Once, Lu Xiao had an old injury on his arm that was aching after training, so he had to go to Anping to have his dressing changed.

There were only the two of them in the tent. The atmosphere was somewhat tense.

Anping kept his head down, deftly unwrapping the old bandages, cleaning the wound, and applying medicine. He remained silent throughout.

Looking at An Ping's lowered, deliberately thickened eyebrows and the slightly pursed lips when he was focused, Lu Xiao felt his heart race inexplicably. He couldn't help but speak, breaking the silence, his voice carrying a tentative tone he himself didn't realize, and... a hint of barely perceptible grievance: "Dr. An... have I offended you in some way?"

An An paused almost imperceptibly in her hand movements, still without looking up, her voice flat: "Why do you say that, Your Highness? I am only doing my duty."

"Then why... are you so cold to me? Even colder than to the other wounded soldiers..." Lu Xiao pressed.

“Your Highness is of noble status, and I dare not overstep my bounds, much less neglect you. It is my duty to treat you with utmost care.” An’an finished bandaging the wound, took a step back, and packed her medicine box. “The wound is fine, Your Highness, please return.” She maintained her aloof demeanor.

As Lu Xiao watched Anping pack her medicine box, her long, slender hands, calloused and stained with medicine (could these hands have once belonged to that girl from Jiangnan who played the zither and played with flowers? Absurd!), a strange sense of irritation and loss welled up inside him. He opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing, only giving a muffled "hmm" before turning and leaving the tent. Reaching the door, he couldn't help but glance back, only to see Anping with her back to him, carefully wiping the silver needles. In the dim light, her slender figure exuded an indescribable loneliness and stubbornness.

Frustrated, Lu Xiao slammed his fist on a nearby tent pole and muttered under his breath, "Damn it! What was I thinking!"

The capital city, the Prince Jing's residence.

Shen Yuewei and Xiao Chengjing, along with their children, stayed at the Jingwang Mansion's villa in the capital. Shen Rui was newly married, and the Shen residence was still bustling with activity, but the new bride needed time to adjust, and the elders didn't want to disturb her too often. These past few days, Shen Yuewei's sister-in-law, the cheerful and capable He Mingzhu, had been organizing sightseeing in the capital for everyone.

"Come on, let me take you to the West Market today! It's so lively there, with acrobatics, all kinds of snacks, and novelties from the Western Regions!" He Mingzhu, dressed in smart riding attire, greeted them enthusiastically.

"Yay! Let's go to the West Market!" Ningning and Yange cheered and immediately dropped their toys.

Kang Kang and Shen Huaijin also showed expectant expressions.

Shen Huaiyu obediently helped He Mingzhu pack the water bag and snacks she needed to bring.

The group set off in a grand procession. The West Market was indeed bustling with activity, packed with people.

"Wow! Look at that! It's breathing fire!" Yan Ge'er shouted excitedly, pointing at the acrobatic troupe.

"Candied hawthorn! I want to eat the red one!" Ningning grabbed Shen Huaiyu's hand and ran towards the candied hawthorn stall.

"Slow down! Be careful!" Shen Yuewei and He Mingzhu quickly followed.

Xiao Chengjing stood protectively beside his wife, watching the children's excited faces with a smile on his own. However, deep in his eyes, there was still a lingering worry, and his gaze would occasionally drift unconsciously northward.

"Mommy, this clay figure looks just like my sister!" Kang Kang stopped in front of a clay figure stall and pointed to a clay doll with double buns and wearing a simple dress.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuewei and Xiao Chengjing both stopped in their tracks. Looking at the clay doll that bore a striking resemblance to the real thing, Shen Yuewei felt a lump in her throat and forced a smile, saying, "Hmm... it does look a bit like it. Kang Kang, do you like it? Mother will buy it for you."

"Buy one for my sister too!" Yan Ge'er squeezed through the crowd, pointing to a small clay figure dressed as a boy carrying a medicine chest next to him. "This looks like my sister when she's a doctor!"

Seeing this, He Mingzhu quickly smoothed things over, smiling as she paid, "Buy, buy, buy! Buy them all! When An'an comes back and sees the gifts her younger siblings bought for her, she'll be so happy!"

Xiao Chengjing silently picked up the clay figure of the "male doctor in men's clothing." The rough clay and simple design made him feel as if he could see his daughter busy in the northern army camp. He gripped the clay figure tightly until his knuckles turned white.