Wu Yun doesn't hear anything the Prince of Qi says, he's focused only on Lan Tian's strained grunts, and on the sound of the whip striking him.
By the time Rong Jizi finally lets his arm drop it feels like an eternity has passed. Lan Tian's back is a gruesome painting of criss-crossed angry slashes, and weeping blood.
Lan Tian holds himself still, with his hands resting on his knees, despite the violent shivers raking his muscles, and making the blood seep faster.
The Prince takes one look at his ruined back, and turns on his heel to leave the pavilion, followed by his retinue of servants. Rong Jizi who throws them all one last haughty smirk before running after the Prince like a dog called to heel.
As soon as he's free from the servant's grasp, Wu Yun runs to Lan Tian, mindful not to touch his wounds.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he says, in a mindless litany.
Lan Tian looks at him through unfocused eyes and asks only, "Why are you crying?"
