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Xiao Zhongyan entered with a tray of tea snacks and noticed the serious expressions on the faces of the two women. He couldn't help but ask, "Mother, Nangong Shuang, has something happened?"
Madam Xiao forced a smile. "It's nothing, just discussing the illness." She turned to Nangong Shuang. "My dear, this treatment has been quite exhausting for you. Why not rest here for a while and have lunch before heading back?"
Nangong Shuang nodded in agreement. "Thank you for your kind offer, Madam."
Madam Xiao stood up. "Xiao Zhongyan, why don't you take Nangong Shuang for a walk in the garden? I'll go prepare some fine tea."
Once Madam Xiao left, Nangong Shuang and Xiao Zhongyan sat across from each other, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
"Nangong Shuang, your medical skills are impressive," Xiao Zhongyan broke the silence. "My mother's illness has troubled her for years, and the imperial physicians have been at a loss. I didn't expect you to bring about such improvement so quickly."
Nangong Shuang smiled lightly. "Xiao Gongzi flatters me. Your mother’s illness is indeed difficult, but it is not without remedy. It’s just..." She paused deliberately.
"Just what?" Xiao Zhongyan pressed.
Nangong Shuang looked at him meaningfully. "It’s just that your mother’s condition is related to a rare poison known as 'Han Xin San.' Very few in this world are aware of it. I wonder how your father offended someone knowledgeable about this poison?"
Xiao Zhongyan's expression changed slightly before he regained his composure. "Your words are mistaken, Miss. My mother merely caught a chill years ago, and due to improper treatment, she developed a chronic ailment. There’s no talk of poison here."
Nangong Shuang understood he was concealing something but chose not to press further. "Perhaps my diagnosis is incorrect," she said calmly.
The two fell silent again.
After a moment, Xiao Zhongyan suddenly spoke up. "Nangong Shuang, do you know why the Nangong Family suffered such a tragic fate?"
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat as she looked at him warily. "Why does Xiao Gongzi bring this up all of a sudden?"
Xiao Zhongyan's gaze was deep and serious. "Because I have been investigating this case. The Nangong Family Massacre Case is filled with doubts; it is far from being a simple rebellion."
Nangong Shuang suppressed her shock and asked cautiously, "Why is Xiao Gongzi so invested in this case?"
"Simply for justice," Xiao Zhongyan replied nonchalantly. "The wronged should be vindicated, and the wicked should face punishment. This is my intention in assisting the Crown Prince."
Nangong Shuang was taken aback: Xiao Zhongyan was seeking to clear the Nangong Family's name? This was contrary to her previous understanding. Wasn't the Xiao Family the enemy of the Nangong Family? Could there be more to this story?
"You are quite noble," Nangong Shuang ventured cautiously. "However, I have heard that the massacre of the Nangong Family had some ties to the Xiao Family; do you not find this troubling?"
Xiao Zhongyan let out a bitter laugh. "It is precisely because of that that I feel compelled to uncover the truth. I do not believe that the Nangong Family would rebel; there must be hidden circumstances involved. Moreover..." He lowered his voice, "I suspect that my father's sudden promotion is related to the Nangong Family Case."
Nangong Shuang was stunned: Xiao Zhongyan suspected her father! This was beyond her expectations.
"Ten years ago, my father suddenly rose from a sixth-rank official to fourth-rank, and then within just two years ascended to second-rank," Xiao Zhongyan said gravely. "Such rapid promotion is indeed rare. At the same time, my mother fell ill with a strange disease and was unconscious for three days. I have always suspected that all of this is connected to the Nangong Family Case."
Nangong Shuang pondered: Could it be that Xiao Fu was involved in the massacre of the Nangong Family and received promotion in return? And Madam Xiao knew about it, which led to her being poisoned into silence?
Just as he was about to ask further, a commotion erupted outside. Then, a maid rushed in, flustered, and reported, "Young Master, it's bad! The Master has suddenly returned home and is furious in the front hall!"
Xiao Zhongyan's expression changed, and he stood up, saying, "Nangong Shuang, my father has a volatile temper. It would be best if you left now. I'll escort you."
Nangong Shuang nodded and got up, feeling somewhat reluctant in her heart; just when their conversation was reaching a crucial point, it had been interrupted.
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