Zhang Huazi and Qian Dafu entered the room, immediately kneeling with a heavy thump, their foreheads pressed against the earthen floor, trembling as they pleaded for forgiveness.
"Prince. We deserve to die! We deserve to die! Please, Prince... please spare us this time, we will never dare again!"
Zhang Huazi's voice was choked with emotion, while Qian Dafu was already in tears, their shoulders trembling as if burdened by the weight of immense guilt.
Zhao Zun watched them quietly, a complex expression flickering in his eyes.
He slowly rose, walked over to the pair, and helped them up. His hands were warm and strong, yet they felt a chill.
"I understand your situation,"
Zhao Zun's voice was deep and calm, as if stating the most common of truths.
"Your families were taken, held against their will; it's understandable. But—"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over their faces like a sharp blade.
