"How is the investigation into Xiao Man's affairs coming along?" Nangong Yu was genuinely curious about Xiao Man and had ordered a thorough check.
Now, it was time for news.
"Pavilion Master, this is Xiao Man's profile. From her childhood to the present, my subordinates have investigated every detail. Fortunately, Xiao Man is ranked first on the Imperial Capital's list of prominent women, so many people have collected her information, making the investigation quite easy."
Nangong Yu looked at the thick stack of documents, picked one up, and flipped through it. The more he read, the more astonished and incredulous he became. "This is Xiao Man's profile?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"She beat her tutor on her first day of school, assaulted fellow students multiple times during her studies, even beat the Empress's nephew, and the thirteenth prince as well. She's beaten all the pampered young masters in the Imperial Capital. What, is she unafraid of power and influence, striking up at princes and down at dandies, invincible under heaven?"
Nangong Yu mused, no wonder this girl's martial arts were so sharp. It must have been accumulated experience from years of fighting. And the Protector General actually protected her, saying she fought well, that his daughter Xiao Zhen naturally couldn't lose to anyone else!
A smile of interest played on Nangong Yu's lips. Xiao Man's life story could practically be written into a novel about a rich young lady who roamed the martial world, unafraid of authority, only needing a like-minded young man to spend her life with. But as he turned to the last page, his brow furrowed.
"On the fifteenth of the third month, Xiao Man was at Ganye Temple?" Although Nangong Yu had personally seen Xiao Man's virginity mark intact, he hadn't let go of his vigilance regarding her.
But from another perspective, if Xiao Man was at Ganye Temple on the night of the fifteenth of the third month, then the person who broke into Qingfeng Courtyard was definitely not her!
For some reason, Nangong Yu felt a sense of relief while also experiencing a hint of disappointment.
What kind of person was Xiao Man, and why did he always feel that what they had investigated was merely the surface?
"Pavilion Master, isn't Madam Sheng now acting as Xiao Man's governess? I heard that Xiao Man only knows fighting and killing. With Madam Sheng being so strict, surely this eldest daughter of the Protector General's mansion has suffered greatly?" Wu Xiang asked curiously.
"Suffered greatly?" Nangong Yu let out a cold laugh. "I'm afraid everyone has been deceived by this Xiao Man. Madam Sheng said that Xiao Man is proficient in everything, be it etiquette, rules, music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, and the Four Books and Five Classics. Her evaluation is not low: her demeanor is as beautiful as an orchid, her talent as fragrant as an immortal. Even Wen Moyu, the prime minister's daughter, did not receive such high praise from her."
Wen Moyu was a renowned talented woman in the Imperial Capital, ranking second on the list of prominent women. However, her second place was well-deserved, while Xiao Man's first place was achieved through notoriety across the city.
"How is that possible! You know Xiao Man is infamous as a rake in the Imperial Capital. Forget the Four Books and Five Classics, she probably can't even recite the Thousand Character Classic!" Wu Xiang couldn't believe it. Xiao Man was the top-ranked woman, and their collected information differed so much from the original person. Wouldn't that damage the reputation of their Tianji Pavilion?
If he didn't know Madam Sheng's character, he would suspect that Madam Sheng had accepted benefits from the General's mansion and was speaking falsely for Xiao Man!
"So, what you've investigated is just the surface."
"Did Madam Sheng say anything else?" Wu Xiang probed tentatively.
"You talk too much. Investigate further!" Nangong Yu reprimanded him.
Nangong Yu couldn't help but recall Madam Sheng's words. She said Xiao Man had excellent talent, was calm and composed, and dealt with the provocations of the concubine's daughters in the mansion with composure.
How could such a person be an unlearned good-for-nothing? Where did the mistake occur?
"Have you found out who helped Xiao Man dispose of the body?"
"My subordinates had people investigate missing persons in the Imperial Capital who had a connection with Xiao Man. There is only one."
"Who?"
"His surname is Liang, and his given name is Zichu. He was a scholar heading to the capital for the imperial examinations. However, after he went out on the night of the fifteenth of the third month, he never returned. According to his classmates, he went out to socialize."
"Liang Zichu?" Nangong Yu frowned. Why would Xiao Man kill a scholar taking the examinations?
And hide the body in her own courtyard. Could it be that these two were secretly involved?
For some reason, the thought of them possibly being secretly involved sent a surge of irritation through Nangong Yu.
Nangong Yu shook his head, dispelling the thoughts from his mind. If they were truly secretly involved, why would Xiao Man kill him? There must be a secret he didn't know!
"Pavilion Master, it's the fifteenth again soon. You..." Wu Xiang was a little worried. The fifteenth of every month was the most difficult time for Nangong Yu. The curse would flare up, causing unbearable pain.
If he hadn't met a master who poured all their effort into helping him years ago, he would have likely died from the poison long ago.
Nangong Yu's expression was calm. He had endured for so many years, and the pain was no longer unbearable. He had learned to endure silently. However, mentioning the curse reminded him of the woman who broke into Qingfeng Courtyard. He had been searching for her for almost a month without success!
"No need to worry. I'll be at Ganye Temple then."
"Yes." Following that, Wu Xiang disappeared into the dark night.
Meanwhile.
After leaving Tianji Pavilion, Xiao Man intended to return to the Protector General's mansion, but as she rounded a corner, someone ran into her head-on.
They both fell awkwardly. In the dim light, Xiao Man saw the face of the person in front of her. His face was filled with panic, and the smell of blood filled the air.
Xiao Man's eyes narrowed. She reached out and caught an incoming arrow, then lifted the man who had fallen on her.
As soon as they stood up, they were surrounded.
Xiao Man tutted, "Nothing good ever happens when I run into you!"
Wen Mohan clutched his injured arm and recognized Xiao Man at a glance.
Although Xiao Man was disguised, they had known each other for many years and had argued countless times. Xiao Man's first words whenever she encountered him were always this. However, at this moment, he didn't want to drag Xiao Man down. "I don't know her. Let her go."
"Are you an idiot?" Xiao Man grabbed Wen Mohan's arm and pulled him back, allowing him to dodge an assassin's knife. Unfortunately, she precisely landed on the wound on Wen Mohan's arm, causing him to writhe in pain. He managed to swallow his cry.
Seeing the assassins attack, Xiao Man threw the feather arrow in her hand, hitting an assassin.
Immediately after, Xiao Man drew the dagger she carried and fought with the assassins.
Normally, if she were alone, these few assassins would be no threat. But now she had Wen Mohan, who couldn't fight, with her!
Wen Mohan also realized he was a burden. Unfortunately, all the hidden guards he had brought with him had been killed, leaving only him.
Xiao Man fought and retreated with Wen Mohan, realizing that although they were far from the Prime Minister's mansion, they were close to the General's mansion.
She couldn't stand by and watch someone die, but if she brought him back, she would also attract assassins. If the old madam found out, wouldn't she chop her up!