Ever since Lu Kang began to enjoy the emperor's favor, Sun Xiu had started distancing himself from Zhang Bu and Puyang Xing.
After Shi Ji arrived in Jianye, Zhang Bu's standing had also plummeted.
By now, both men had lost the power they once held.
Puyang Xing in particular had become the target of condemnation throughout the Wu Kingdom. Every day, many people submitted memorials calling for his severe punishment, and he himself had been besieged at his gate several times.
When the two appeared before Sun Xiu again, Sun Xiu froze for a moment. It seemed the three of them had not been together for a very long time.
There was a trace of terror in Zhang Bu's and Puyang Xing's eyes.
As they looked toward Sun Xiu, both kept their heads lowered, trembling all over.
Clearly, they too knew how ferocious the ministers' attacks were.
They also feared that the emperor would question them about their faults.
Sun Xiu sat stunned for a long while before asking, "How did things between Us and Our two beloved ministers come to this?"
Puyang Xing could no longer hold back. "Your Majesty, I know my guilt!! Please, in light of my past service, forgive me!!"
Watching Puyang Xing bow and plead for forgiveness over and over before him, Sun Xiu's expression grew even more complicated.
He still remembered how close he had been to this man before ascending the throne.
But now, how had things turned out this way?
Sun Xiu remained silent for a long time.
Zhang Bu, however, had already noticed something amiss with the emperor. He hurriedly pleaded through tears as well, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead condemned prisoners in an attack on Wei lands. I wish only to die for Your Majesty. I truly do