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墨書 Inktalez
She quickly retrieved the note, returned indoors, lit a candle, and unfolded the crumpled paper. It contained only a few sparse numbers: "Three quarters past the Dog hour, beneath the red plum tree on the west wall."
"Is this... an invitation to meet?" Nangong Shuang pondered, filled with confusion. Why would Qing Zhu send her such a note? Was it friend or foe?
After a moment of contemplation, Nangong Shuang decided to accept the invitation. Whether it was a trap or the truth, it was worth investigating. If there was an ambush, she had her ways to escape; if she could gather intelligence, it would be even better.
The next morning, Nangong Shuang rose early to help Qian Ruyi with her grooming. Qian Ruyi was particularly excited today because Xiao Zhongyan had sent her a newly copied poetry collection, which she cherished like a treasure.
"Nangong Shuang, look how thoughtful Yan Ge is!" Qian Ruyi exclaimed, holding the poetry collection tightly. "He even marked the meaning and background of each poem, just in case I wouldn’t understand."
Nangong Shuang smiled in agreement but was deep in thought about Xiao Zhongyan's intentions. The letter she found in Qian Laoye's study last night bore his signature, and now he had sent a poetry collection to Qian Ruyi. Such attentiveness—was it genuine affection for Qian Ruyi or did he have ulterior motives?
"By the way, Nangong Shuang," Qian Ruyi suddenly said mysteriously, "I heard you’re going to serve tea in Father’s study today? That’s quite significant; even I rarely get close to Father’s guests."
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat. "Does Miss know who today’s esteemed guest is?"
Qian Ruyi shook her head. "Father's guests are always mysterious, but I heard today’s visitor is a big shot; even Chief Steward prepared personally."
Just then, a voice called from outside: "Chief Steward is here!"
Qian De entered and bowed to Qian Ruyi. "Second Miss, Master has ordered Nangong Shuang to serve tea today and needs her to undergo training first. I hope you can agree."
Qian Ruyi looked reluctant. "Must she go now? I wanted her to accompany me in reading poetry."
"This is Master’s command; I cannot delay," Qian De replied firmly.
Qian Ruyi had no choice but to nod. "Alright then, Nangong Shuang, you go ahead and take care of your duties. Come back later and keep me company."
Nangong Shuang agreed and followed Qian De out. Along the way, Qian De explained the tea-making process and key points in detail, especially emphasizing the placement of tea utensils and the brewing time.
"Today’s guest is of high status; Master specifically chose West Lake Longjing tea. You must master the timing; if you overheat the leaves, all flavor will be lost," Qian De said seriously. "Are you confident?"
Nangong Shuang humbly replied, "I have learned tea-making at a teahouse before; though I am not an expert, I understand the basics well enough. Please rest assured, Chief Steward."
Qian De nodded and reminded her again, "Remember, no matter what you hear, do not speak out of turn. If you let slip even a word, Master will not spare you!"
Nangong Shuang obediently lowered her head in response but felt increasingly certain that there would be important secrets to uncover today.
The training lasted most of the morning. During this time, Qian De continuously challenged her—either changing requirements suddenly or deliberately critiquing the color of the tea soup—as if testing Nangong Shuang's patience and adaptability. She remained calm throughout, neither servile nor arrogant, perfectly handling every challenge.
As noon approached, Qian De finally nodded in approval. "That’s enough; go change into clean clothes and be ready outside the study at noon sharp."
Nangong Shuang returned to her room and changed into a simple yet elegant blue dress. She tied her hair back neatly, looking poised and graceful. Before leaving, she discreetly tucked silver needles and detoxification pills into her sleeve for precaution.
At precisely noon, Nangong Shuang arrived outside the study to wait. The guards surrounding the study were more vigilant than usual, indicating that today’s guest was indeed extraordinary.
Before long, a discreet yet finely crafted carriage came to a stop at the gate of the residence. A middle-aged man dressed in a Brocade Robe entered, flanked by a group of guards. His expression was serious, and his demeanor calm; it was clear he was a person of high status and authority.
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