Amidst her busy schedule, Guan Chunyi sent someone to summon Nangong Shuang, stating that there was an important matter to discuss. Nangong Shuang tidied up her medicine box and accompanied her maid to Guan Chunyi's boudoir.
As soon as Guan Chunyi saw Nangong Shuang, she eagerly approached, taking her hand and leading her into the inner chamber. After closing the door, she lowered her voice and said, “Sister, I have something on my mind that I’ve been unsure how to express. I would like to seek your advice.”
Noticing the tension in her expression, Nangong Shuang guessed it must be a secret concern and smiled gently. “You can speak freely, Miss. I promise to share everything without reservation.”
Guan Chunyi blushed, hesitating for a moment before summoning her courage to say, “Sister, do you know the eldest son of the Xiao Family, Xiao Zhongyan?”
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. “I’ve heard a little about him. It is said that Xiao Da Gongzi is the newly appointed top scholar of the court, exceptionally talented and charming.”
“Exactly!” Guan Chunyi’s eyes sparkled with an unusual light as she lowered her voice even further. “In fact... I have admired him since childhood. Although we’ve only exchanged brief words at a few family banquets, I always felt he treated me differently from others.”
Nangong Shuang’s heart tightened, but she concealed her feelings. “Oh? What makes you say that?”
Guan Chunyi recalled, “Last year during the Lantern Festival, I accidentally got knocked down by the crowd, and he came to my rescue just in time. Another time at a banquet hosted by my father, he specifically asked about my favorite poetry and even gifted me a poem...” As she spoke, her cheeks grew even redder, clearly lost in fond memories.
Listening to her, Nangong Shuang felt a strange emotion stir within her but quickly suppressed it. She reminded herself that she had come to Guo Residence to uncover the truth behind the massacre of the Nangong Family; revenge was her primary concern, and romantic entanglements should not distract her.
“And then?” Nangong Shuang asked calmly.
Guan Chunyi took out an exquisite piece of stationery from her bosom and carefully handed it to Nangong Shuang. “I... I wrote him a letter and wanted someone to deliver it for me, but I’m afraid my father might find out. Sister, your medical skills are exceptional and you come and go freely; could you help me with this?”
Nangong Shuang looked at the letter filled with youthful sentiments and momentarily didn’t know how to respond. Under normal circumstances, she would never involve herself in such romantic matters. However, at this moment, Xiao Zhongyan was not only a key figure in investigating the Nangong Case but also the giver of that half Plum Blossom Token. Establishing contact with him might align with her own interests.
“This matter...” Nangong Shuang hesitated. “It may not be appropriate. Xiao Da Gongzi holds a noble status; if your father were to find out, wouldn’t he blame me?”
“He won’t!” Guan Chunyi said eagerly. “My father is often away and rarely pays attention to my affairs. Besides, I just want to communicate with Xiao Gongzi a bit more; there are no ulterior motives. If you’re worried, you can just say it was a chance encounter and deliver the letter under that pretext.”
Seeing Guan Chunyi’s earnest gaze, Nangong Shuang finally nodded in agreement. “Since you trust me so much, I will do my best. However, we must proceed cautiously; this matter must not be made public.”
“That’s wonderful!” Guan Chunyi exclaimed joyfully and hugged Nangong Shuang tightly. “Sister, you are truly my great benefactor! I knew you were the best!”
Nangong Shuang forced a smile while feeling a mix of emotions inside. She had to admit that every time she thought of Xiao Zhongyan possibly having feelings for Guan Chunyi, it pained her heart subtly. But reason told her that it was merely a fleeting illusion.
“You flatter me,” Nangong Shuang said softly. “However, I have an ungracious request.”
“Please feel free to speak! As long as I can do it, I will certainly help!” Guan Chunyi replied readily.
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment before choosing her words carefully. “I have been researching a new prescription recently and need some special medicinal materials. I heard there is an old Medicine Garden at your residence; may I borrow some?”
Comment 0 Comment Count