Back when Cen Rubai had led him to meet Su Ziji, his heart had been ashes. For the sake of his brothers, and to save his own life from being hunted down, he had temporarily sought refuge with Su Ziji. That period had, in truth, left its mark on Zeng Nianzhen as well, for Su Ziji, his temporary lord, had treated him with great courtesy.
Yet the events of those years had remained a knot in Zeng Nianzhen's heart. Unable to forget his former lord, he had ultimately chosen to take his leave.
Fate toyed with men. Had he known earlier that Su Ziji was the young lord, Zeng Nianzhen would never have left that day, not even if it meant death.
Recalling the scene of their parting, he was filled with both regret and shame. Looking at the young man before him, shock and joy mingled within him. The moment they met, he immediately dropped to his knees, tears glinting in his fierce eyes as he choked out, "Zeng Nianzhen, deputy captain of the Crown Prince's Residence, pays respects to the young lord!"
"Mr. Zeng, please rise quickly!" Su Ziji stood and personally helped him up.
Looking at the young man before him, Zeng Nianzhen regretted it once more. During their previous time together, he had more than once felt that Lord Su resembled His Highness the Crown Prince, yet he had never looked deeper into it. As a result, he had arrived too late and failed to escort the young prince into the capital. If Cen Rubai had not sent him a letter, would he not have compounded one mistake with another and missed this entirely?
I am guilty. I actually failed to recognize you that day... So he thought, and so he said.
Su Ziji hurriedly reassured