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Nangong Shuang took the invitation and saw that it was neatly written, inviting Lord Guo's family and Nangong Shuang to the Lantern Festival banquet at Xiao Mansion. A thought crossed her mind: after meeting Xiao Zhongyan the previous night, they had agreed to meet again today at Xiao Mansion, but she hadn't expected it to be in the form of a lantern festival.
"Miss, are you going?" Nangong Shuang asked softly, already formulating her plans in her heart.
"Of course!" Guan Chunyi clapped her hands and laughed. "This is a rare opportunity! I heard that the flower hall at Xiao Mansion has been specially decorated with rare plants for tonight, and there will be all kinds of lanterns. There will be so much to see!"
Nangong Shuang smiled gently. "Then I'll help you prepare some attire, ensuring you become the most dazzling one at the banquet tonight."
Guan Chunyi blushed. "Sister Shuang, you're just teasing me. But..." She hesitated for a moment, lowering her voice, "I heard that the Crown Prince will also attend. Xiao Zhongyan, being the Crown Prince's confidant, will surely be by his side."
Nangong Shuang detected the anticipation in Guan Chunyi's tone and felt a mix of emotions. This naive young lady clearly had feelings for Xiao Zhongyan, unaware of the hidden connections between them.
"Don't worry, Miss. Tonight, I will make sure you look beautiful," Nangong Shuang reassured her softly.
Guan Chunyi happily hugged Nangong Shuang. "Having you as my sister is wonderful! By the way, you should dress up nicely too; let's dazzle everyone together!"
After seeing off Guan Chunyi, Nangong Shuang called Qiao Er over and whispered, "Tonight at the lantern festival in Xiao Mansion, we have a chance to infiltrate and investigate."
Qiao Er looked worried. "Miss, you just escaped from Xiao Mansion the other night; is it too reckless to go back so soon?"
Nangong Shuang shook her head. "It is precisely because of what happened that I am more convinced that there are important clues regarding the Nangong Family Case hidden in Xiao Mansion. Do you remember the conversation between Xiao Xiang and that Xu Daren? They mentioned that the Crown Prince possesses a fragment of the 'Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique,' and that the Nangong Family Case is about to be retried. The Crown Prince will be present tonight; this is an excellent opportunity."
Qiao Er pondered for a moment before nodding. "You make a valid point, Miss. However, infiltrating deep into Xiao Mansion tonight may not be easy."
"With Xiao Zhongyan's assistance, it shouldn't be difficult," Nangong Shuang said confidently. "He has already recognized my identity and is willing to help me clear the Nangong Family's name."
Qiao Er still had concerns. "Are you sure you can trust him?"
Nangong Shuang sighed lightly. "As it stands now, he is trustworthy. If he hadn't saved me, I would have fallen into those black-clad men's hands the other day. Besides, since he knows my identity, if he had ill intentions, he could have easily reported me to Xiao Xiang without going through all this trouble."
Qiao Er reluctantly nodded. "Alright then, just be careful in your actions. I will stay by Miss Guo's side tonight and be ready to assist."
The two discussed their plans for the evening in detail before preparing separately.
At dusk, Lord Guo took his family to Xiao Mansion for the banquet. Nangong Shuang accompanied Guan Chunyi in a carriage as they slowly made their way to Xiao Mansion. The capital was particularly lively tonight; various lanterns adorned both sides of the streets, illuminating everything as bright as day. From afar, they could see that there was a steady stream of guests arriving at the entrance of Xiao Mansion.
The carriage stopped in front of Xiao Mansion where Guan Chunyi elegantly disembarked with assistance from her maidservants. Nangong Shuang had also dressed carefully in a light purple gown with a single white magnolia hairpin adorning her hair—simple yet elegant.
At the entrance of Xiao Mansion, a servant held a guest list and checked identities as Lord Guo presented the invitation. The family was respectfully ushered into the mansion. Following behind Guan Chunyi, Nangong Shuang observed everything around her with keen eyes and ears, taking in every detail of Xiao Mansion's layout.
"This way is the reception hall; please follow me," said a man who appeared to be a steward as he led them inside.
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