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Nangong Shuang thanked her and left, but her heart was filled with doubts. Was this a further test of her medical skills, or was there another motive? And why was Lord Xiao paying her such close attention?
Upon returning to Qian Ruyi's courtyard, the young lady was busy copying a poetry collection sent by Xiao Zhongyan. Seeing Nangong Shuang return, she hurriedly asked, "How was it? Did you meet my father's esteemed guest? Who is he?"
Nangong Shuang replied honestly, "It was a gentleman with the surname Xiao, and he seems to hold a significant position."
"Lord Xiao?" Qian Ruyi's eyes lit up. "Is he Yan Ge's father, Lord Xiao? What does he look like? Was he kind to you?"
Nangong Shuang patiently answered Qian Ruyi's series of questions, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere. There was still some time before her secret meeting with Qing Zhu at night, and she needed to prepare herself.
The day's experiences had convinced her that the inner workings of the Qian Mansion were far more complex than they appeared. Qian Laoye had a deep relationship with Lord Xiao, even discussing goods and secret exchanges; Qian De had grown suspicious of her and planned to arrange a meeting with the house physician tomorrow; and Qing Zhu had delivered a mysterious note to her.
Each clue pointed toward deeper mysteries, and Nangong Shuang knew she had to unravel these enigmas one by one to get closer to the truth behind the annihilation of the Nangong Family.
As the sun set and the lights flickered on, Nangong Shuang served Qian Ruyi dinner and accompanied her in reading for a while until the young lady grew drowsy and fell asleep. Only then did she quietly exit.
Back in her own room, she changed into her night attire and waited silently for the appointed time. At a quarter past the hour of the dog, with the moon high in the sky, Nangong Shuang stealthily left her room and crept along a hidden path toward the west wall.
There indeed stood a red plum tree by the western wall; although it had yet to bloom, its upright form cast mottled shadows in the moonlight. Nangong Shuang cautiously surveyed her surroundings to confirm no one was following before she slowly approached.
"You're here?" A soft voice came from behind the tree.
Nangong Shuang asked warily, "Is that you, Miss Qing Zhu?"
Qing Zhu stepped out from behind the tree. In the moonlight, dressed in green, she appeared delicate yet her gaze was exceptionally sharp—so different from the haughty maidservant Nangong Shuang usually encountered.
"I know who you are," Qing Zhu stated directly. "Nangong Shuang, the orphan of the Nangong Family."
Nangong Shuang's heart jolted, but she maintained her composure. "You must be mistaken; Nangong Shuang is just an orphan without any ties. How could I be related to the Nangong Family?"
"There’s no need for further concealment," Qing Zhu sneered. "The Plum Blossom Mark on your wrist has already revealed your identity. I was sent to approach you to convey a message: Feng Yu Pavilion has eyes within Qian Mansion and will protect your safety at all times."
"Feng Yu Pavilion?" Nangong Shuang was taken aback. "Are you from Feng Yu Pavilion?"
Qing Zhu nodded. "The second mistress of the Qian Family is my aunt. I have infiltrated Qian Mansion under this identity for three years."
"Then why did you summon me?" Nangong Shuang still couldn't fully trust her.
"To warn you," Qing Zhu said seriously. "Qian De is not an ordinary steward; he is an agent of Shadow Pavilion and has been searching for descendants of the Nangong Family. Your actions last night have already drawn his attention; tomorrow’s meeting with the house physician is a trap."
Nangong Shuang felt a chill run down her spine. "What kind of trap?"
"The physician will test your constitution under the guise of taking your pulse. If they discover you have Cold Poison Physique, they will immediately report it to Qian De," Qing Zhu explained. "Cold Poison Physique is a characteristic of the Nangong Family bloodline; once confirmed, there will be no escape for you."
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment. "Why do you want to help me?"
“Under the orders of the Governing Master, we are tasked with protecting the Nangong Bloodline,” Qing Zhu said seriously. “We have been searching for you in secret, but we didn't expect you to come to us willingly.”
“Who is the Governing Master?” Nangong Shuang asked urgently.
Qing Zhu shook her head. “It’s not convenient to discuss this matter in detail. In any case, you must be cautious of Qian De and also wary of the Xiao Family. Especially Lord Xiao, who visited today; his interest in you is quite unusual.”
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