Feng Jiu’er turned and gently pulled open Xiao Yingtao’s collar.

At the sight, the man who had already knelt and Elder Wei, who was about to kneel, both immediately lowered their heads.

“No! Absolutely not!” Elder Wei dropped to his knees with a thud.

“From the moment I saw the princess, I was certain—you are indeed our princess.”

“As for the birthmark, the princess’s body is of the utmost preciousness. It must not be defiled by our eyes.”

“It’s fine.” Feng Jiu’er stroked Xiao Yingtao’s flushed cheek. “Given how important this is, it’s better to confirm it properly.”

“You only mentioned a red heart-shaped birthmark, without saying exactly where it is. Look up and see if it matches.”

“Elder Wei, it’s alright. I’m still wearing clothes underneath,” Xiao Yingtao said softly.

She wanted to know the truth too—wanted it desperately, more than anyone.

Feng Jiu’er understood what was in her heart and had chosen the most direct approach—one that even let the people of Ximu Kingdom lend them a hand. Why not take advantage of it?

“By the way, Elder Wei,” Feng Jiu’er asked, “do you have a painting of the princess’s birthmark?”

“Bring it out, and let’s see if it matches.”

By now it wasn’t only about making them believe in Xiao Yingtao’s identity—Feng Jiu’er herself was eager to know the truth as well.

“We do.” Elder Wei turned to look at the man.

The man rummaged inside his robe for a moment before finally producing a small painting.

Elder Wei took the painting, unfolded it, and held it up, still not turning around.

“This was painted from memory by Consort Chu. Please take a look.”

Looking at the familiar pattern, both Feng Jiu’er and Xiao Yingtao felt their hearts skip a beat.

With this, the fact that Xiao Yingtao was the princess of Ximu Kingdom was now practically confirmed beyond doubt.

“Elder Wei, please look up. Xiao Xiao won’t mind,” Feng Jiu’er said softly.

Elder Wei lowered the painting and raised his head.

The garment that had been pulled open was only the outer layer—Xiao Yingtao had deliberately worn something underneath.

A small hole had been cut into the chest of her inner garment, just enough to reveal the birthmark beneath.

Elder Wei looked at Xiao Yingtao, then down at the painting in his hands, and when he looked at her again, his eyes were brimming with tears.

“Greetings to the princess. Long live the princess, ten thousand years!”

“Greetings to the princess. Long live the princess, ten thousand years!” the man said, kowtowing.

From beginning to end, he never once raised his eyes.

Feng Jiu’er personally straightened Xiao Yingtao’s clothes, then took her hand and led her to sit down on a nearby bench.

“Please rise and speak. This has all been far too sudden for Xiao Xiao—we need to give her some time to accept it.”

“Yes.” Elder Wei nodded and stood up.

The man cupped his hands as well and rose to his feet.

Together the two of them stepped back a few paces, turned, and sat down facing the two women.

To be able to sit as equals with the princess was already a blessing for them—Elder Wei no longer dared to take the seat of honor.

“Princess, did you mean just now that you’re only willing to return with us once the Feng Clan’s civil war has been settled?”

“If you can guarantee her safety, then right now—”

“Jiu’er.” Xiao Yingtao cut off Feng Jiu’er’s words.

She shook her head and said in a low voice, “I won’t leave at a time like this. Even if I really am the princess of Ximu Kingdom, I absolutely will not!”

“Princess, this matter—” Elder Wei looked troubled.

After all the hardship it had taken to finally find her, he naturally wanted to bring the princess back immediately.

Especially now, with the Feng Clan in turmoil—if the princess were to go missing again, he would never know peace for the rest of his life.

“Elder Wei, I understand how you feel, but I have my own choice to make.” Xiao Yingtao pressed her lips together and looked at Elder Wei.

“They are all my family. I can’t just leave at the drop of a hat. Right now, all I want to know is—is my mother well?”