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墨書 Inktalez
“Nangong Shuang,” Xiao Zhongyan said with a serious expression, “you must be cautious of Zheng Yushi. He is not only a member of the Shadow Pavilion but also one of the masterminds behind the Nangong Massacre Case. He has been searching for the Survivor of the Nangong Family solely to obtain the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique.”
Nangong Shuang nodded, mentally noting this crucial information. She gently pulled her hand away from Xiao Zhongyan's grasp and turned to disappear into the night.
Xiao Zhongyan watched her retreating figure, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes as he murmured, “Nangong Shuang, may you find the truth... and may you forgive my concealment...”
As Nangong Shuang navigated through the forest, she deliberately left clear traces to mislead her pursuers. Sure enough, the barking of hounds came in her direction, prompting her pursuers to change their course.
She quickened her pace, searching for the rendezvous point agreed upon with Qiao Er. According to their plan, Qiao Er would be waiting there to help her escape safely.
After passing through a bamboo grove, she spotted a small cave ahead. Recognizing it as their designated meeting place, she felt a sense of relief.
“Qiao Er?” she called softly.
“Sister!” Qiao Er emerged from the cave, looking anxious. “I was so worried! Are you alright?”
“I’m fine; just some superficial wounds,” Nangong Shuang reassured her. “Where is Xiao Gongzi?”
“That young master is seriously injured. I had Xiao Shi take him down another path,” Qiao Er explained. “They should be safe by now.”
Nangong Shuang nodded, finally letting out a sigh of relief. Although this adventure had been perilous, it had yielded significant rewards. She had not only confirmed Xiao Zhongyan's stance but also learned about the location of the Nangong Family's secret chamber and the purpose of the Plum Blossom Token.
“Sister, we need to hurry and leave,” Qiao Er urged. “Xiao Shi has arranged a carriage at the city gate to take us back safely.”
Just as Nangong Shuang was about to agree, she suddenly sensed something amiss and asked warily, “Who is Xiao Shi? You’ve never mentioned him before.”
Qiao Er hesitated for a moment before explaining, “He’s the boy who helped me send messages. He’s my junior brother from Jinyi Tower and has been following me.”
Nangong Shuang scrutinized Qiao Er's expression and noticed her eyes flickering with signs of concealment.
“Qiao Er, tell me honestly,” Nangong Shuang asked sternly, “who exactly are you? Why do you know so much about the Nangong Family and the Xiao Family?”
Qiao Er bit her lip, hesitation flashing in her eyes before she sighed deeply. “Sister, you are indeed perceptive. To be honest, I am not an ordinary member of Jinyi Tower; I am... I am an old acquaintance of the Nangong Family.”
“What?” Nangong Shuang exclaimed in shock. “You are from the Nangong Family?”
Qiao Er nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “I was only eight years old when the Nangong family was exterminated ten years ago. An old servant secretly took me away; later, I was taken into Jinyi Tower. All these years, I have been searching for the Survivor of the Nangong Family in hopes of uncovering the truth from that time.”
Nangong Shuang felt a jolt in her heart; she hadn’t expected to encounter an old acquaintance of the Nangong Family here. But she still had doubts: “If you are indeed from the Nangong Family, why didn’t you say so from the beginning?”
“I couldn’t trust anyone easily,” Qiao Er replied bitterly. “For years, the Shadow Pavilion has been hunting down remnants of the Nangong Family. Only by hiding my identity could I survive. It wasn’t until I met you at the lantern market and saw your medical skills and abilities—combined with your concern for the Nangong Family—that I gradually became convinced of your identity.”
Nangong Shuang carefully recalled Qiao Er’s every word and action; indeed, they all revealed her deep understanding and concern for the Nangong Family. Moreover, what Qiao Er said about the extermination matched what she knew.
“What position did you hold in the Nangong Family?” Nangong Shuang continued to inquire.
Qiao Er lowered her eyes and said, "I... I'm just a little maid from the Nangong Family. Because I'm clever and quick-witted, the master and mistress often have me by their side to serve them. Miss Nangong is especially fond of me; she teaches me how to embroider and recognize characters..."
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