Outside, a bright moon hung high in the sky, casting a cold silver glow. Nangong Shuang knew that from this night onward, her path of revenge would become even more perilous, but she was unafraid.
For she was Nangong Shuang, the sole survivor of the Nangong Family, who had endured through blood and fire. For the sake of her family's grievances, she was willing to venture into any danger and confront any formidable foe.
And that mysterious Xiao Zhongyan, whether friend or foe, would become an indispensable figure on her road to vengeance. The meeting at Meihua Villa three days later might just be the first step toward uncovering the truth.
Nangong Shuang tightened her grip on the jade pendant, her eyes glinting with determination. "Xiao Zhongyan, we'll see about that."
As her solemn vow echoed in the air, the candlelight flickered, illuminating her resolute face and those eyes filled with resolve. The flames of revenge had already begun to blaze fiercely in her heart.
Not far away in Qian Mansion, a figure clad in white gazed at the courtyard where Nangong Shuang resided, his expression deep and complex.
"I finally found you, Nangong Shuang," Xiao Zhongyan murmured softly to himself, a flicker of indescribable emotion crossing his eyes. "I hope you can trust me because the truth is far more terrifying than you imagine..."
Under the moonlight, two young souls harbored their own thoughts, unaware that their fates had already intertwined tightly together, inseparable.
As the Lantern Festival approached, the capital city was filled with a festive atmosphere. The streets were adorned with colorful lanterns and decorations; vendors gathered in droves amidst a bustling crowd, creating a scene of prosperity. Miss Qian Wan'er from Qian Mansion eagerly pulled Nangong Shuang out to explore the most vibrant lantern market in town.
"Nangong Shuang, look over there at those lanterns!" Qian Wan'er exclaimed excitedly, pointing to a stall displaying an array of exquisite lanterns shaped like fish, dragons, insects, and birds—each one vividly crafted and brightly lit.
Nangong Shuang smiled and nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. Ever since returning from the banquet at Guo Residence three days ago, she had been pondering the Plum Blossom Jade Pendant gifted to her by Xiao Zhongyan. That pendant seemed to have some mysterious connection to the Plum Blossom Mark on her wrist and was likely tied to the secrets of the Nangong Family. Moreover, Xiao Zhongyan had invited her to Meihua Villa three days later; today was just the second day.
"Nangong Shuang, what are you thinking about?" Qian Wan'er asked curiously when she noticed her friend's distraction.
"Nothing much, Miss," Nangong Shuang replied softly as she pulled herself back to reality. "I was just thinking how crowded this lantern market is; you should be careful."
Qian Wan'er pouted playfully. "With you by my side, what do I have to fear? Besides, we have guards from the mansion with us." She gestured behind them where two servants from Qian Mansion were vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
Nangong Shuang said nothing more but remained alert to her surroundings. Ever since discovering that members of Shadow Pavilion were tailing them, she had kept her guard up at all times—especially in such crowded places where unexpected incidents could easily occur.
The two girls wove through the lantern market, admiring various displays and occasionally stopping to watch street performers. Qian Wan'er was in high spirits and bought several trinkets for Nangong Shuang to carry. As they turned a corner, a sudden commotion erupted ahead.
"Get lost! How dare you set up shop on my turf? You're asking for trouble!" a gruff voice roared.
A group of burly men surrounded a slender figure—a young woman around seventeen or eighteen years old—dressed in simple brown clothes. In front of her was a small stall displaying some basic embroidery and trinkets.
"I... I didn't know this was your territory..." The girl’s voice trembled but remained steady. "I just wanted to earn some money for the New Year; I’ll leave tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow?" The leader of the thugs knocked over her stall with a swift motion, sending her embroidered goods scattering across the ground. "Get out today! And I'll take these as compensation!"
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