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Nangong Shuang let out a long breath and cast a grateful glance at Wang Po. Wang Po smiled kindly and said softly, "Child, you did very well. Those dishes were truly exquisite. Don't mind Qian De; he has always been harsh and enjoys making things difficult for others."
After the banquet, Qian Ruyi rushed over to Nangong Shuang, her face beaming with excitement. "It was amazing! Uncle Wu praised you repeatedly, saying your medicinal cuisine is the best he's ever had in his life! Father is very pleased and rewarded you with five taels of silver!"
Nangong Shuang accepted the silver with a smile, but there was no joy in her heart. Although she had temporarily deflected Qian De's difficulties today, Wu Shilang's suspicions and Qian De's hostility hinted at greater risks looming ahead.
Back in her room, just as Nangong Shuang was about to rest, she saw Qing Zhu silently appear by the window.
"You've attracted too much attention," Qing Zhu warned in a low voice. "Wu Shilang privately told Qian Laoye that your medicinal techniques bear a striking resemblance to those of the Nangong Family."
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat. "He recognized it?"
"Wu Shilang was treated by Nangong Laoye when he was young and has a good understanding of the Nangong Family's medical skills," Qing Zhu explained. "He has already begun to suspect, and Qian De's difficulties today were also a test for you. You need to be more careful."
Nangong Shuang bit her lip. "I will be cautious. What did the court physician find out?"
"Old Xu reported to Qian De that you only have a common cold and nothing unusual. It seems the Hun Yuan Dan has taken effect," Qing Zhu said, relaxing slightly. "However, this is only temporary safety. Qian De will not give up easily, and his backers in the Shadow Pavilion certainly won't either."
"I understand," Nangong Shuang nodded. "I will act more discreetly from now on."
Qing Zhu hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There’s one more thing I need to tell you. The Xiao Family sent word that Xiao Zhongyan has safely returned to the capital and wishes to see you."
Nangong Shuang's heart stirred. "He’s alright?"
"I heard he was injured during the incident at Mei Ying Villa but is not in serious condition," Qing Zhu said, a hint of caution flashing across her face. "Be careful; the enmity between the Xiao Family and the Nangong Family has existed for a long time. Don’t trust him too easily."
Nangong Shuang fell silent for a moment before nodding. "I will remain vigilant. Thank you for telling me this."
After Qing Zhu left, Nangong Shuang stood by the window, gazing toward the direction of Xiao Mansion. Xiao Zhongyan was safe; this should have relieved her, but Qing Zhu's warning and Wu Shilang's suspicions filled her with worry.
"My identity is beginning to be exposed; I must accelerate my actions," Nangong Shuang resolved inwardly. "I need to quickly uncover the secret connection between the Nangong Family and the Qian Family and find out the truth."
As night deepened, Nangong Shuang sat on the edge of her bed, flipping through several pages of medical texts she had brought back from the study, hoping to find more clues. These pages contained unique medical techniques of the Nangong Family, each one invaluable.
Just as she was engrossed in her reading, a faint sound suddenly came from outside the window. Nangong Shuang alertly extinguished her candlelight and quietly approached the window.
In the moonlight, a familiar figure stood beneath the plum tree in the courtyard—it was Xiao Zhongyan! He seemed to sense Nangong Shuang's gaze and gently cupped his hands together in greeting, making a gesture for her to follow him outside.
After hesitating for a moment, Nangong Shuang decided to meet him. She quickly changed into her night clothes and nimbly leaped out of the window, silently following Xiao Zhongyan over the courtyard wall into a secluded grove.
"Nangong Shuang is safe; that's good," Xiao Zhongyan sighed in relief. "As soon as I returned to the capital, I sought news of your whereabouts and learned you were at Qian Mansion, which is why I took the risk to come here."
Nangong Shuang scrutinized him closely and noticed that his left arm seemed injured, making his movements slightly awkward.
"How is your injury? I've been worried since the incident at Mei Ying Villa," she asked sincerely.
"A few minor injuries, nothing to worry about," Xiao Zhongyan said with a calm smile. "But how about you, Miss? Are you doing well at Qian Mansion?"
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