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墨書 Inktalez
As they spoke, Nangong Shuang noticed that the deceased was holding something in his palm. She carefully pried open his fingers and discovered a withered petal shaped like a plum blossom.
"Eh?" Nangong Shuang exclaimed in surprise as she picked up the petal and examined it closely.
"What is it?" Xiao Zhongyan leaned in to take a look.
A glint of astonishment flashed in Nangong Shuang's eyes. "This isn't an ordinary plum blossom; it's Xue Mei! A very rare Poison Flower, which is the main ingredient for making Mei Ying San. Zhang Quan was holding it when he died; could he have wanted to leave a clue?"
She carefully placed the petal into her Medicine Pouch, preparing to take it back for further study. Then, she collected samples from various parts of the corpse, including skin from the poisoned areas, nails, and lip tissue, conducting preliminary tests with the test paper she carried.
"It is undoubtedly Mei Ying San," Nangong Shuang concluded. "And it's the purest formula, far beyond any common poison found in the Jianghu."
Xiao Zhongyan's expression turned grave. "What should we do now?"
Nangong Shuang pondered, "First, I need to analyze the components of this Xue Mei to see if I can find an antidote. Secondly, we need to investigate Zhang Quan's whereabouts over the years to understand why he suddenly appeared in the capital and why he was murdered."
Xiao Zhongyan nodded in agreement. "I will have people secretly investigate Zhang Quan's movements. As for finding an antidote, that will have to rely on you."
After discussing their plan, they prepared to leave the mortuary. Before departing, Nangong Shuang took one last look at Zhang Quan's body and silently prayed, "Uncle Zhang, please rest in peace. I will uncover the truth and seek justice for you and the Nangong Family."
After leaving the mortuary, Nangong Shuang decided not to return to the Crown Prince's Mansion just yet but instead headed to a pharmacy in the southern part of the city to purchase herbs needed for analyzing the toxin. Xiao Zhongyan intended to accompany her but had to return first due to a summons from the Crown Prince.
"It's too dangerous for you to go alone," Xiao Zhongyan said worriedly. "At least take a few guards with you."
Nangong Shuang shook her head. "Having guards would only draw attention. I'll change into ordinary clothes and blend into the crowd; I’ll be fine."
Seeing that she had made up her mind, Xiao Zhongyan had no choice but to relent. "Then you must be careful and return immediately after buying the herbs." He took out a jade token from his pocket and handed it to her. "If you encounter danger, show this; those from the Crown Prince's Mansion will come to your aid."
Nangong Shuang accepted the jade token and tucked it away before parting ways with Xiao Zhongyan. She changed into a plain dress and donned a hood before heading alone towards the southern pharmacy.
The spring chill lingered in the air, and there were not many pedestrians on the streets. Nangong Shuang walked briskly while remaining vigilant of her surroundings. The southern pharmacy was the largest distribution center for medicinal herbs in the capital, offering all kinds of rare materials. She entered an old pharmacy named Yongchun Tang and requested some rare herbs, including Qianjin Vine for detoxification, Snow Lotus Seed, and Purple Gold Paper for testing toxicity.
"This young lady has a keen eye," said the old shopkeeper in surprise as he looked at her. "These are all top-grade materials for refining elixirs and detoxification; ordinary people wouldn't use them."
Nangong Shuang smiled slightly. "My elder at home enjoys studying medicine; I am merely here on an errand to buy some herbs."
The shopkeeper remained skeptical but still gathered the herbs for her. After paying with silver coins, Nangong Shuang carefully placed the bag of herbs into her sleeve and turned to leave the pharmacy.
Not far from the shop, she sensed someone was following her. Without revealing any signs of alarm, she continued walking while discreetly observing her surroundings. At a corner, she caught a glimpse of a figure about twenty steps behind her—a person dressed in black wearing a wide-brimmed hat that obscured their face but moved with steady steps, clearly someone skilled.
"Is it another person from Shadow Pavilion?" Nangong Shuang thought to herself as she quickened her pace.
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