Splendid Shadows: The Poisonous Beauty of the Cold Palace 287: Moonlit Shadow (5)
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Xiao Zhongyan smiled slightly, "To be honest, ever since that night with Qin Hui, I have been secretly protecting you. I know that the people from the Shadow Pavilion will not give up easily, so I have been following you to prevent any unforeseen circumstances." 0
 
Nangong Shuang felt a warmth in her heart, but still maintained her vigilance on the surface. "Why do this? We are strangers and have no ties." 0
 
Xiao Zhongyan glanced at her, his gaze deep. "Nangong Shuang, although our acquaintance is brief, I can already tell you are no ordinary woman. Your medical skills, musical talent, lightness of foot, and knowledge of poisons are all exceptional. Moreover, with the Plum Blossom Birthmark on your wrist, I boldly speculate that you are connected to the case I am investigating." 0
 
Nangong Shuang's heart tightened. "What case?" 0
 
"The Nangong Family Massacre Case." Xiao Zhongyan looked directly into her eyes. "I have been secretly investigating this case because I suspect my father was involved back then, though not as the mastermind. There is a greater secret hidden behind this case, and you may very well be the key to unraveling it." 0
 
Nangong Shuang fell silent, her mind racing. The fact that Xiao Zhongyan had been investigating the Nangong Family case and seemed to have guessed her identity surprised and unsettled her. 0
 
Seeing her silence, Xiao Zhongyan continued, "You don't have to tell me the truth right now. I understand your caution; if I were in your position, I probably wouldn't easily trust a member of the Xiao Family either. However, I hope you understand that I genuinely want to help you and uncover the truth behind this case." 0
 
Nangong Shuang sighed softly. "I appreciate your intentions, Xiao Gongzi. But this case involves many parties; if you get involved, you may find yourself in danger. Your father has already been taken away by the Crown Prince; your current situation must be difficult as well." 0
 
Xiao Zhongyan forced a smile. "I have my own plans regarding my father's situation. As for danger... it's a small price to pay for uncovering the truth." 0
 
The two walked side by side under the moonlight, which bathed them in a silvery glow and cast two long shadows that intertwined on the ground. 0
 
When they reached a secluded riverside, Xiao Zhongyan suddenly stopped and looked at Nangong Shuang earnestly. "Regarding the content of that note—'Plum Blossom Mark', 'Royal Bloodline'—do you have any clues?" 0
 
Nangong Shuang was taken aback; she hadn't expected him to bring this up suddenly. "The note was sent by you?" 0
 
Xiao Zhongyan nodded. "That night with Qin Hui, I overheard my parents talking about how your Plum Blossom Birthmark is related to royalty. I'm not sure what it means exactly, but I thought it was important to tell you." 0
 
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment. "I don't know how my birthmark relates to royalty. My father never mentioned it while he was alive; I always thought it was just an ordinary birthmark." 0
 
"Perhaps we can find some clues at Bai Lu Guan," Xiao Zhongyan suggested. "There is an Old Daoist there who is said to know many secrets of the court." 0
 
Nangong Shuang nodded. "I will go to Bai Lu Guan tomorrow." 0
 
They continued walking and soon found themselves near Guo Residence. The night was deep and quiet; even the sound of the watchman's clapper had faded away, leaving only distant dog barks. 0
 
"Let's stop here," Nangong Shuang said as she halted her steps. "Thank you for saving me, Xiao Gongzi; I am deeply grateful." 0
 
Xiao Zhongyan smiled slightly. "It was just a small effort; there's no need for thanks. However, I do have one request." 0
 
Nangong Shuang looked at him curiously. "What is it?" 0
 
"Could you meet me at Chengxi Meiyuan three mornings from now?" Xiao Zhongyan said sincerely. "I have some important matters to discuss with you regarding your background and new findings about the Nangong Family Case." 0
 
Nangong Shuang hesitated for a moment but finally nodded in agreement. "Alright, three mornings from now at Chengxi Meiyuan." 0
 
Xiao Zhongyan's face lit up with joy. "Then it's settled! There is a small pavilion on the east side of Mei Garden called Ting Yu Pavilion; I will wait for you there." 0
 
 
 
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