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Nangong Shuang and Xiao Zhongyan were startled by the sound and hurriedly ran towards its source. They saw Guan Chunyi struggling in the pond, while those on the shore were in a state of panic.
Without a moment's hesitation, Nangong Shuang leaped into the water. She swam to Guan Chunyi's side, grasped the girl who had swallowed water, and fought to swim back to the shore. Seeing this, Xiao Zhongyan quickly reached out to help, pulling both of them onto dry land.
"Guan Chunyi!" Madam Guo cried out as she rushed forward, embracing her drenched daughter.
Guan Chunyi coughed up a few mouthfuls of water, her face pale and trembling. "I... I'm fine, I just accidentally... slipped..."
Nangong Shuang keenly noticed that the hem of Guan Chunyi's dress seemed to be caught on something, which had caused her to fall into the water. Looking at the edge of the pond, the stone steps were slippery but not impossible to stand on. This fall was likely not an accident.
"The young lady has been frightened; it would be best for her to return to her room and rest," Nangong Shuang gently advised, then bowed to Madam Guo. "Madam, I am also soaked; may I borrow Miss Guo Chunyi's dress for a moment?"
"Of course," Madam Guo nodded repeatedly. "Go ahead, don't catch a chill."
Back in Guan Chunyi's chamber, the maids busily prepared hot water and clean clothes. Taking advantage of the moment, Nangong Shuang carefully examined the hem of Guan Chunyi's dress and indeed found a nearly imperceptible small hook that had caused her to fall into the water.
"Miss, do you remember if anyone was near you when you were close to the water?" Nangong Shuang asked softly, her fingers brushing over the hook.
Guan Chunyi strained to recall. "Just some close friends... and..." She suddenly stopped, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.
"And who else?" Nangong Shuang pressed.
"Also Xiao Zhongyan's cousin, Xiao Yuyan," Guan Chunyi whispered. "But she has always treated me well; she wouldn't..."
Nangong Shuang felt a stir in her heart—who exactly was Xiao Yuyan? Why was she present at today's banquet?
After changing clothes, Nangong Shuang excused herself under the pretext of fetching medicine for Guan Chunyi and returned to the garden alone. The banquet had grown somewhat subdued due to Guan Chunyi's fall, with guests whispering in small groups. Nangong Shuang quietly approached the spot where Guan Chunyi had fallen and examined the stone steps closely.
"What is Nangong Shuang looking for?"
A cool voice came from behind her. Turning around, she saw Xiao Zhongyan standing not far away, his gaze fixed intently on her.
"Miss Guo Chunyi's fall seems suspicious; I wanted to see what caused it," she replied candidly while observing his reaction.
Xiao Zhongyan stepped closer and said softly, "I also feel it wasn't an accident. Just now I noticed that before Guan Chunyi fell into the water, my cousin Xiao Yuyan was standing beside her."
Nangong Shuang looked at him in surprise. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I want to know the truth as well," Xiao Zhongyan's eyes sharpened. "Guan Chunyi is my cousin; if someone intends to harm her, I naturally won't stand by."
A flicker of doubt crossed Nangong Shuang's mind—Xiao Zhongyan did not seem entirely aligned with the entire Xiao Family; could there be divisions within it?
"Nangong Shuang's act of saving someone is admirable," Xiao Zhongyan suddenly changed the subject. "However, I'm curious how you so easily jumped into the water; your swimming skills are impressive for a country girl."
Another test! Nangong Shuang smirked inwardly but maintained a calm demeanor. "My hometown is near water; I've learned to swim since childhood—it's nothing remarkable. You flatter me too much."
Xiao Zhongyan nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation. He continued, "Miss, your medical skills are remarkable, your talents outstanding, and your abilities exceptional. You truly are a rare and extraordinary woman. If I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes, I would almost think I had encountered the legendary daughter of the Nangong Family."
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