Kneeling before Zhou Huaijin, Junyi performed a deep bow, adhering to the expected protocol for a strategist serving the previous Crown Prince.
Zhou Huaijin allowed Junyi to remain on his knees as he posed his question, a deliberate choice that slightly irritated Junyi.
Junyi was still a headstrong and arrogant individual, frustrated by his current insignificance. In this position, he couldn't help but think about how things would have been different if Zhou Huailing had ascended the throne. He imagined himself proudly standing by the King's side, or if he had chosen Zhou Huaijin, the son of the previous Queen who held significant influence. In either scenario, he believed he would have been held in high regard, rather than enduring this humiliation.
However…
Since he was still alive, his journey wasn't over. He hadn't achieved his ultimate goal yet.
If he worked harder, he believed he could still accomplish great things.
