Zhi Niang gently supported Gu Junze from the side, her eyes full of heartache.

She carefully wiped the blood from his wound, tears welling up in her eyes but never falling.

Her gaze lingered between Gu Zhixing and Gu Junze, hoping for a win-win outcome.

At that moment, the air in the hall seemed to freeze, and everyone's breathing became heavy and difficult.

After a long silence, Gu Zhixing spoke up: "I want you to swear that you will shut your men up. If I hear even the slightest rumor about Shen Jintang in Kyoto, or if she suffers even the slightest injury, I will kill you."

Gu Zhixing pointed the sword in his hand at Gu Junze, his eyes sharp as knives, as if he wanted to pin him to the spot.

Bloodstains still clung to the tip of the sword, reflecting the candlelight in the hall and gleaming with a cold, sharp light.

Gu Junze's face turned pale instantly. He could feel the cold killing intent emanating from the tip of the sword, as if the breath of death was lingering right before his eyes.

“You swear, as the Crown Prince, in the name of the Heir Apparent.”

Gu Zhixing's voice was deep and cold, carrying an unquestionable tone.

Gu Junze took a deep breath, thought for a moment, then raised his head, met Gu Zhixing's gaze, and said slowly and deliberately, "I swear in the name of the Crown Prince that from now on I will never lay a finger on Shen Jintang. If I break this oath, may I never ascend the throne."

Hearing this, Zhi Niang felt a pang of anxiety and couldn't help but tug at Gu Junze's sleeve, her eyes filled with worry.

Gu Zhixing frowned, pondering Gu Junze's words.

He knew how much Gu Junze valued the throne; if he could swear on the throne, then it must be the truth.

After a long while, he slowly sheathed his longsword, the blade making a crisp sound as it went back into its sheath.

"Let's leave it at that for now. But if you dare to go back on your word, I will make you wish you were dead."

After saying that, Gu Zhixing turned and left.

Seeing Gu Zhixing leave, Gu Junze finally breathed a sigh of relief, leaning back slightly against the pillar, the pain from his wound causing him to break out in a cold sweat.