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Xiao Zhongyan made a gesture of invitation, saying, "We'll talk later. Please follow me into the mansion. The moonlight is perfect tonight, and the plum blossoms in Mei Garden are in full bloom, making it an ideal time for appreciation."
Nangong Shuang quietly followed Xiao Zhongyan through the back entrance of Xiao Mansion, walking along a secluded path leading to the inner courtyard. This route had clearly been carefully chosen to avoid the gaze of most guards and servants in the mansion.
"Xiao Mansion is heavily guarded," Nangong Shuang remarked softly, noticing the hidden sentinels along the way.
Xiao Zhongyan gave a wry smile. "Ever since the Nangong Family Case was reopened for review, my father has strengthened the mansion's defenses. He seems quite worried that some secrets might be revealed."
Nangong Shuang's heart stirred. "Is it true that the Nangong Family Case is being reviewed?"
Xiao Zhongyan nodded. "The Crown Prince intends to thoroughly investigate this case and has already ordered people to gather evidence. This has left many involved at that time feeling restless."
As they spoke, they arrived at Mei Garden within Xiao Mansion. The garden was expansive, with dozens of old plum trees blooming vibrantly under the moonlight, enveloping the area in a silvery glow and a fragrant aroma.
"Mei Garden was my mother's favorite place," Xiao Zhongyan pointed to the largest old plum tree in the garden. "This tree is over a hundred years old and is said to have been brought back by our ancestors from the south; it's called 'Ao Xue.'"
Nangong Shuang approached the old plum tree and observed its sturdy trunk and intertwining branches, with blossoms densely clustered and shimmering like pearls in the moonlight.
"What beautiful plum blossoms..." Nangong Shuang exclaimed sincerely.
Xiao Zhongyan smiled slightly. "The plum blossom has long been known for its character of 'Ao Xue defying frost,' which complements your name's 'frost' character beautifully. Why don't we sit down to enjoy the plums and sip some tea?"
He gestured toward a nearby exquisite pavilion, where tea sets and snacks had already been prepared.
Nangong Shuang nodded in agreement and followed Xiao Zhongyan to the pavilion. The furnishings inside were simple yet elegant; the tea set was made of fine celadon, and the fragrance of tea wafted through the air.
"This is 'Da Hong Pao' from Wuyi Mountain; its rich aroma is perfect for enjoying while admiring the plums," Xiao Zhongyan personally poured a cup of hot tea for Nangong Shuang.
Nangong Shuang accepted the teacup and took a gentle sip, savoring the exquisite flavor that lingered on her palate. Faced with such thoughtful arrangements, she couldn't help but feel puzzled: why was Xiao Zhongyan being so considerate?
"Young Master Xiao invited me late at night; surely it’s not just for admiring plums and drinking tea?" Nangong Shuang asked directly.
Xiao Zhongyan glanced at her with an appreciative expression. "Miss Nangong is indeed straightforward. Yes, I invited you tonight because I want to discuss matters regarding the Nangong Family."
Upon hearing "Nangong Family," Nangong Shuang's gaze sharpened instantly. "Young Master Xiao seems quite interested in the Nangong Family?"
Xiao Zhongyan did not shy away from her gaze and replied candidly, "To be honest, I have been secretly investigating the truth behind the Nangong Family Massacre Case over these years."
Nangong Shuang's heart jolted, but she maintained her composure. "Oh? Why does Young Master Xiao care so much about this case?"
Xiao Zhongyan did not answer immediately but gazed thoughtfully at the distant plum blossoms as if pondering how to phrase his response. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Because I suspect that the Nangong Family did not rebel at all but was framed by someone."
This statement detonated like a bombshell in Nangong Shuang's heart. Xiao Zhongyan, the eldest son of the Xiao Family, actually believed that the Nangong Family had been wronged!
Nangong Shuang forced herself to remain calm. "Is that true? Isn't there a longstanding feud between the Xiao Family and the Nangong Family?"
Xiao Zhongyan shook his head and smiled bitterly. "This is a misunderstanding from outsiders. There has indeed been some animosity between the Xiao Family and the Nangong Family, but that dates back three generations. By the time of my father's generation, the two families had very little interaction and there was no talk of hostility."
"Then why did your father get involved in the raid on the Nangong Family?" Nangong Shuang asked, probing subtly.
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