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Qian De let out a cold snort. "Considering you are new here and unaware of the rules, I will let it slide this time. However..." He paused meaningfully, a flicker of something unusual flashing in his eyes. "Since you are so capable, I have an important task for you tomorrow."
Nangong Shuang's heart sank; she realized that he had begun to suspect her, and this was likely a test. She respectfully replied, "Nangong Shuang will not disappoint Chief Steward's expectations."
"I have heard that you are exceptionally clever. Tomorrow, the master will have distinguished guests visiting, and you will need to serve tea. I had originally planned to assign this task to Miss Qian Rulin's maid, Qing Zhu, but since you are here, it shall be yours." Qian De's tone seemed casual, yet his gaze was sharp.
Nangong Shuang understood that this was not just a test but possibly a trap. However, it was also a good opportunity to get closer to Qian Laoye and gather more information; she could not let it slip away.
"Nangong Shuang will do her utmost to fulfill this responsibility," she replied respectfully, though alarm bells were ringing in her mind.
Qian De nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now follow me; the study is a crucial place and we shouldn't linger."
Nangong Shuang picked up the water basin and cloth and followed Qian De out of the study. Along the way, she felt him occasionally glance at her from the corner of his eye, his gaze filled with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible hostility.
Once back in her room, Nangong Shuang let out a long breath, relieved to have survived this ordeal. The moonlight outside remained bright, and the direction of Xiao Mansion was lit with faint lights; she wondered if someone else was also lurking in the darkness.
Reflecting on the discoveries of the night, she sorted through the intricate clues. The Qian Family indeed had ties to the Nangong Family and might even know about the existence of the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique; meanwhile, Xiao Zhongyan had been paying attention to everything as well and might have close dealings with Qian Laoye.
"It seems that more than just the Nangong Family is embroiled in this turmoil," Nangong Shuang murmured to herself. "The Qian Family, Xiao Family, Shadow Pavilion, Feng Yu Pavilion—each has its own agenda. I must be more cautious."
Especially with tomorrow's test; Qian De clearly harbored suspicions about her, and this task of serving tea undoubtedly concealed hidden dangers.
"No matter what trap lies ahead, I must face it," Nangong Shuang resolved. "This is also an excellent opportunity to approach Qian Laoye and obtain more intelligence."
She began to devise her strategies. Since Qian De wanted her to serve tea, he would likely play tricks with the tea itself. Was it poisoned tea to test her knowledge of antidotes? Or were there hidden mechanisms in the teaware to assess her alertness?
Nangong Shuang decided to prepare for both scenarios. She took out several antidote pills from her pocket and prepared a few silver needles just in case. At the same time, she needed to practice the poison-controlling techniques from the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique again to enhance her resistance.
Sitting cross-legged on her bed, Nangong Shuang began to circulate her energy. As her breath flowed smoothly, the Cold Poison within her gradually concentrated in her dantian instead of roaming freely throughout her body. This was a result of her recent training; she could now control the Cold Poison for short periods without it flaring up unexpectedly.
Just as she became engrossed in her practice, a soft sound came from outside the window, as if something had fallen to the ground. Nangong Shuang opened her eyes alertly, quickly extinguishing the candlelight before silently moving to the window.
In the moonlight outside, she seemed to see a shadow flitting by towards Xiao Mansion. Focusing intently, she vaguely recognized it as a girl dressed in blue; her gait seemed somewhat familiar.
"Qing Zhu?" Nangong Shuang's heart stirred—wasn't she Miss Qian Rulin's personal maid? Her late-night appearance here heading towards Xiao Mansion could it be that she was delivering a message?
What caught her attention even more was that when Qing Zhu passed by Nangong Shuang's window, it seemed like she intentionally or unintentionally dropped something. Cautiously opening the window and leaning out to look below, Nangong Shuang spotted a small paper ball nestled in the grass beneath.
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