Nangong Shuang arrived at the Ting Yu Pavilion on the east side of Mei Garden. This small pavilion was built by the water, surrounded by bamboo, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. The pavilion was empty, indicating that Xiao Zhongyan had not yet arrived.
Nangong Shuang sat down in the pavilion, quietly observing her surroundings. Although nothing seemed out of the ordinary on the surface, she sensed that someone was watching her from hidden corners. She couldn't tell if it was members of the Azure Dragon Gang or someone else entirely.
As she pondered this, footsteps approached from the bamboo grove. Xiao Zhongyan appeared, dressed in a green robe, walking slowly with an air of calmness, as if he were merely a leisurely visitor enjoying the scenery.
"Nangong Shuang, sorry to keep you waiting," Xiao Zhongyan said as he entered the pavilion and cupped his hands in greeting.
Nangong Shuang stood up to return the gesture. "Xiao Gongzi, I just arrived not long ago."
The two sat across from each other in the pavilion, momentarily at a loss for words. Xiao Zhongyan's expression was complex; it seemed he had much to say but didn't know where to begin.
"You asked me to come here because you have something important to discuss?" Nangong Shuang broke the silence.
Xiao Zhongyan nodded, glancing around to ensure they were alone before speaking in a low voice. "I've uncovered some clues about your background."
Nangong Shuang's heart tightened. "What clues?"
"First, I must tell you a fact: ten years ago, the massacre of the Nangong Family was officially carried out by my father and others under imperial orders, but in reality, they were coerced by a mysterious organization," Xiao Zhongyan said solemnly.
Nangong Shuang had suspected this for some time, but hearing him confirm it still shook her. "What organization?"
"Tai Ping Hui," Xiao Zhongyan whispered. "A secret organization aiming to overthrow the court. They have infiltrated various departments of the court and even the royal family. Ten years ago, the Nangong Family discovered their secrets, which led to their annihilation."
This aligned with what her father had written in his letter, further convincing Nangong Shuang that Xiao Zhongyan spoke the truth. "So my background..."
"You are of royal blood; there is no doubt about that," Xiao Zhongyan affirmed. "The plum blossom birthmark on your wrist is clear evidence. However, I cannot yet determine which royal member's bloodline you belong to."
Nangong Shuang fell silent, her mind racing with thoughts.
"There's one more thing," Xiao Zhongyan continued. "Have you ever heard of Feng Yu Pavilion?"
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat; this was precisely the place mentioned in the blood letter. She cautiously replied, "Do you know anything about it, Xiao Gongzi?"
Xiao Zhongyan shook his head. "I only know that it is a secret place related to the royal family and is said to hold many royal secrets. Your background mystery may be hidden within."
"How can we find this place?" Nangong Shuang asked.
Xiao Zhongyan sighed with a bitter smile. "That's exactly what I wanted to ask you. I've searched through various records but couldn't find its exact location. The only clue is that it may be related to someone named Feng Yu."
Hearing the name "Feng Yu," Nangong Shuang felt a stir within her; she recalled the signature on that blood letter. It seemed that whoever claimed to be Feng Yu indeed had deep connections to this matter.
"In fact, I received a blood letter signed by Feng Yu," Nangong Shuang decided to be honest. "The letter stated that there was another culprit behind the massacre of the Nangong Family and that the Xiao Family was also a victim. It also mentioned investigating past events related to Feng Yu Pavilion."
Xiao Zhongyan looked visibly shocked. "A blood letter? When did you receive it?"
"Just the night before last," Nangong Shuang replied, "the letter was written on a special type of paper that my father used to send secret messages during his lifetime."
Xiao Zhongyan exclaimed excitedly, "This is crucial! Feng Yu is likely the one who knows all the truths. We must find him!"
Nangong Shuang hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to share with Xiao Zhongyan what she had discovered about the map. "Actually, the birthmark on my wrist changed last night and revealed a map pointing to a place called the Desolate Mansion in the south of the city. I went to check it out and found a letter left by my father along with a small booklet."
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