, a jade pendant hanging from his waist with an indistinct character that resembled "Xiao."
A chill ran down Nan Gong Shuang's spine—someone from the Xiao Family!
Quickly lowering her head, she turned and melted back into the crowd. The young man seemed intent on following but was blocked by the throng of people.
As dusk fell, Nan Gong Shuang returned to a newly found inn located in a secluded courtyard in the south of town.
She sat quietly by the window, reflecting on what she had witnessed that day. On the table lay several bottles of medicinal powder and silver needles, but her gaze was fixed on the Plum Blossom Mark on her wrist.
"Chen Bo mentioned 'Mei Ying Bu San' before he died; could it really be related to this mark?" she murmured to herself, a flicker of contemplation crossing her eyes.
Suddenly, faint footsteps echoed from outside. Nan Gong Shuang immediately became alert and silently moved behind the door, gripping a silver needle tightly in her hand.
“Knock, knock, knock”—it was the sound of someone knocking on the door.
“Nangong Shuang, it’s me, Shen Xinyao.”
Nangong Shuang let out a sigh of relief as she opened the door to find Shen Xinyao standing outside, dressed in plain clothes, clearly in disguise.
“How did you find this place, Miss Shen?” Nangong Shuang asked in surprise.
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