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Nangong Shuang, unable to refuse, smiled and nodded in agreement. "As you wish, Miss. However, we must be cautious while outside the residence. Although the capital is peaceful, there are still those who may harbor ill intentions."
"With my sister here, what do I have to fear?" Guan Chunyi pouted playfully. "Last time with the steward, you saw through his scheme at a glance. And that Xiao Cui from the banquet a few days ago? You uncovered her true identity too! You are truly my guardian angel!"
Nangong Shuang shook her head helplessly. It had been three days since she exposed Xiao Cui's identity, and the respect for her within the Guo Residence had only grown. Even Lord Guo no longer tested her as he once did. As for Xiao Cui, she had heard that the authorities were dealing with her, leaving the Xiao Family in disgrace, especially Xiao Zhongmo, who could hardly hold his head high at any social gatherings.
"By the way, sister, can you guess who father invited to my birthday banquet today?" Guan Chunyi asked mysteriously, blinking her eyes.
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment. "Could it be the Xiao Family?"
"You’re so clever!" Guan Chunyi's cheeks flushed. "Although father has had some friction with the Xiao Family, he still sent them an invitation. After all, Lord Xiao is an important minister in court; it's only proper to extend an invitation." She paused, a hint of shyness in her voice. "I wonder if Xiao Da Gongzi will come..."
Nangong Shuang felt a stir in her heart but kept her expression neutral. "Xiao Zhongyan is indeed talented and charming; he is quite admirable. However, given the unpleasantness at the last banquet, I fear the Xiao Family may not be inclined to attend."
Guan Chunyi lowered her head slightly. "I worry about that too. But father said that Lord Xiao has already sent word back saying they will attend on time. I just don’t know who he will send..."
Nangong Shuang gently patted Guan Chunyi's hand. "You need not worry, Miss. Today is your birthday; you should be happy. Let’s go out and shop first; we can discuss everything when we return."
Guan Chunyi finally smiled. "You’re right! Let’s get ready quickly and pick out some beautiful jewelry!"
Before long, Nangong Shuang changed into a simple yet elegant lake blue dress and followed Guan Chunyi out of the residence. Lord Guo had dispatched four servants to escort them along with several maidservants as they made their way towards the southern part of the city.
The streets of the capital were bustling in early summer, filled with vendors calling out their wares and pedestrians weaving through the crowd. Nangong Shuang remained vigilant as she observed her surroundings while protecting Guan Chunyi as she selected items ahead of her. Ever since learning about Lord Guo's secret dealings with the Crown Prince's Mansion, she had become more cautious regarding everything related to the Guo Family.
"Sister, look at this hairpin! What do you think?" Guan Chunyi stopped in front of a jewelry shop and pointed at a jade hairpin shaped like an orchid.
Nangong Shuang glanced at it and felt a tightening in her chest—orchids were symbols of the Xiao Family, and Guan Chunyi’s choice clearly hinted at her feelings for Xiao Zhongyan.
"This hairpin is exquisitely crafted; however..." Nangong Shuang tactfully replied, "The orchid is the emblem of the Xiao Family. If you wear this, it may lead to misunderstandings."
Guan Chunyi's face turned red instantly. "Oh dear! I completely forgot about that! You’re right!" She then picked up a plum blossom hairpin instead. "How about this one? It’s elegant and suits my taste perfectly."
Nangong Shuang nodded with a smile. "The plum blossom symbolizes purity and integrity; it truly matches your temperament."
After purchasing the hairpin, they continued on their way until they arrived at Jinxiu Workshop in the southern part of the city. This newly opened large shop was grandly decorated and specialized in rare items from the Western Regions, making it quite popular among noble ladies in the capital.
"Sister, come quickly!" Guan Chunyi excitedly pulled Nangong Shuang over to a spice counter. "These are all spices from the Western Regions; they say they have miraculous effects for calming nerves and enhancing beauty!"
Nangong Shuang looked at the various spices displayed on the counter with bright eyes. She was indeed knowledgeable about fragrances; although these Western spices were precious, they could greatly benefit certain special concoctions.
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