Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Nangong Shuang smiled without answering, but her mind was already planning for what would come after the banquet. She had to be fully prepared to face any potential dangers.
As the banquet neared its end, the matron who had guided her earlier approached Nangong Shuang again and whispered, "Nangong Shuang, the Madam requests your presence."
Nangong Shuang stood up to take her leave and explained to Guan Chunyi, "Madam Xiao has asked me to see a treasure. You can continue chatting with the other young ladies; I will be back shortly."
Although Guan Chunyi was somewhat puzzled, she nodded in agreement. Nangong Shuang followed the matron away from the hall and deeper into the estate. As they passed a corner, Nangong Shuang deliberately slowed her pace, took out a copper coin from her sleeve, and quietly placed it in a hidden corner on the ground. This was the signal she had agreed upon with Xiao Zhongyan so he could follow her.
The matron led Nangong Shuang through a series of corridors until they arrived at a secluded courtyard. In the courtyard stood an ancient and elegant Xiao Lou, exuding an air of tranquility.
"The Madam is waiting for you inside," the matron said, pointing to Xiao Lou. "You may enter by yourself; I must return to attend to the guests."
Nangong Shuang nodded in thanks and watched as the matron left before taking a deep breath and pushing open the large door of Xiao Lou.
Inside was dimly lit, with only a few oil lamps casting weak light across the space. Madam Xiao was indeed standing within; upon seeing Nangong Shuang enter, she revealed a meaningful smile. "Nangong Shuang, you've come."
Nangong Shuang slightly bowed. "Since you invited me, how could I not come? May I ask where that ancient qin is?"
Madam Xiao pointed towards the staircase. "It is in the secret chamber on the second floor. This way, please."
Nangong Shuang followed Madam Xiao up to a room at the end of the hallway. Madam Xiao took out an exquisite key, unlocked the door, and stepped aside to let Nangong Shuang enter first.
The room was pitch dark and silent. Nangong Shuang cautiously stopped at the entrance and did not rush inside. "Madam, it is too dark in there; I cannot see anything."
Madam Xiao chuckled. "Don't worry; there are lamps inside." With that, she stepped into the room first and lit an oil lamp.
In the dim yellow light, Nangong Shuang saw that there was indeed an ancient qin placed in the center of the room. It looked quite old and emanated a sense of time-worn elegance.
"This is our Xiao Family's treasured heirloom, 'Mei Ying Qin,'" Madam Xiao introduced. "It is said to have a history of a thousand years; its body is made from ancient phoenix tree wood, and its strings are crafted from special materials that produce a unique sound—unparalleled in the world."
Nangong Shuang approached to take a closer look while remaining highly alert. She noticed several shadows lurking in corners of the room as if hiding something. The name "Mei Ying Qin" bore an uncanny resemblance to "Mei Ying San," the poison that had decimated her family—this was no coincidence.
"It truly is a rare treasure," Nangong Shuang remarked while discreetly scanning her surroundings for possible escape routes. "May I ask if I could try playing a piece?"
Madam Xiao smiled without answering and turned to shout towards one corner of the room, "Master, she has been brought here."
As soon as she finished speaking, a shadow emerged from the corner—it was Xiao Xiang! His face was grim, and his eyes glinted with danger. "Nangong Girl, did you ever expect that ten years later you would walk right into my trap?"
A chill ran down Nangong Shuang's spine, but she maintained her composure on the surface. "What do you mean by that, Xiao Xiang? I do not understand."
Xiao Xiang sneered. "Stop pretending! The Plum Blossom Birthmark on your left wrist has revealed your identity. You are indeed Nan Gong Shuang—the sole survivor of the Nangong Family massacre!"
Several men in black emerged from within the shadows, surrounding Nangong Shuang completely. She knew that danger had finally arrived.
"Since you have seen through my disguise, I will no longer hide," she straightened her back and looked directly at Xiao Xiang. "Yes, I am Nan Gong Shuang—the survivor of the Nangong Family tragedy ten years ago. I have returned to uncover the truth and seek justice for my family!"
Comment 0 Comment Count