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Hearing the footsteps, the person in the pavilion turned around, revealing an exceptionally handsome face. Upon seeing Nan Gong Shuang, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"The lady has indeed arrived," Xiao Zhongyan said with a slight smile, gesturing for her to come closer. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence."
Nan Gong Shuang did not approach recklessly; instead, she stood a few steps away from the pavilion and coldly replied, "Xiao Gongzi, what is the purpose of this trap you have set?"
Xiao Zhongyan shook his head slightly. "You misunderstand, my lady. I did not set a trap; I sincerely invited you."
"The feud between the Xiao Family and the Nangong Family is well-known," Nan Gong Shuang said sharply, her gaze piercing as she stared at him. "Why would Xiao Gongzi want to associate with someone from the Nangong Family? Are you not afraid of being discovered?"
Xiao Zhongyan sighed. "It is precisely because I know of our families' enmity that I must take this risk. Do you know that the case involving the Nangong Family is not as simple as it appears?"
"Oh?" Nan Gong Shuang scoffed. "Are you trying to tell me that the murderer who wiped out my Nangong family did not include the Xiao Family?"
"It is not that simple," Xiao Zhongyan's expression turned serious. "The Nangong Case from ten years ago has many hidden truths that are not known to the public. My father..."
Before he could finish, a sudden commotion of hurried footsteps and shouts echoed from a distance.
"This is bad!" Xiao Zhongyan's face changed. "Someone is coming!"
Nan Gong Shuang turned alertly, seeing several servants hurrying towards them, with one leading the group calling out loudly, "Young Master, the Master has sent someone to find you!"
A flicker of anxiety crossed Xiao Zhongyan's eyes as he whispered to Nan Gong Shuang, "Follow me; I will take you to a safe place."
Nan Gong Shuang hesitated for a moment but understood that it was not wise to confront the Xiao family's servants directly now. She nodded slightly and quickly followed Xiao Zhongyan as they left the pavilion and hurried along a concealed path.
"Young Master, slow down!" The calls from behind grew closer.
"This way!" Xiao Zhongyan suddenly pulled Nan Gong Shuang aside and darted into a dense bamboo grove. Deep within the grove, a hidden small door was obscured by greenery.
Xiao Zhongyan gently pushed open the door and led Nan Gong Shuang into a tranquil courtyard. The garden was lush with flowers and trees, and an elegant small building was nestled within, clearly a secluded residence.
"This is my study; very few people come here, so we should be safe for now," Xiao Zhongyan said as he closed the door, still looking somewhat tense. "Those people earlier were sent by my second uncle; he has been keeping an eye on my movements."
Nan Gong Shuang scanned her surroundings warily. "Why are we hiding from your second uncle?"
"Because..." Xiao Zhongyan seemed hesitant about something but eventually spoke up. "Because my second uncle has a close relationship with Zheng Yushi, who was one of the main judges in the Nangong Case back then."
"So, Xiao Gongzi is opposing his own family?" Nan Gong Shuang asked with a hint of sarcasm.
Xiao Zhongyan forced a bitter smile. "You may not know this, but my Xiao Family is not united as one might think. When the Nangong Case occurred, my father strongly opposed it but was placed under house arrest for six months. By the time he regained his freedom, the Nangong Family had already... He still regrets it deeply to this day."
Nan Gong Shuang's eyes flickered with emotions but soon returned to calmness. "How can I trust what you say?"
"Perhaps this can prove my sincerity," Xiao Zhongyan replied as he walked over to a bookshelf and retrieved an ornate box from a hidden compartment, presenting it with both hands.
Nan Gong Shuang cautiously took the brocade box and slowly opened it. Inside lay a delicate jade pendant, its texture smooth and warm. Carved on it was a vividly lifelike plum blossom, identical to the mark on her wrist.
"This is..." Nan Gong Shuang's hand trembled slightly.
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