If I were to say anything more, I fear I would only suffer an even more terrible death in the end.

Seeing that he remained silent, seemingly agreeing, Zhu Yunwen spoke calmly:

"How dare you! Just because a decree from the imperial court harmed your own interests, you actually want to put the Crown Prince to death? And you even dare to send assassins to carry out the assassination. There are probably not many prefects in the Ming Dynasty as bold as you."

Prefect Zhou quickly kowtowed to Zhu Yunwen and said:

"Your Highness, this sinner knows his mistake. This sinner acted foolishly for a moment. Please forgive this sinner..."

Zhu Yunwen leaned back slowly in his chair and spoke softly:

"Don't beg for mercy yet. I still have questions. Tell me, is there someone behind this who is guiding you, or is there someone else instructing you?"

Prefect Zhou's expression changed slightly. His eyes darted around, and then he asserted firmly:

"Your Highness, no one supported or instructed me. This was a foolish act I made in a moment of impulse. Your Highness, I know I am guilty, please punish me..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen did not get angry but laughed instead:

"You're quite protective of your master, but unfortunately, your master might not be so protective of you. If you explain everything to me clearly, I might spare your life. But if you try to protect the person behind you, you're just asking for death."

However, Prefect Zhou shook his head and said to Zhu Yunwen:

"This sinful subject knows his crimes are grave and only begs for death..."

After saying that, he turned around and rammed hard into a pillar not far away.