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墨書 Inktalez
Xiao Zhongyan also saw the contents of the note, his expression turning grave. "Shadow Pavilion... usurpation... this is far more complicated than I imagined."
"Who is Xiao Er?" Nan Gong Shuang asked, putting away the note with a wary tone.
"My second uncle, Xiao Jingyan, currently oversees military affairs and holds considerable influence in the court," Xiao Zhongyan replied, his face serious. "I didn't expect him to be involved in this."
The two fell silent, each contemplating the shocking information revealed by the note. After a moment, Nan Gong Shuang broke the silence. "Where is Mei Ying Villa?"
"Mei Ying Villa is a retreat of the Nangong Family outside the city, about thirty miles from the capital. It is nestled among mountains and rivers, providing a tranquil environment. It is said that after the Nangong Family was exterminated, it was also burned down," Xiao Zhongyan explained. "However, if there are secret chambers, we might find clues among the ruins."
Nan Gong Shuang nodded. "I must go to Mei Ying Villa as soon as possible."
"Wait," Xiao Zhongyan stopped her. "Right now, Zheng Yushi is searching for you throughout the city. It would be too dangerous to leave recklessly. I have a suggestion—three days from now is the Lantern Festival in the capital. The control at the city gates will be relaxed then, and it will be safer to slip out among the crowd."
Nan Gong Shuang thought for a moment and found it reasonable. "Then how should I avoid capture in these three days?"
Just as Xiao Zhongyan was about to respond, hurried footsteps were heard outside.
"Young Master? Are you inside?" came a young woman's voice.
Xiao Zhongyan's expression changed slightly as he whispered, "It's my sister Xiao Yuyan. She has a close relationship with my second uncle; we cannot let her see you." He pointed toward a bookshelf in the inner room. "There’s a hidden chamber behind there; you should hide there for now."
Nan Gong Shuang quickly concealed herself in the hidden chamber while Xiao Zhongyan tidied himself up and opened the door.
"Brother, so this is where you are!" A round-faced girl entered, curiously surveying the study. "Second Uncle has been looking for you for a long time; he said he has something important to discuss."
"What’s so urgent?" Xiao Zhongyan asked nonchalantly.
"I heard it’s about that remnant of the Nangong Family," Xiao Yuyan said mysteriously. "Yesterday, Zheng caught a woman from the Nangong Family at Yao Wang Miao; Second Uncle is taking this matter very seriously."
Xiao Zhongyan was taken aback. "Caught? Where?"
"I’m not sure; I only heard Second Uncle say that she is currently imprisoned in the Dali Temple's dungeon and will be interrogated tomorrow," Xiao Yuyan shrugged. "Why are you so concerned about this matter, Brother?"
"It’s a major case in court; naturally, I need to pay attention," Xiao Zhongyan replied evasively. "You should head back now and tell Second Uncle I’ll be there shortly."
Xiao Yuyan looked around suspiciously but eventually nodded and left.
Once her footsteps faded away, Nan Gong Shuang emerged from the hidden chamber with a dark expression. "It seems Zheng Yushi has caught an imposter."
"Whoever it is could be implicated because of you," Xiao Zhongyan said solemnly. "We need to rescue her quickly."
"We?" Nan Gong Shuang scoffed lightly. "Why should Xiao Gongzi involve himself? This matter has nothing to do with you."
Xiao Zhongyan looked at her seriously. "I also want to uncover the truth behind the Nangong Case. Besides, we are in this together now."
Nan Gong Shuang was silent for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, then we'll act separately. You go meet your second uncle to gather more information; I'll check the situation around the Dali Temple and find a way to rescue the people."
"That's not possible," Xiao Zhongyan firmly refused. "The Dali Temple is heavily guarded. If you go alone, it would be extremely dangerous. How about this: I'll deal with my second uncle first, and then I'll take you to the Dali Temple tonight."
Nan Gong Shuang thought for a moment and agreed, "Then where should I go for now?"
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