Late that night, Feng Jiu’er and the others had settled into a farmhouse in Li County.

Old General Yuan’s men had arranged lodgings for them everywhere they went, usually on the outskirts, in inconspicuous places.

Early the next morning, Feng Jiu’er, Xing Zizhou, and Jian Yi all went out to attend to matters, leaving only Xiao Yingtao behind at home to watch for news.

About two hours after they left, someone knocked on the courtyard gate from outside.

“Is anyone there? Excuse me, is anyone there?” a man’s voice called from outside.

Xiao Yingtao hurried out. Just as she hesitated over whether to open the door, the voice came again from outside.

“Little girl, I know you’re in there. We mean no harm — we only wish to speak with you alone for a few words.”

Xiao Yingtao glanced through the crack in the door, then stepped forward and opened it.

“What exactly do you want?” she asked, somewhat impatiently.

“Little girl, I’m sorry! It was us who followed you.” The old man’s face still carried that same kindly smile.

“We heard there’s a fairly skilled doctor around here, so we rushed over. What is it you actually want?” Xiao Yingtao pressed her lips together.

Every step they took had been made with great caution, and for these two to suddenly appear, she couldn’t help but worry.

“Little girl, could you let us in for a drink of water?” the young man said softly.

“We searched for a long time before finding this place — a full day and night without a drop to drink.”

Xiao Yingtao had meant to refuse, but seeing the old man’s cracked, parched lips, she found she couldn’t bear to.

They had left openly, in plain sight — it wouldn’t have been hard for anyone determined to follow them.

“Come in.” She composed herself and turned.

By the time Xiao Yingtao brought out two bowls of clear water, the two men had already seated themselves on the stone stools in the courtyard.

“Thank you.” The young man stood and took the bowl from her hands.

He passed one bowl to the old man, then raised his own and drank in large gulps.

The old man did the same, drinking without a moment’s hesitation.

Xiao Yingtao frowned and asked, “Aren’t either of you worried I might have drugged it?”

Xing Zizhou had reported back earlier that they were outsiders who, since arriving in the Feng Clan territory, had traveled to many places and so far shown nothing suspicious.

As for whether they were truly from the Kingdom of Ximu, that would have to wait for the scouts’ report.

“How could the Princess, with such a kind heart, possibly drug us?” The young man respectfully held out the empty bowl.

Xiao Yingtao took the bowl and said quietly, “I’m not the person you’re looking for. Once you’ve finished the water, please leave.”

“It’s not that, Princess. If you don’t believe us, you may take a look at this.”

The young man drew out a portrait from inside his robe and unfolded it before Xiao Yingtao.

Xiao Yingtao looked at the portrait, stunned for a moment, then waved a hand.

“You saw me yesterday. Having someone paint this right away wouldn’t have been difficult.”

“Let’s go.” Xiao Yingtao stepped over and took the second bowl from the old man’s hands.

“Grandfather, I believe you’re not a bad person, but I truly am not your princess.”

“Princess, this portrait took a long time to paint. Take a closer look — it truly wasn’t made just yesterday,” the young man said.

“My master and I have been in Feng Clan territory for several months now. This is a painting our artist copied before we set out. Please, take a look.”

Xiao Yingtao could see for herself that the portrait had indeed taken considerable time to complete.

But then — why would they have a portrait of her?

“Princess, don’t you think it resembles you as well?” the young man said, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

“What do you mean?” Xiao Yingtao looked up, fixing her eyes on his. “Are you saying this portrait was meant for someone else?”