Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Nangong Shuang was quite intrigued by this information, as it might explain why Xiao Zhongyan showed sympathy towards the Nangong Family. If the Xiao Family was indeed involved in the annihilation of the Nangong Family, and Xiao Zhongyan had a strained relationship with his father, perhaps he truly intended to expose the truth.
"What other secrets does the Xiao Family hold?" Nangong Shuang continued to inquire.
Qiao Er smiled mysteriously. "Sister, did you know that the rise of the Xiao Family is related to a great fire?"
"A fire?" Nangong Shuang's heart tightened.
"Thirty years ago, the Xiao Family was just a small family with a seventh-rank official. Lord Xiao's father was merely an obscure minor official. Then, a great fire broke out in the capital, destroying the residence of Censor. Lord Xiao's father saved Censor's entire family from the flames, which led to his promotion and rapid rise in status." Qiao Er paused, a meaningful glint flashing in her eyes. "However, there are rumors that the fire was not an accident but rather a well-orchestrated act by the Xiao Family."
Nangong Shuang's heart jolted as she recalled the fire on the night of the Nangong Family's massacre. Could this also be the handiwork of the Xiao Family? It seemed that arson and framing others were indeed tactics commonly employed by them.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted, waking Qian Wan'er from her slumber. Drowsily, she asked, "Are we home?"
"Almost there, Miss," Nangong Shuang replied gently, signaling Qiao Er with her eyes to pause their conversation.
Qiao Er understood immediately and put on an innocent and lively expression, inquiring with concern whether Qian Wan'er was comfortable. Clearly, Qian Wan'er took a liking to this new maid and affectionately held her hand while asking various questions.
Before long, they arrived at Qian Mansion. Qian Wan'er got out first and instructed the steward to arrange accommodations for Qiao Er in a small house next to Nangong Shuang's courtyard. Nangong Shuang nodded to herself; this arrangement suited her perfectly as it would allow her to further probe into Qiao Er's background.
Nangong Shuang led Qiao Er to her small courtyard to help her familiarize herself with the surroundings. Qiao Er curiously surveyed the yard, her gaze casually sweeping over every corner as if assessing the terrain.
"Qiao Er, you should rest for now. I will teach you about the household rules tomorrow," Nangong Shuang said with a smile.
"Yes, Sister," Qiao Er replied obediently, though a hint of cunning flickered in her eyes.
Once Qiao Er went to the adjacent small house, Nangong Shuang quietly returned to her own room and took out the Plum Blossom Jade Pendant that Xiao Zhongyan had given her. She examined it closely under the candlelight. The pendant was translucent and exquisite, with a lifelike plum blossom design that mirrored the Plum Blossom Mark on her wrist.
"Plum Blossom Token..." Nangong Shuang murmured to herself. "Father, what exactly is this?"
As she pondered, she suddenly heard faint footsteps outside the window. Nangong Shuang quickly tucked away the pendant and raised her head alertly.
A slender shadow was cast on the paper window; it was Qiao Er!
Nangong Shuang chose not to reveal that she had noticed and casually picked up a medical book to flip through it. The footsteps lingered outside for a moment before gradually fading away. A slight smile curved at Nangong Shuang's lips—this Qiao Er was indeed not simple.
After dinner, Nangong Shuang returned to the small courtyard with Qiao Er to prepare for her tasks for tomorrow.
"Qiao Er, what were your responsibilities at Jinyi Tower?" Nangong Shuang asked directly.
Qiao Er seemed to have anticipated this question and answered calmly, "I mainly collected intelligence on various families and sometimes took on tasks involving disguise and infiltration."
"Disguise?" Nangong Shuang's eyes lit up. "You are skilled in disguise techniques?"
Qiao Er nodded slightly with pride. "This is my specialty. With just some simple tools, I can completely alter someone's appearance—so much so that even their own mother wouldn't recognize them."
"Can you show me your skills?" Nangong Shuang asked with great interest.
Without a word, Qiao Er took out a small bundle from her bosom, filled with various strange tools and paints. With practiced ease, she applied them to her face, and in a moment, an ugly old woman with a face full of freckles appeared before Nangong Shuang.
Comment 0 Comment Count