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Xiao Cha nodded, then suddenly remembered something, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, sister, I saw a new maid in the backyard today. Her name is Xiao Cui, and she acts strangely, as if she pays a lot of attention to you. Every time your name comes up, her expression changes in a peculiar way."
"Oh?" Nangong Shuang became interested. "Tell me more."
Xiao Cha described, "That Xiao Cui seems like an ordinary maid, but she always asks about you, either directly or indirectly. Moreover, I noticed a scar on her hand that has a unique shape, like one left from sword training. Ordinary maids wouldn’t have such scars."
A glint of caution flashed in Nangong Shuang's eyes. "Do you know when she arrived at the manor?"
"I heard she came a few days ago, brought back by Madam Guo as a distant relative from the countryside," Xiao Cha recalled. "However, from the way she walks and speaks, she doesn't seem like an ordinary country girl."
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment and suddenly thought of a possibility. "Could she be the woman who attempted to assassinate me that night at Guo Residence? She is skilled in martial arts and might have been sent to monitor me."
Xiao Cha was taken aback. "If that's true, wouldn't that put you in danger?"
"There's no need to panic," Nangong Shuang said calmly. "Knowing both ourselves and our enemy ensures victory in every battle. Since she is here to monitor me, we might as well turn the tables and keep an eye on her to see if we can gather more clues."
Xiao Cha nodded in agreement, and the two conspired on a plan before resting for the night.
The next morning, Lord Guo returned to the manor and learned about Zhang Lu's corruption and false accusations against Nangong Shuang and Xiao Cha. He was furious and immediately summoned everyone in the manor to publicly announce Zhang Lu's dismissal from his position and that he would be handed over to the authorities.
"Zhang Lu has betrayed my trust, engaged in corruption, and falsely accused loyal subjects; his crimes are unforgivable!" Lord Guo declared sternly. He then turned to Nangong Shuang and Xiao Cha, his tone softening considerably. "Nangong Shuang, Xiao Cha, I deeply regret the fright you experienced this time. To express my apologies, I have arranged for some supplements and gifts for you both; I hope you won't take offense."
Nangong Shuang respectfully thanked him but remained vigilant in her heart. Lord Guo's sudden change in attitude might not be sincere; it could very well be a forced gesture due to Zhang Lu's exposure.
After the meeting dispersed, as Nangong Shuang was about to return to her room, she noticed a strange maid approaching her. The girl appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old, with delicate features and bright almond-shaped eyes. She held a watering can, seemingly there to water the garden.
"Please wait a moment, sister," the maid greeted with a bow, her voice clear and pleasant. "I heard that you are skilled in medicine and can cure various poisons. Xiao Cui has an unusual request; may I ask if you would listen?"
Nangong Shuang was taken aback; this must be Xiao Cui that Xiao Cha mentioned! She scrutinized the girl closely and indeed spotted a long scar on her right wrist, just as Xiao Cha had described.
"What do you wish to ask?" Nangong Shuang inquired gently while remaining on guard.
Xiao Cui glanced around to ensure no one was paying attention before lowering her voice. "Someone in my family has contracted a strange illness that no famous doctor has been able to cure. I heard you are highly skilled in medicine and would like to ask for your help. If you are willing, I can take you to see him."
Alarm bells rang in Nangong Shuang's mind; this was clearly a trap! She feigned hesitation. "Let me think about it first. Who is ill in your family? What are the symptoms? Once I understand better, I will make my decision."
Xiao Cui seemed somewhat anxious but could not press too hard; she simply nodded. "It’s my father who is ill; his symptoms are strange—sometimes he has high fever, sometimes chills; he foams at the mouth and falls into unconsciousness. If you have time, please let Xiao Cui know at any moment."
"Alright, I will consider it," Nangong Shuang replied while secretly observing Xiao Cui's every move. She noticed that the girl's demeanor did not resemble that of an ordinary maid; every gesture exuded an air of someone well-trained.
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