Zhu Shicheng's Tragic End

Zhu Shicheng followed Wang Xun to the back courtyard, and the two entered Wang Xun's room together.

Wang Xun sat down in a Grand Tutor Chair.

Zhu Shicheng stood there with a somewhat gloomy expression, guessing why Wang Xun had summoned him.

Wang Xun glanced at Zhu Shicheng and said, "Shicheng, come sit and chat."

As he spoke, Wang Xun raised a hand in invitation.

"Yes." Zhu Shicheng responded and walked over to another Grand Tutor Chair, separated from Wang Xun by a tea table. He sat down on only half his buttocks, leaning forward slightly.

Tea and a plate of Osmanthus Cake sat on the tea table.

Wang Xun picked up a piece, took a bite, then picked up another and handed it to Zhu Shicheng. "This Osmanthus Cake is good. Have some."

Zhu Shicheng accepted it and took a small bite.

Wang Xun began chatting idly with Zhu Shicheng, asking whether he was confident about tomorrow's assessment, how well he had prepared, and such matters.

Zhu Shicheng said he was not very confident, but he would do his best. As he spoke, he ate the piece of Osmanthus Cake in his hand one small bite at a time.

Though Zhu Shicheng himself had not noticed, Wang Xun saw it clearly. Zhu Shicheng's face had begun to turn bluish, while his lips had become purple-black—obvious signs of poisoning.

Wang Xun continued chatting with Zhu Shicheng without changing expression.

At last, Zhu Shicheng asked the question that had weighed on his heart these past few days. "Boss, do you truly think I can pass Yongning Temple's selection assessment?"

"Of course," Wang Xun said. "If I had no faith in you, would I throw away silver for nothing?"

Zhu Shicheng's heart stirred at those words. He wanted to say more, but