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The first light of dawn had just spilled over the eaves of Guanyin Temple, and Nangong Shuang had been waiting in the small Buddhist hall for quite some time. She tightened her brown cloak around her, her eyes occasionally darting toward the door, her expression tense and anxious. After narrowly escaping from Guo Residence last night, she had come to Guanyin Temple as agreed to meet Xiao Zhongyan, but he had yet to appear.
“Could he have run into trouble?” Nangong Shuang murmured to herself, recalling the formidable assassin from last night, a chill running through her. That person wielded a sword with exceptional skill, clearly trained in a prestigious school. To protect her escape, Xiao Zhongyan had drawn the assassin away; she could only wonder how he fared now.
Lost in thought, she heard a faint sound of footsteps approaching. Nangong Shuang immediately became alert, her silver needle already gripped between her fingers.
“It’s me.” A familiar voice came from outside the door. Xiao Zhongyan appeared in simple attire, his handsome face showing signs of fatigue, yet he still managed a graceful bow. “I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“Are you alright?” Nangong Shuang rushed forward and noticed the wound on his left arm, concern flooding her expression. Realizing her lapse in composure, she quickly stepped back.
Xiao Zhongyan forced a smile and shook his head. “It’s just a flesh wound; nothing serious. That assassin was indeed skilled—one of the experts from Shadow Pavilion. I had to exert quite a bit of effort to shake her off.” He glanced around and lowered his voice. “I’m aware of what happened at Guo Residence. It seems Guo Yushi is indeed colluding with the Crown Prince's Mansion to target you.”
Nangong Shuang's expression turned complicated. “I thought Lord Guo was merely testing me; I didn’t expect him to be one of the enemies of the Nangong Family.” Remembering Guo Chunyi's genuine kindness towards her made her heart heavy. “Now that my identity has been exposed, it will be difficult for me to remain in the capital.”
“Things may not be as dire as they seem,” Xiao Zhongyan said after a moment of contemplation. “During the chaos last night, I took the opportunity to spread word that an assassin had infiltrated Guo Residence with the intent to assassinate Lord Guo. To save face, the Guo Family will likely suppress news of your escape and claim that nothing happened.”
“You mean I can still go back?” Nangong Shuang asked in surprise.
Xiao Zhongyan nodded. “Exactly. Lord Guo won’t reveal your true identity; otherwise, it would implicate him in his conspiracy with the Crown Prince's Mansion. If you can pretend to know nothing for now, you might still maneuver through this situation.”
Nangong Shuang fell into deep thought. Although returning to Guo Residence felt like venturing into a den of tigers, she had not yet found the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique, and the injustice against the Nangong Family remained unresolved. Leaving now would mean abandoning everything she had worked for.
“I understand,” Nangong Shuang finally said, raising her head with determination shining in her eyes. “I will go back and continue searching for clues. Guo Residence is not only a dangerous place but also the closest location to the truth.”
“That’s excellent news,” Xiao Zhongyan replied with relief. He then took out an exquisite sachet from his pocket and handed it to Nangong Shuang. “This is an antidote sachet; it can neutralize various poisons. Keep it close at hand for emergencies.”
Nangong Shuang accepted the sachet, inadvertently brushing against Xiao Zhongyan's hand with her fingertips. Both paused in surprise; she quickly withdrew her hand and murmured her thanks.
“There’s one more thing I must tell you,” Xiao Zhongyan said seriously. “In two days, there will be an autumn banquet at Crown Prince's Mansion, attended by all major families in the capital, including the Guo Family. I suspect that the Crown Prince may take action during the banquet, so we must be vigilant.”
Nangong Shuang nodded in acknowledgment and then recalled something: “In my haste to escape last night, I only took half of the Plum Blossom Token; the other half is hidden in a compartment under the bed at Guo Residence. I wonder if it’s still safe?”
“Let’s hope it hasn’t been discovered,” Xiao Zhongyan frowned. “If it has fallen into Lord Guo’s hands, then Mei Xin Pavilion at Nangong Ancestral Home may also be in grave danger.”
The two discussed further details and agreed on a way to communicate discreetly before parting ways at Guanyin Temple. Nangong Shuang chose a secluded path as she quietly made her way back into the city; she needed to visit one more place before returning to Guo Residence.
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