Xiao Yuyan felt a bit awkward and quickly apologized, "I was too forward; please forgive me, Nangong Shuang."
Nangong Shuang smiled lightly, "It's no problem. Miss Xiao was just curious."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Yuyan shifted the conversation, "The duet between you and my brother was truly wonderful; it seems you two have quite the rapport. My brother has never been one to get close to others, yet he took the initiative to invite you to play together today, which is quite surprising."
As soon as she said this, several young ladies around them cast curious glances. Nangong Shuang understood that Xiao Yuyan was deliberately steering the topic to probe her relationship with Xiao Zhongyan.
"Xiao Gongzi is merely giving me this opportunity out of respect for Lord Guo," Nangong Shuang replied calmly. "There’s nothing special about it."
Xiao Yuyan chuckled lightly, "You are too modest. I know my brother well; if he didn't genuinely appreciate someone, he would never take the initiative to invite them to perform together. Besides, I heard he has been visiting Guo Residence frequently lately; it must be to see you, right?"
Nangong Shuang's heart sank; she hadn't expected Xiao Yuyan to be so aware of Xiao Zhongyan's whereabouts. However, she maintained her composure and smiled, "Xiao Gongzi is simply friends with Lord Guo and often visits the residence. It's quite normal. As for whether it's to see Nangong Shuang, I'm afraid Miss Xiao is overthinking it."
Just then, a maid approached with a teapot to refill everyone's cups. She first filled Xiao Yuyan's and those of the other young ladies before coming to Nangong Shuang. At that moment, as she tilted the teapot, her wrist seemed to slip, and the pot tipped over, pouring hot tea directly onto Nangong Shuang's skirt!
"Ah!" Guan Chunyi exclaimed in surprise, while the other young ladies also looked shocked.
The maid appeared frightened as well and quickly knelt down to apologize, "Miss, forgive me! It was an accident!"
Nangong Shuang looked down at her skirt soaked in tea, which had already formed a large dark stain. If not treated promptly, this exquisite garment would surely be ruined.
Xiao Yuyan stood up with an apologetic expression, "Nangong Shuang, I am truly sorry; this maid was too careless. Someone take Nangong Shuang to change into another outfit!"
Nangong Shuang keenly noticed that while Xiao Yuyan appeared remorseful, there was a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. Looking at the maid who had 'accidentally' spilled the tea, her panic seemed somewhat feigned. This was clearly premeditated.
But Nangong Shuang remained unflustered and smiled slightly, "There's no need for trouble; I have my own way of dealing with this."
Saying this, she took out a delicate porcelain bottle given to her by Qiao Er from her sleeve. She opened the cap and poured some white powder into her palm before gently sprinkling it on the stain and rubbing it lightly with a handkerchief.
A miraculous scene unfolded: the stain visibly faded at an astonishing rate until it completely disappeared in no time at all; the skirt returned to its original color but remained slightly damp.
"What... what kind of magical powder is this?" Xiao Yuyan asked in astonishment, while the other young ladies widened their eyes in disbelief.
Nangong Shuang smiled faintly, "It's just a homemade fragrance powder that can remove stains; it's quite simple and nothing extraordinary."
Guan Chunyi excitedly chimed in, "Sister Shuang's powder is amazing! Last time I accidentally spilled ink on my new dress, it was Sister Shuang who saved me with this!"
A flicker of displeasure crossed Xiao Yuyan's eyes; she clearly hadn't anticipated her scheme would be so easily thwarted. The maid who had 'slipped' kept her head down and dared not look up.
At that moment, an older woman approached them: "You must be Nangong Shuang? I am Madam Xiao's accompanying wet nurse; the lady requests your presence for a chat."
Nangong Shuang nodded slightly and stood up to follow the wet nurse out. Before leaving, she noticed that Xiao Yuyan's displeasure had intensified but still managed to force a smile.
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