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In a refined room deep within the Crown Prince's Mansion, Nangong Shuang sat across from Xiao Zhongyan at a tea table. Although it was the Crown Prince's residence, this courtyard was arranged with elegance and tranquility, isolating it from the noise of the outside world. Through the window lattice, a few plum trees could be seen in the courtyard, stretching their branches in the morning light, adding a touch of vitality to the cold winter.
"Thanks to Young Master Xiao's timely rescue, otherwise I fear I would have fallen into the hands of those men in black," Nangong Shuang said softly, taking a delicate sip of tea, still feeling a lingering fear in her heart.
Xiao Zhongyan shook his head, his expression grave. "It was my oversight to place you at Qingfeng Pavilion; I didn’t expect them to find you so quickly. It seems that the influence of Shadow Pavilion is broader than I imagined."
"I wonder if Qiao Er has safely delivered the Medical Book?" Nangong Shuang asked anxiously. Ever since parting with Qiao Er last night, she had been worried about her maid's safety.
"Don't worry, the Crown Prince has sent someone to escort her. The Medical Book should have been safely delivered to Azure Dragon Gang," Xiao Zhongyan reassured her. After a pause, he added, "However, your identity has now been exposed; Shadow Pavilion will not let this go easily. For now, it’s best for you to stay in the Crown Prince's Mansion and avoid going out."
Nangong Shuang sighed lightly. "If it weren't for the Crown Prince's protection, I might have already met my end. But I worry about implicating the Guo Family and the Crown Prince..."
Just as Xiao Zhongyan was about to speak, hurried footsteps sounded from outside, and a guard rushed in, bowing as he said, "Lord Xiao, the Crown Prince requests your presence."
"What has happened?" Xiao Zhongyan furrowed his brow.
The guard glanced around before lowering his voice. "A body has been found in the east of the city, suspected to be related to the Nangong Family."
Nangong Shuang stood up abruptly, her face paling. "Related to the Nangong Family? Who is it?"
The guard hesitated before looking at Xiao Zhongyan for approval. When he nodded, he continued, "The deceased is named Zhang Quan; he was once a steward for the Nangong Family. There is a strange flower-shaped poison mark on his chest that resembles the methods used in the Nangong Family Massacre Case ten years ago."
Nangong Shuang felt a jolt in her heart: Zhang Quan? Her father's trusted assistant! Ten years ago during the attack on the Nangong Family, Zhang Quan had led a group of servants to evacuate first; she had thought they were safe. She never expected that ten years later he would meet such a tragic end!
"Where is the body?" Nangong Shuang asked urgently.
"It has been sent to the mortuary in the east of the city. The Crown Prince has ordered strict guards around it; no outsiders are allowed near," replied the guard.
Xiao Zhongyan stood up. "I will go see the Crown Prince right away. Nangong Shuang, you should stay here—"
"No, I want to go too," Nangong Shuang interrupted firmly. "Zhang Quan is an elder of the Nangong Family; I must see his body with my own eyes and confirm what poison caused his death."
Seeing her determined gaze, Xiao Zhongyan knew he could not dissuade her and nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but you must be careful; the situation in the city is complex right now, and your safety is paramount."
The two followed the guard through several corridors until they reached the Crown Prince's study. The Crown Prince was discussing matters with several trusted aides when he saw Xiao Zhongyan and Nangong Shuang enter and signaled for everyone else to leave.
"Miss Nangong," he said gently to her, "the events of last night must have left you exhausted; you should rest well. However, with this incident occurring..."
Nangong Shuang quickly bowed. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Upon hearing that Zhang Quan was murdered, I am anxious and wish to request permission to go to the mortuary and take a look."
The Crown Prince pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well. Zhang Quan was an elder of the Nangong Family; if you can find any clues from his body, it will greatly aid us in uncovering the truth." He turned to Xiao Zhongyan. "You will personally accompany Miss Nangong; ensure her safety at all costs."
Xiao Zhongyan accepted his orders and left the study with Nangong Shuang. Outside Crown Prince's Mansion stood a discreet carriage ready for them. Once they boarded, the coachman cracked his whip and slowly drove towards the eastern part of the city.
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