The city gate was bustling with people.

The towering city walls stood tall, and the guards at the city gate, dressed in neat uniforms, strictly checked people entering and leaving the city.

On both sides of the city gate were bustling markets, where merchants hawked all sorts of goods, and the dazzling array of merchandise was overwhelming.

Street performers entertained the crowds with their acrobatic acts, drawing people to stop and watch, their laughter and cheers filling the air.

In the distance, some people carry their bags, preparing for a long journey; others walk hand in hand with their relatives and friends, enjoying their time together.

Children played and frolicked among the crowd, adding a touch of life and energy to the city gate.

Looking down at the endless stream of carriages and crowds, Yunfu said, "Yes, the capital city is the most prosperous place in my Sumeru Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Qian Yue asked doubtfully, "Aren't other places prosperous?"

Yun's father nodded seriously, not brushing off her questions just because she was a child.

"Yes, child. The world is vast and full of wonders. Every place has prosperous and thriving areas, but at the same time there are relatively poor and dilapidated places."

Some people live in bustling cities, indulging in a life of dazzling lights and extravagant indulgence; while others, even in wealthy cities, still face hunger, cold, and the struggle for basic necessities.

At this moment, Yun's father stretched out his hand and pointed to a corner in the distance.

There stood a little beggar, who had just been chased aside by the stall owner.

The little beggar clutched his abdomen tightly with both hands, trembling as he avoided the bustling crowd around him, seemingly afraid of soiling other people's clothes and thus incurring a merciless beating.

Qianyue stared wide-eyed at the little beggar, exclaiming in astonishment, "Wow! Grandpa, look, he's almost as tall as my brother! How pitiful... Grandpa, can we give him some money?" Before she finished speaking, Qianyue began to rummage through her pockets.

"I remember I had some pocket money with me when I went out today," Qianyue added.

Yun's father held her small hand, waved to a junior officer not far away, and ordered in a deep voice, "Go and bring that little beggar over. Do not harm him."

After he finished speaking, the young general immediately took his orders and left. Qian Yue, who was standing to the side, stared at the scene, unable to recover for a long time.

Before long, the little beggar was taken up to the city wall.

And her face and hands were already washed clean.

Yun's father nodded in satisfaction. This young man is quite good; he knows how to handle things.

The little beggar stood huddled up, trembling, not far from them.

Qianyue struggled to break free from Yunfu's embrace and staggered toward the little beggar. However, the little beggar was so frightened that he backed away repeatedly.

Seeing this, Qian Yue hurriedly called out, "Don't be afraid, I'm not a bad person! I... I just think you and my brother are a little... Oh dear, are you hungry? My stomach growls when I'm hungry too."

Before she could finish speaking, the little beggar's stomach rumbled, as if in response to Qian Yue's words.

Qian Yue's words came to an abrupt halt. She quickly lowered her head and untied the small bag tied around her waist.

This exquisite bag was filled with snacks that Yunxin had prepared for her.

Qianyue carefully took out two candies and two pastries wrapped tightly in paper, and then handed them to the little beggar.

"Little brother, these are all mine. If you're hungry, don't worry, I have more to eat." Qian Yue said, taking another step closer to the little beggar.

To her bewilderment, the little beggar did not reach out to take the food; instead, he kept backing away, seemingly filled with fear of her.

Faced with this situation, Qianyue suddenly became at a loss.

She stood there blankly, holding candy and pastries in her hands, her eyes revealing a hint of helplessness.

Seeing this, Yun's father frowned, took two steps forward, and said, "The princess has bestowed this upon you; why don't you quickly express your gratitude and accept it?"

Upon hearing this, the little beggar was astonished. He immediately knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly, thanking her profusely: "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your great kindness!"

After he finished bowing, he trembled as he reached out his hands and carefully accepted the food that Qian Yue handed him.

When the little beggar excitedly opened the paper package, an enticing aroma wafted out, but due to his eagerness and nervousness, he actually stuffed the whole piece of pastry into his mouth.

However, because he ate too quickly, he choked and couldn't breathe for a moment.

The young general standing to the side shook his head helplessly, then took out his water bottle from his pocket, found a small bowl, poured out half a bowl of water, and handed it to the little beggar.

The little beggar looked at the young general with gratitude, then quickly took the bowl and gulped it down in one go.

After drinking the water, he finally felt the blockage in his throat disappear completely, as if he had been reborn.

At this moment, the little beggar looked down at the two candies remaining in his hand, but suddenly became hesitant, as if he no longer had the courage to put them in his mouth.

Just then, Qianyue asked curiously, "What's your name? And where are your family?"

Faced with this question, the little beggar's eyes instantly dimmed, and he knelt down with a thud, answering in a sobbing and slightly hoarse voice, "Your Highness, my name is Cheng Xuan, and I fled here from the distant town of Mudu. Unfortunately, my parents and relatives have long since passed away, and now only I remain..." As he finished speaking, tears welled up in his eyes like a burst dam.

Qian Yue quickly said, "What? How can he be so pitiful?"

Yun's father seemed to suddenly recall something, and his voice became low and serious: "Mudu Town... Do you know of a Doctor Xu there?"

A glint of light flashed in Cheng Xuan's eyes, and he excitedly replied, "I recognize him! Doctor Xu is my godfather!"

Yun's father raised his eyebrows slightly, pondering to himself.

After returning from the southern border, Luo Luo mentioned this strange experience, but she never expected that the legendary Director Xu actually existed in Mudu Town.

"You came all alone to such a remote place?" Father Yun stared at Cheng Xuan, his brows furrowing as he recalled the long journey between Mudu Town and the capital.

Cheng Xuan nodded silently, tears welling up in his eyes, and recounted the painful past with a slightly trembling voice: "After the Empress left, a group of people came. They looked fierce and menacing, and threatened to take Doctor Xu's life."

Dr. Xu hurriedly led us to hide, but we still couldn't escape their clutches. Just then, Grandpa stepped forward, risking his life to protect me and Grandpa Xu, and was ultimately murdered…”

When he got to the heartbreaking part, Cheng Xuan couldn't help but burst into tears. Seeing this, the people around him remained silent, not wanting to disturb the child who was immersed in grief.