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墨書 Inktalez
Nan Gong Shuang nodded slightly. "I just heard that. Is that steward one of yours?"
"He is my father's old servant, loyal to him," Xiao Zhongyan explained. "However, this place is no longer safe. We must leave quickly."
"What about the situation at the Dali Temple?" Nan Gong Shuang asked.
Xiao Zhongyan's expression darkened. "It's not good. The woman who was captured is surnamed Shen; she is the one who saved you, Shen Xinyao."
"What?" Nan Gong Shuang exclaimed in shock. "How could Miss Shen be captured?"
"It is said that she was targeted by Zheng Yushi's people for sending a message to you," Xiao Zhongyan sighed. "Tomorrow morning, Zheng Yushi will personally interrogate her, trying to extract your whereabouts from her."
Nan Gong Shuang's eyes turned cold. "We will rescue her tonight."
"I already have a plan," Xiao Zhongyan nodded, pulling out a piece of paper. "This is the layout of the Dali Temple, which I stole from my second uncle. The dungeon is located in the southwest corner, guarded by eight men who change shifts every two hours. The hour of the rat is the shift change gap; we can take advantage of that to sneak in."
Nan Gong Shuang studied the map and asked, "How do you plan to get inside?"
"I have a friend who is a minor official at the Dali Temple; he can help us open a side door," Xiao Zhongyan said, then took out two sets of clothing. "These are prison guard uniforms. We will disguise ourselves and blend into the dungeon."
Nan Gong Shuang nodded in agreement. "The plan is good, but if we encounter familiar guards, we might be exposed."
"That's why I prepared this." Xiao Zhongyan took out a small vial. "'Somnolent Powder' can make someone fall asleep for a short time; it’s colorless and tasteless. We can drug the guards' tea during the shift change and incapacitate them."
Nan Gong Shuang took the vial and sniffed it lightly, frowning slightly. "The potency is too strong; it could leave aftereffects. I have something better."
She pulled out a small porcelain bottle from her robe and poured out a few light blue pills. "This is 'An Meng Wan.' Taking it will ensure a peaceful sleep for four hours, and upon waking, there will be no discomfort at all."
Xiao Zhongyan looked at her in admiration. "The medical skills of the Nangong Family truly live up to their reputation."
"We shouldn't delay; let's go now." Nan Gong Shuang tucked away the pills and straightened her attire.
Xiao Zhongyan nodded and led her out through another hidden exit from the study, avoiding patrolling servants. Under the cover of night, they quietly left Xiao Mansion and stealthily made their way toward the Dali Temple.
The night in the capital was still bustling, with bright lights illuminating the streets and crowds of people moving about. To avoid being seen, they took detours through narrow alleys, stopping occasionally to scout their surroundings.
"My second uncle has sent many people searching for you in the city," Xiao Zhongyan whispered. "We must act cautiously."
Nan Gong Shuang nodded but suddenly pulled him aside, hiding both of them in the shadow of a wall.
"What’s wrong?" Xiao Zhongyan asked alertly.
"There are patrolling soldiers ahead," Nan Gong Shuang whispered, her eyes fixed on a street corner not far away.
Sure enough, a squad of soldiers was passing by, led by the same guard captain they had seen yesterday at Yao Wang Miao.
"That is a trusted confidant of Zheng Yushi, and his gaze is quite sharp," Xiao Zhongyan said with a frown. "We need to take a detour."
The two retreated back into the alley and chose another path. This route was more secluded, with hardly any pedestrians, but it was also more winding and convoluted.
After walking for about half an hour, the outline of the Dali Temple finally came into view. The imposing structure appeared particularly eerie under the moonlight, with high walls and deep courtyards, heavily guarded.
"We'll sneak around to the back entrance; my friend will be waiting for us there," Xiao Zhongyan said, pointing to a narrow path as he led Nan Gong Shuang toward the rear of the Dali Temple.
Just as they reached halfway, Nan Gong Shuang suddenly stopped, alertly scanning the surroundings.
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