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墨書 Inktalez
“Zhang Quan is my father's most trusted steward,” Nangong Shuang whispered to Xiao Zhongyan. “Ten years ago, when our family faced disaster, my father ordered him to lead some of the servants to evacuate early, taking with them important items, including some Medical Books and medicinal herbs.”
Xiao Zhongyan pondered, “So the killer likely murdered him in search of those Medical Books and herbs?”
Nangong Shuang nodded. “The Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique originally had three volumes. I only have one, and the other two are likely in Zhang Quan's possession.”
As they spoke, the carriage entered the eastern part of the city. This area was far from the bustling districts, with low houses lining the streets and a few grocery shops scattered about. Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a large courtyard surrounded by high walls, with a sign reading “Renhe Charity Hall.”
“Be careful,” Xiao Zhongyan reminded softly, then led Nangong Shuang into the charity hall.
Inside, the atmosphere was solemn and quiet; several Taoists were cleaning the courtyard. Upon seeing Xiao Zhongyan present the prince's token, the attending Taoist immediately guided them to a side room in the back courtyard.
“Zhang Quan's body is inside. As per the prince's orders, no one is allowed to approach,” the Taoist said respectfully.
Xiao Zhongyan nodded and signaled for the Taoist to leave. Once they were alone, Nangong Shuang took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
The room was dimly lit, and a body lay quietly on a wooden bed, covered by a white cloth. Nangong Shuang approached cautiously and gently lifted the cloth to reveal the deceased's face.
She stared at that familiar yet strange face, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Zhang Quan was nearly sixty years old, but ten years of hardship had made him appear older than his actual age. His face bore an expression of pain, clearly indicating he had suffered greatly before his death.
“It really is Steward Zhang...” Nangong Shuang murmured softly, tears welling in her eyes.
Suppressing her sorrow, she carefully examined the body. As she lifted the deceased's clothing, she was shocked to discover a strange flower-shaped poison mark on his chest, dark purple in color and remarkably similar to the Plum Blossom Birthmark on her wrist!
“What is this...” Nangong Shuang instinctively touched her own birthmark, a storm of emotions surging within her.
Xiao Zhongyan also noticed this detail and exclaimed in surprise, “The shape of this poison mark is identical to your birthmark!”
Nangong Shuang's heart raced: “Not only that, but I recognize this toxin!” She scrutinized the color and shape of the mark. “This is Mei Ying San, a deadly poison originating from the Xiao Family!”
“The Xiao Family?” Xiao Zhongyan looked at her in shock. “Are you sure?”
Nangong Shuang nodded. “The Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique contains records stating that Mei Ying San is an ancestral secret formula of the Xiao Family. Those poisoned develop plum blossom-shaped marks on their hearts and suffer unbearable pain; they will surely die within seven days. However, according to records, this poison had long been lost; I never expected it to resurface.”
Xiao Zhongyan's expression turned grave. “Are you saying that whoever killed Zhang Quan might be connected to the Xiao Family?”
Nangong Shuang did not answer immediately but continued examining the body. She noticed that both the deceased's nails and lips had taken on an unusual bluish-purple hue, with tiny red spots on his skin—typical symptoms of poisoning by Mei Ying San.
“Not only was Zhang Quan murdered,” Nangong Shuang said in a low voice, “but ten years ago during the Nangong Family massacre, there were similar poison marks on the victims! Back then I was too young to know where this poison came from. Now it seems that the massacre of the Nangong Family is very likely connected to the Xiao Family!”
Xiao Zhongyan's face changed dramatically. “How could that be? Although my father participated in raiding the Nangong Family’s estate, he would never resort to using our family’s poison!”
Nangong Shuang contemplated for a moment. “Perhaps it wasn’t Xiao Xiang himself who did it but someone who used the name and formula of the Xiao Family. In any case, this murder must be related to the Nangong Family Massacre Case from ten years ago.”
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