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In her quest to investigate the mysterious letter, Jiang Lian'er resembled a determined explorer searching for treasure in a vast fog, leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit of anyone who might know the hidden secrets of the past. She inquired everywhere, visiting every old servant and maid in the Jiang Residence, and even spoke to merchants and laborers who had once crossed paths with the Jiang family. Each inquiry filled her with hope, yet most often she was met with disappointment and shaking heads. However, Jiang Lian'er did not let this dishearten her; the belief in her heart burned like a flame, growing stronger and driving her forward.
At last, fortune favored the diligent. On a day when the sun shone brightly but Jiang Lian'er felt a storm brewing within, she learned a crucial clue from an old servant who had retired from the Jiang family. The sky was as blue as a gemstone, and sunlight bathed the earth in a golden hue, draping everything in beauty, yet Jiang Lian'er had no time to appreciate it. After much effort, she managed to gather information about the old servant's general location through a young stablehand who had once worked at the Jiang family stables. Following winding country paths and asking around, she finally found the old servant living in a small village outside the city.
The old servant's home was exceedingly humble—a dilapidated thatched hut stood alone amidst several acres of vegetable gardens, where lush greens thrived, clearly a testament to his hard work. Jiang Lian'er brought some carefully prepared gifts—medicinal herbs for nourishment, exquisite pastries, and several rolls of sturdy fabric—and respectfully explained her purpose to the old man. At first, he regarded her with suspicion; after years of experience in the world, he knew how unpredictable people could be. But when he saw the sincerity in Jiang Lian'er's eyes—the helplessness and determination that shone through—he sighed and opened the floodgates of his memories.
Having served in the Jiang household for many years, he had witnessed its rise and fall and knew many hidden truths. He recalled that twenty years ago, Father Jiang frequently met with a mysterious figure. "During that time," he said, his wrinkles deepening as he spoke, "the master would secretly meet someone late at night. That person always came wrapped tightly in a black cloak, with their face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat—impossible to discern their features. But from their stature and mannerisms, there was an air of distinction about them; they were not an ordinary person." As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, his eyes betraying a hint of fear as if those memories still haunted him.
Jiang Lian'er listened intently, her gaze fixed on the old man's lips as she absorbed every detail. Leaning slightly forward with her hands clasped tightly together, she pressed on: "Do you remember anything specific or any fragments of conversation? Even a single word or phrase could be crucial for me." The old servant furrowed his brow in concentration, his forehead creased like a map of valleys. "Once," he recalled slowly, "I overheard them mention 'Royal Archives' and 'wealth and glory after success.' At that moment, I felt something was off but dared not ask further. After all, matters concerning the master were beyond our station."
A spark ignited within Jiang Lian'er as various thoughts raced through her mind. Based on the old man's description, she took out paper and pen to sketch a rough portrait of the mysterious figure. Her strokes were delicate and focused; every line poured forth her entire being. Once finished, she studied the drawing closely and suddenly realized that this person bore some resemblance to a suspicious character she had encountered during an assassination case. This revelation sent waves of excitement through her; her hands trembled slightly as she recognized that this could be the key to unraveling all mysteries.
Thus began Jiang Lian'er's search for this enigmatic figure. She first approached Lin Yu; upon hearing her story, he wasted no time activating his extensive connections within the martial world. He dispatched his most capable brothers to gather information across various regions. These skilled individuals moved swiftly between towns, villages, inns, and taverns without missing any potential leads. After considerable effort, they finally discovered that this person might be hiding in a remote town outside the capital.
Determined to investigate personally, Jiang Lian'er understood that this journey would be fraught with danger—like stepping into an unknown dark forest filled with various threats and challenges. Yet for the sake of truth and her family’s honor, she would not back down. Disguising herself as an ordinary peasant girl clad in coarse linen garments that scratched against her delicate skin, she deliberately smeared some dirt on her face to appear more unassuming—just another simple country girl who bore no resemblance to Jiang's daughter.
Before setting off on this uncertain journey, Cui'er grasped her hand tightly, worry etched across her face. With red-rimmed eyes brimming with tears and a quivering voice laced with emotion, Cui'er implored: "Miss, please be careful on your journey! You must return safely! You are my only family in this world; what will I do if something happens to you?" Jiang Lian'er gently patted Cui'er's hand with resolute tenderness: "Cui'er, don’t worry; I will take care of myself. I promise I will return safely; everything will be alright when I come back. Trust me." Cui'er nodded slightly; though still filled with concern, she recognized her mistress's determination and could only pray silently for her safety.
As Jiang Lian'er embarked on this journey into uncertainty, she felt both nervousness and anticipation swirling within her heart. She gazed at the winding road ahead that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the horizon before vanishing into mist. She silently vowed to uncover this twenty-year-old secret so that the Jiang family could see light again while also finding peace and justice amidst this complex situation for herself. Tightening her grip on her bundle and taking a deep breath, she stepped forward with unwavering resolve until her figure gradually disappeared at the end of the road.
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