Nangong Shuang expressed her gratitude and turned to walk towards the end of the corridor. However, she did not head directly to the purification room; instead, she quietly followed the old maid. She wanted to find out what message Madam Xiao had conveyed to whom.
The old maid moved quickly, passing through several corridors until she arrived at a secluded courtyard. It appeared to be a study within the estate, guarded by two sentinels who looked vigilant.
After exchanging a few words with the guards, the old maid was allowed to enter. Nangong Shuang dared not get too close and could only hide behind a nearby rockery, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the old maid emerged from the study, her expression grave. She hurried away, and soon muffled voices could be heard from within the study. Nangong Shuang held her breath and listened intently.
"...That girl is indeed a descendant of the Nangong Family!" an elderly voice exclaimed, filled with shock and anger.
"Master, you saw the birthmark; it matches exactly with the one in the old records," said Madam Xiao's voice. "She must be the Survivor of the Nangong Family!"
"Damn it!" the elder fumed. "Ten years ago, we clearly eradicated the Nangong Family down to the last root; how could there still be a fish that escaped the net?"
"Calm down, Master," Madam Xiao advised. "Given the situation, our priority is to capture her quickly. If she uncovers the truth, our Xiao Family might face extermination!"
"You are right," the elder pondered for a moment before decisively stating, "We must take her tonight! Amidst the chaos of the Lantern Festival, we can discreetly take her away."
"But Yan seems to have a fondness for her," Madam Xiao expressed her concern. "If he finds out..."
"Do not tell him!" The elder interrupted firmly. "The fewer people who know about this, the better. Arrange for her to be taken to see a treasure; lure her into the secret chamber in the back courtyard. I will have someone waiting there. Remember, it must be swift; we cannot let anyone discover anything!"
Nangong Shuang's heart sank upon hearing this. She finally confirmed that Xiao Xiang was one of the masterminds behind the Nangong Family Massacre! Her identity had been exposed, and her situation was perilous!
Just as she was reeling from this revelation, a hand suddenly covered her mouth from behind! Nangong Shuang instinctively struggled, but the person was incredibly strong and held her tightly while whispering in her ear, "Don't make a sound; it's me!"
That voice... Xiao Zhongyan?!
Nangong Shuang stopped struggling and allowed Xiao Zhongyan to pull her away to hide behind another rockery. He then released his grip but signaled for her to remain quiet.
"Did you hear everything?" Xiao Zhongyan asked in a low voice, his expression unusually serious.
Nangong Shuang nodded, filled with confusion and wariness. Was Xiao Zhongyan friend or foe? How much did he know? Would he help her or hand her over to Xiao Xiang?
Seemingly sensing her doubts, Xiao Zhongyan gave a bitter smile. "Don't worry; I won't harm you. On the contrary, I've been investigating the truth behind the Nangong Family Massacre."
Nangong Shuang looked at him in surprise. "You... you know who I am?"
Xiao Zhongyan nodded. "I suspected it long ago. Your medical skills, your knowledge of the Nangong Family case, and your Plum Blossom Birthmark—all clues point to one fact: you are indeed the Survivor of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shuang."
Nangong Shuang felt shocked but also relieved. At least it seemed that Xiao Zhongyan was not an enemy.
"Why are you helping me?" She looked directly into Xiao Zhongyan's eyes. "You are a legitimate son of the Xiao Family; logically speaking, you should stand by your father."
Xiao Zhongyan replied bitterly, "Because I know that the Nangong Family was wronged. Behind that massacre ten years ago lies a huge conspiracy. My father was merely one of its participants and not its mastermind."
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