Xiang Yu and Xiang An, the two brothers, were now kneeling on one knee before Wu Ju's door.
What shocked everyone was that the brothers were bare-chested, their upper bodies unclothed, with heavy bundles of thorny branches strapped to their backs. Each supported himself with one hand on the ground, their lowered heads concealing their expressions.
The scene drew many passersby, including quite a few servants and maids from the Xiang residence, as well as Xiang Liang's other retainers.
"Sir, what exactly is going on here?" A young servant sidled up to one of the retainers with a fawning bow and asked in a low voice.
"These two brothers are Lord Xiang Liang's nephews. Ever since they returned, Lord Xiang Liang has treated them as his own sons." The retainer wore a stunned yet moved expression. "But it's always been said that the brothers are terribly mischievous. They've made their teachers cry several times, and Lord Xiang Liang even lost his temper yesterday."
"Then this is...?"
"All I can say is that, though these brothers are unruly, they are absolutely promising material! To imitate the celebrated tale of Lian Po bearing thorns to apologize—this isn't a resolve just anyone can make!" the retainer said excitedly. "And for masters to bear thorns and apologize to a retainer, no less!"
Hearing the commotion outside, Wu Ju opened the door in confusion, only to be startled by the sight before him.
Xiang Yu and Xiang An were bearing thorns to beg forgiveness, while a sizable crowd around them murmured and discussed the spectacle.
The instant Wu Ju emerged, the surroundings fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.
"Th-this..." Wu Ju felt as though his brain had crashed.
"Teacher! Your student Xiang Yu has come to beg forgiveness!"
"Teacher! Your student Xiang An