As soon as the two had entered the compound, they heard a creaking noise—the gates closed automatically behind them, leaving the black-clothed people who had led them there outside.
The originally pitch-black courtyard was suddenly lit up brightly, making every nook and cranny clearly visible. Everything here was filled with an eerie strangeness, and an unknown danger seed to lurk beneath the surface.
It was a two-story residential building. The courtyard was paved with bluestone slabs, and various flowers and plants were placed on both sides. The simple arrangent gave a holy and warm feeling. However, it was precisely because it was too simple and too quiet that it made people feel uneasy.
"HAHAHA, since our distinguished guests have arrived, please co inside," a vigorous laugh emanated from inside the house. The doors to the main hall were then flung open, revealing a middle-aged man before the two.
The middle-aged man’s face bore a smile that seed intended to convey friendliness, but no matter how I look at it, it seems fake, thought Shangguan You. Being brought here at gunpoint, regardless of the purpose, was not done with good intentions. The man’s eyes, glinting with a sharp light, sized Shangguan You up from ti to ti.
"Are you the master of this place?" Shangguan Qing asked, looking indifferently at the middle-aged man who appeared to be in his forties. Although the man wore a smile and showed no overt signs of killing intent, the way he stared at Shangguan You made him uncomfortable. His gaze is as if she’s so interesting object, just waiting for him to study, he thought.
"Yes, I took the liberty of inviting you both over tonight because I have a question, and I hope Miss Shangguan can help answer it. Please don’t worry; I have no ill intentions." The middle-aged man touched his slightly bearded chin and explained his purpose with a smile. His eyes, glittering with a sharp light, kept glancing at Shangguan You.
"? Uncle, do you know ? But I don’t know you," Shangguan You asked curiously, her clear eyes full of questions. I don’t know this middle-aged man at all. What does he want with ? What’s his purpose?
"Miss Shangguan You, the Princess hidden by the Shangguan Family—of course, I know of you. And a year ago, I even had the good fortune of eting you, Miss Shangguan. HAHAHA, please, co in. Let’s go inside and talk."
The middle-aged man habitually stroked his chin again. He clearly has no beard, so what is he stroking? Shangguan You wondered. The man seed to notice her curious gaze and sheepishly released his hand. He then laughed heartily a few tis and walked into the house.
Shangguan Qing and Shangguan You exchanged puzzled glances, caution reflected in each other’s eyes. They then followed the middle-aged man slowly into the house.
As soon as they stepped inside, a faint scent of sandalwood filled their noses. It was irresistibly refreshing and exceptionally comforting.
The furnishings in the house had an antique feel. There was fine nanmu wood furniture, and even the tea set on the table was made of the finest Zisha clay.
An incense burner sat on the windowsill, sandalwood smoke slowly wafting from it. On the floor by the window stood a pot containing large, unfamiliar white flowers. In addition to the scent of sandalwood, a faint floral fragrance also perated the room.
Such an arrangent, while logical and full of ancient charm, nevertheless made Shangguan You’s brows furrow unconsciously. The fragrance was pleasing to the senses, yet precisely because it was so soothing, it tempted one to let their guard down.
"Please, have so tea," the middle-aged man said, personally pouring two cups and placing them before his guests. A faint aroma of tea wafted to their noses. He also poured a cup for himself and began to sip it with an expression of enjoynt.
"Fine tea," Shangguan Qing remarked, inhaling its fragrance and eyeing the green liquid. However, he rely placed his cup on the table and did not drink.
"May I ask how to address you, Uncle? And how do you know ?" Shangguan You also placed her teacup on the table. Her deep eyes suddenly sharpened with clarity as she quietly observed the middle-aged man before her. He had an affable face and was always smiling, giving off an approachable vibe. However, those shining eyes and his occasional assessing gaze only deepened Shangguan You’s suspicion, making her feel increasingly uneasy.
This middle-aged man, if he could just hide that sharp glint in his eyes, would be a perfect ’Tiger with a Smile’—the kind that easily makes people lower their guard, she mused.
"Miss Shangguan can call Uncle Yu. My surna is Yu," Uncle Yu said, nodding politely to Shangguan You with a smile. His words, however, sounded sowhat awkward. He’s clearly a man in his forties, yet he refers to himself as ’old man’? He was using ’I’ just monts ago; why the sudden change? Shangguan You thought.
"Uncle Yu, may I ask why you’ve invited my sister and here? If there isn’t anything important, we should be heading ho. We can certainly pay you a formal visit another day," Shangguan Qing said, resuming his persona of Young Master Qianqian. He made to stand up and leave as he spoke to the peculiar middle-aged man.
"Young Master Qing, why the hurry?" Old Man Yu’s eyes twinkled as he spoke with a smile. "Since I’ve invited you both here, I naturally have my reasons, and it concerns Miss Shangguan a great deal." His words compelled Shangguan Qing to sit down once more.
"Uncle Yu, what is this important matter you wished to discuss? Our grandfather and father are waiting for us at ho. I’m afraid they’ll worry if we return late. Surely, Uncle Yu, you understand the anxiety of having loved ones worry," Shangguan You said gently, a faint smile on her face.
"This matter concerns Miss Shangguan. I wonder if you rember certain events from a year ago?" Uncle Yu’s eyes glinted with a calculating light, his gaze fixed steadily on Shangguan You. He watched her every move, her every expression, intently—not even her slightly raised eyebrows, hinting at her attempt to recall, escaped his notice.
One year ago? A chill went through Shangguan You’s heart. So many things happened a year ago; how could I possibly know what this old man ans or what he’s asking about? Besides, he went to such lengths to forcibly bring Brother Qing and here. He definitely doesn’t have good intentions.
So, what exactly does he want now, after putting on such a show of warm hospitality? As this thought crossed Shangguan You’s mind, she and Shangguan Qing exchanged another glance.
"Indeed, the events of one year ago. I’m sure Young Master Qing isn’t aware, but Miss Shangguan, you should be very clear about them, shouldn’t you? Don’t tell you’ve completely forgotten?" Uncle Yu’s voice rang out once again beside Shangguan You’s ear.
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