Lu Xiao's injuries were gradually improving under the skillful care of the "Anping" military doctors, and he was able to walk slowly on the ground. However, his mind was becoming increasingly restless. That slender, silent figure, those eyes that were astonishingly clear when focused, and that lingering sense of familiarity from the distant Jiangnan region, were scratching at his heart like cat claws.

He tried several times to "bump into" and strike up a conversation.

One time, outside the wounded soldiers' camp, I saw Anping struggling to carry a large bucket of water for drying medicinal herbs.

"Dr. An, let me help!" Lu Xiao endured the pain in his shoulder and quickly stepped forward to help.

Anping (An'an) took a step back like a startled rabbit, spilling a lot of water from the bucket. She quickly lowered her head, her voice flat and emotionless: "I dare not trouble the young master. I have enough strength." After saying that, she walked around him, gritted her teeth, and carried the bucket of water away, leaving Lu Xiao standing awkwardly in place, watching her slightly thin but unusually stubborn back.

On another occasion, after Anping had finished inspecting the other wounded soldiers, he deliberately feigned weakness and said that his wound was a little sore, asking her to take another look. Anping did as he asked, and her examination was as professional and efficient as ever, but she kept her eyes lowered throughout, deliberately avoiding eye contact with him, and her answers to his questions were as concise as a single word: "It's nothing." "Normal." "Dietary restrictions."

Lu Xiao looked at her long, slightly trembling eyelashes beneath her lowered, deliberately thickened eyebrows, and his doubts deepened. This deliberate distance, this avoidance... it was too unusual. An ordinary military doctor, even if she respected his status, wouldn't act like this... almost "rejecting."

"Dr. An," Lu Xiao said casually, leaning against the headboard, but his gaze was fixed on her, "your suturing technique is exquisite, more skillful than my mother's... cough, more skillful than many old military doctors. May I ask where you studied? Are you a famous doctor from Jiangnan?"

An'an's hand, which was changing his dressing, froze almost imperceptibly for a moment before returning to normal. Her voice remained deliberately low: "I have only a few minor skills passed down from my family, and I dare not claim to be the descendant of a renowned doctor. Your Highness is too kind." She quickly finished bandaging and packed her medicine box. "Your Highness, please rest well. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave." And there she was again, her back turning and leaving swiftly.

Lu Xiao watched the figure disappear behind the curtain, his fingers lightly tapping the edge of the bed. A glint of youthful curiosity, competitiveness, and a vague, elusive emotion flickered in his eyes. He whispered, "Jiangnan... Anping... the more you hide like this, the more I want to find out. Was that person at the Jing Prince's mansion... really not you?"

The atmosphere in the study of Prince Jing's residence was as oppressive as an impending storm. Xiao Chengjing's face was so gloomy it could drip water, and he held two letters that had been delivered almost simultaneously in his hand.

A letter from Marquis Lu Zheng of Zhenbei reads: "...My dear brother Chengjing, military affairs are complex, and many new recruits have been added, mostly from various regions. The investigation must be conducted with caution and secrecy, lest we alert the enemy. So far, we have not found a 'junior doctor' matching your daughter's characteristics. However, I have strictly ordered all battalion commanders and the medical department to conduct a thorough investigation in secret. Any news must be reported immediately! I hope you can rest assured, my niece is blessed with good fortune and will surely be safe and sound."

Another letter came from Shen Wensong: "Brother-in-law, I have secretly investigated several times among the various units of the Longxi Army. All the newly recruited medics are recorded, and most of them are from the north or the Central Plains. There are no young men with obvious southern accents, handsome features, and superb medical skills. I have also tried to subtly inquire with several neighboring friendly forces through connections, but to no avail. This matter... is probably like finding a needle in a haystack. However, I will continue to pay attention and will not slacken my efforts! I hope you take care, brother-in-law, and sister, please do not worry too much."

"Useless! All of you are useless!" Xiao Chengjing slammed the two letters on the table, making the teacups clatter. His chest heaved violently, the worry, anxiety, anger, and fear for his daughter's safety of the past few days intertwined, almost driving him mad. "The northern frontier is so vast! There are so many military camps! She's all alone... what if... what if..." The rest of the words caught in his throat, unable to come out, but his eyes were already slightly red.

Shen Yuewei sat to the side, her face also pale, tears welling in her eyes, yet she possessed a resilience greater than her husband's. She picked up the two letters, read them carefully again, and said softly, "Chengjing, don't worry. Brother Lu and I are not shirking our responsibilities. An'an... is very clever. Since she was able to leave home without our knowledge, she must have made thorough preparations to conceal her identity. Not finding her... might actually be a good thing, indicating that she is well hidden and temporarily safe."

“Safe? In a place like that, swords have no eyes, and diseases run rampant…” Xiao Chengjing’s voice was hoarse and filled with helplessness.

Just then, the butler practically tumbled in, holding aloft a small, dusty, unremarkable gray cloth package. His voice trembled with excitement: "Your Highness! Your Highness! Miss... Miss's letter! It's Miss's letter!"

Like a light suddenly illuminating the darkness! Xiao Chengjing and Shen Yuewei stood up abruptly!