Xue Lingjun knelt opposite Li Chenzhou. She found his gaze so indifferent that he would not even look at her. Tears slowly slid down her fair face as she pleaded in a trembling voice, "Chenzhou, would you please look at me?"
Li Chenzhou still gripped the dagger tightly, his blue-purple lips pressed together stubbornly. His voice was as icy as the weather. "I can no longer see."
Xue Lingjun reached out a trembling hand and waved it before his eyes, but he showed no response. Tears immediately gushed like a spring. Recklessly, she cupped his face in both hands. "Chenzhou..."
The dagger in Li Chenzhou's hand pressed against her chest. Its sharp point easily pierced her outer robe and her tender skin. Yet Xue Lingjun felt no fear. Instead, she hoped it would plunge deeper, pierce her heart, and take her life. Dying like this would be fine. But the dagger stopped just beneath her skin, with no intention of going any farther.
Li Chenzhou's Adam's apple bobbed. He said quietly, "I've been reduced to this. Are you satisfied? Leave."
Xue Lingjun shook her head and whispered, "You lost not because your wisdom or ability fell short of theirs, but because you weren't as ruthless."
Li Chenzhou said, "My mistake was trusting the wrong person!" Xue Lingjun's betrayal had dealt him a devastating blow, and this latest betrayal had crushed him utterly, leaving him no hope of ever rising again.
Xue Lingjun said, "I'm an unclean woman. I should have died long ago. Then I wouldn't have harmed so many people."
Li Chenzhou said coldly, "There's no need to tell me any of this."
Xue Lingjun said, "Do you know who ended up sitting on the imperial throne?"
Li Chenzhou's heart jolted. Why would she say that? Could the person