Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

As dusk approached, the alleyway on the west side of Ping'an County had already quieted down.

Occasionally, a few barks of dogs could be heard from afar, which only made the narrow alley seem more secluded and deserted.

Tao'er and the others had just put down their bowls and chopsticks, Dongkui was still cleaning up the leftovers on the table, Ayan was wiping Huanhuan's mouth with a handkerchief, and Achen was sitting by the window quietly gazing at the sky outside.

Everything seemed the same as usual.

Suddenly.

"Knock knock knock!"

The gate was being pounded on loudly, each knock more urgent than the last, as if something urgent had happened.

Tao'er paused, her chopsticks stilled, and her brows furrowed.

She tiptoed to the door and peeked out through the crack.

This glance made her heart leap into her throat.

Standing outside the door was none other than Prince Cheng, Xie Jingxing.

Although it was already dark, she could still see clearly that the person was King Cheng.

Since bathing in the Yingling Spring and drinking its water, her eyesight has improved to the point that she can see clearly even at night, unless the distance is too great.

Tao cursed inwardly: That bastard is really persistent!

To make sure she wasn't seeing things, she looked through the crack in the door again.

It really was that bastard; I wasn't seeing things.

Today he wore a dark black round-necked robe, with a dark gold-patterned leather belt around his waist, and a white jade pendant with a qilin design hanging from it.

She looked more gentle and warm than before.

Liu Wei followed half a step behind him, and then Tao'er's gaze passed over the two of them and fell on Awang's annoying face.

Tao'er almost bit her teeth to pieces.

It turns out that it was that bastard Awang who brought Chengwang and the others here.

No wonder King Cheng and his group were able to find this place.

How come he didn't die?!

Without a second thought, she went back inside and whispered what had happened outside.

The room fell silent instantly.

Ayan instinctively hugged Huanhuan tightly. Huanhuan, unaware of what was happening, blinked at the adults' solemn expressions.

Dongkui's hand froze in mid-air, and she almost dropped the bowl and chopsticks.

Xiao Yi sat in the corner, his face darkening.

He was silent for a moment before speaking, "Xie Jingxing and the others have been knocking on the door. Hiding from them won't help; it will only make them more suspicious."

Tao'er bit her lip as she looked at him.

She knew Xiao Yi was right, but she couldn't suppress the unease in her heart.

Xiao Yi stood up, his voice low but clear: "Tao'er, you and Dongkui take Ayan, Huanhuan, and Achen and hide in the courtyard next door through the secret door."

Don't come out unless they leave.

"And what about you?" Tao asked.

"Qingfeng, Elder Li, and I will stay behind."

Xiao Yi's gaze darkened, and a hint of coldness crept into his voice.

"At worst, we'll cripple them while we're masked, and then leave Ping'an County."

Tao'er's heart tightened.

She knew Xiao Yi too well; he was a man of his word.

But once he makes a move, even if he's masked, wouldn't King Cheng, with his shrewdness, become suspicious?

Moreover, if the news that Xiao Yi is still alive is exposed, he will be in mortal danger.

The Xiao family's injustice has not yet been cleared; he cannot afford to get into trouble.

Just as she was about to object, Ah Chen suddenly stood up.

"I won't hide. I'll stay with you and let Uncle Li and Tao'er hide in the next courtyard."

"Seventh Young Master Shi, I'll stay and fight them with you."

Ah Chen's eyes were as clear as mountain spring water, stubborn and determined.

Tao glared at Achen. What time is it? This guy is making things worse. But you can't blame him.

Ah Chen has lost his memory. He doesn't know who he is, and he doesn't know that if the Prince Cheng outside saw him, he would definitely not spare his life.

Xiao Yi frowned deeply, his tone leaving no room for negotiation: "Your injuries have just healed, you cannot resort to violence."

Your presence will only be a burden to us.

Although my father is old, he still possesses martial arts skills.

He said that, but Tao'er knew in her heart what Xiao Yi was really afraid of.

He feared that the King would recognize the Crown Prince's identity.

Once the King of Cheng finds out that the Crown Prince is still alive, Ah Chen will truly have no way out.

The atmosphere froze.

The knocking on the door grew louder and more urgent, like a drumbeat pounding on everyone's heart.

"Open the door, you inside!"

"If you don't open it, we'll break in!"

Liu Wei's voice came through the door, fierce and domineering.

Just then, Elder Li put down his teacup and slowly spoke.

He stroked his gray beard, his voice soft, yet like a gentle breeze, easing the tense atmosphere in the room.

"I have an idea."

All eyes were on him.

Elder Li said unhurriedly, "Have Tao'er take the others to hide in the next courtyard."

Xiao Yi appeared as the Pavilion Master of the Seven Kill Pavilion; since he was wearing a mask, King Cheng wouldn't recognize him.

He paused, then continued, "I will appear as the long-lost divine physician."

It was the Pavilion Master who paid a hefty sum to come out of seclusion to heal his wounds and detoxify him.

As for Qingfeng, he will pretend to be a trusted confidant of the Pavilion Master.

King Cheng and the others had never seen Qingfeng before and wouldn't recognize him.

Tao'er's eyes lit up.

This is indeed the best method at present.

The Seven Killings Pavilion is so prestigious that even King Cheng wouldn't dare to offend it easily.

His status as a legendary healer was so prestigious that no one dared to underestimate him.

Furthermore, since Xiao Yi was wearing a mask, even if the Prince of Cheng felt that the figure looked familiar, he would never think of Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Although Tao'er was still uneasy, she couldn't think of a better solution at the moment.

She hurriedly led Dongkui, Ayan, Huanhuan, and Achen through the hidden door into the neighboring courtyard.

The hidden door was well concealed, nestled in the wall between two courtyards, and covered by piles of miscellaneous items. It was impossible to spot without careful observation.

Once inside the neighboring courtyard, Tao'er told Dongkui to lead the others into the house.

Tell them not to come out.

He turned back and squatted down in front of a small hole next to the hidden door, peering out.

This small hole is in an excellent location, allowing a clear view of the neighboring yard while remaining easily concealed.

She had just put her eyes close when she heard a noise coming from the courtyard gate.

A gentle breeze opened the door.

He didn't let anyone in immediately. Instead, he crossed his arms and blocked the doorway, raising his chin slightly. His eyes swept over the room as if he were looking at a few fools who had come to beg for food.

"Who are you people?"

Qingfeng's tone was very bad, even nasty.

"Coming to my house so late at night?"

"If you disturb my master's rest and recovery, how many lives do you have to pay for it!"

Peach watched from the shadows, clicking her tongue in amazement.

Goodness, Qingfeng, who is usually so carefree, is surprisingly good at acting. His arrogance is just like the real thing.

Liu Wei's face turned green on the spot.

He served by King Cheng's side for so many years, and wherever he went, he was always fawned over and treated with great respect.

When have I ever been yelled at like that by a gatekeeper?