Nangong Shuang nodded, putting away the bottle as she pondered, "Guan Chunyi has treated me sincerely; I can be sure of that. However, the positions of Lord Guo and the Xiao Family are uncertain. Tomorrow's banquet will surely see many prominent figures attending, making it a perfect opportunity for probing."
"Sister, what do you plan to do?" Xiao Cha asked.
A glimmer of determination flashed in Nangong Shuang's eyes. "Since Guan Chunyi wants me to help deliver a message, I will use this chance to get closer to Xiao Zhongyan and learn more about the situation. At the same time, I will discreetly observe the reactions of various parties at the banquet to see who pays special attention to the affairs of the Nangong Family."
"What about Xiao Cui?" Xiao Cha asked anxiously. "If she recognizes you as a descendant of the Nangong Family, she will surely report to Xiao Zhongmo."
Nangong Shuang spoke confidently, "That's not a problem. Although she has her suspicions, she hasn't confirmed anything yet. I will let her continue to doubt, which will confuse Xiao Zhongmo and make him think I haven't found the Plum Blossom Token."
"Sister is brilliant!" Xiao Cha exclaimed, but then her expression turned worried. "If Lord Guo really is colluding with the Crown Prince's Mansion as you say, won't tomorrow's banquet be a den of danger?"
Nangong Shuang's expression was resolute. "Precisely because of that, we must seize this opportunity. Finding chances in danger and seeking survival in peril is our way of existence."
She paused for a moment before adding, "Additionally, I have a plan that requires your cooperation."
"What plan?"
Nangong Shuang leaned in and whispered her ideas in detail. After listening, excitement sparkled in Xiao Cha's eyes as she nodded repeatedly.
"One more thing," Nangong Shuang said seriously. "We need to establish an intelligence network centered around you, recruiting clever maids and servants from the household to form an invisible web that collects various information."
"An intelligence network?" Xiao Cha's eyes lit up. "What a great idea! There are many servants in the household; if I can utilize them, it will surely be twice as effective with half the effort."
Nangong Shuang nodded. "Exactly. This network must operate secretly and cannot be publicized. Let's call it 'Poison Butterfly.' A butterfly appears beautiful but can release toxins at critical moments to subdue enemies."
"Poison Butterfly..." Xiao Cha repeated thoughtfully, her eyes shining with excitement. "What a fitting name! From today onward, I will start building this network."
The two discussed further details until late into the night before finally resting.
The next morning, Nangong Shuang rose early to prepare for Madam Guo's birthday banquet. She carefully selected a simple yet elegant dress that was neither too ostentatious nor too plain, perfectly reflecting the grace expected of a young lady.
Once she finished dressing, Xiao Cha came to assist her and reported an important piece of news: "Sister, I've just received word that the Xiao Family will indeed attend today's banquet; not only will Lord Xiao be present, but both Xiao Zhongyan and Xiao Zhongmo will also be there."
Nangong Shuang felt a stir in her heart. "Oh? The Xiao brothers are attending together?"
"Yes," Xiao Cha confirmed with a nod. "Moreover, I just saw Xiao Cui sneaking out and returning directly to Lord Guo's study afterward."
A hint of alertness crossed Nangong Shuang's face. "She must have gone to report last night's events to Xiao Zhongmo. It seems today's banquet may not be peaceful."
"Sister, please be careful," Xiao Cha urged with concern.
Nangong Shuang reassured her, "It's alright. I'm prepared; let them come."
She took out several small porcelain vials from her medicine box and carefully hid them in her sleeves before saying to Xiao Cha, "Come help me adjust my collar. At today's banquet, I want to present myself elegantly and not lose to anyone."
Xiao Cha smiled as she adjusted her collar, suddenly recalling something. She took out a delicate handkerchief from her bosom and said, "Sister, this is a special scented handkerchief I made, infused with Qi Xin Xiang. If you ever need it, you can use it to test others."
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