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墨書 Inktalez
The old woman led Nangong Shuang through several corridors until they arrived at a secluded courtyard. The courtyard was filled with lush flowers and trees, and a delicate pavilion stood in the center, where Madam Xiao sat alone, seemingly waiting.
“Madam, Nangong Shuang has arrived,” the old woman reported softly.
Madam Xiao looked up, a gentle smile on her face. “Nangong Shuang, please sit. I have something I would like to discuss with you privately.”
Nangong Shuang felt a surge of caution but maintained her composure, performing a respectful greeting before sitting down opposite Madam Xiao.
“Your skill with the guqin is truly remarkable,” Madam Xiao said with a smile. “Especially your duet with Yan’er; it was seamless, as if you had been partners for years.”
Nangong Shuang humbly replied, “You flatter me, Madam. It is Xiao Gongzi’s exceptional talent that inspires me.”
Madam Xiao nodded, then shifted the conversation. “I have heard that you are quite skilled in medicine, particularly in detoxification?”
Nangong Shuang's heart tightened, but she remained calm. “I know a little, but I wouldn’t dare claim to be an expert.”
“You are too modest,” Madam Xiao said meaningfully. “Not long ago, my husband was poisoned severely. Fortunately, the Crown Prince sent someone to assist him, and he managed to survive. I wonder if you have heard of this poison?”
Nangong Shuang pretended to ponder. “I am not aware of what poison Xiao Xiang was afflicted with. If you could tell me the symptoms, perhaps I could make some deductions.”
Madam Xiao fixed her gaze on Nangong Shuang and slowly said, “The symptoms are quite unique; a plum blossom-shaped rash appears on the chest, accompanied by excruciating pain throughout the body. Death is certain within seven days.”
“Mei Ying San?” Nangong Shuang feigned surprise. “I have seen this poison mentioned in Medical Book; it is said to be a rare and deadly toxin that comes from...” She deliberately paused.
Madam Xiao's eyes sharpened. “From where? Do you know?”
Nangong Shuang lowered her head, pretending to hesitate. “It is said... to come from an ancient family. As for which family specifically, I cannot say.”
Madam Xiao seemed unconvinced but did not press further. Instead, she changed the subject. “May I see the birthmark on your left wrist?”
Nangong Shuang was startled but kept her expression calm. She realized that Madam Xiao not only knew about her birthmark but also its location—her understanding exceeded expectations.
In that case, why not play along?
Nangong Shuang slowly rolled up her left sleeve, revealing the plum blossom-shaped birthmark. The mark was a pale pink and resembled a five-petaled plum blossom, vividly lifelike.
Upon seeing it, Madam Xiao's expression changed dramatically; fear and disbelief flickered in her eyes. She trembled as she reached out her hand as if to touch the birthmark but quickly withdrew as though burned.
“You... you are...” Madam Xiao's voice trembled.
Nangong Shuang feigned confusion. “Madam, what do you mean...?”
Madam Xiao suddenly stood up and forced herself to regain composure. “It’s nothing; I was just curious. Your birthmark is quite elegant, resembling a plum blossom—no wonder you can play such beautiful variations of Plum Blossom Three Variations.”
As she spoke, she summoned the old woman nearby and whispered a few instructions. The old woman nodded and hurried away.
Nangong Shuang keenly noticed Madam Xiao's unusual reaction and the secretive directive, further solidifying her suspicion that the Xiao Family was connected to the massacre of the Nangong Family. The Plum Blossom Birthmark on her wrist seemed to be a crucial clue.
Madam Xiao regained her composure and revealed a gentle smile. "Nangong Shuang, it's getting late. We should head back; Qin Hui's second half is about to begin."
Nangong Shuang nodded in agreement and walked with Madam Xiao toward the flower hall. As they passed a corner, she suddenly said, "Madam, please wait a moment. I need to visit the restroom."
Madam Xiao smiled slightly. "Of course, just take the corridor at the end. I'll head back to the flower hall first. Come join me when you're done."
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