In the darkness of the village, the villagers, unaware of the truth, were inexplicably all tied up and thrown into various households.

They faced the fear of the unknown, they faced the possibility of death at any moment, they were terrified.

Under the leadership of the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, the living conditions of the people are getting better and better, and the Ming Dynasty is now reaching new heights.

But they were suddenly struck by this calamity, which filled them with immense fear.

What they didn't know was that outside the village, the grandson of the Ming emperor who had brought them a good life might now be sacrificing his life for them.

Even at this moment, the grandson of the Ming Dynasty was still willing to pay the price of his own life to protect his people, to protect those who were already living good lives.

It's as if someone meticulously created a beautiful world, and ultimately, even at the cost of their life, they would protect it.

This is the responsibility of those in power, and the responsibility of creators. This responsibility supports Zhu Yunwen as he moves forward step by step, constantly getting closer to the assassins from Chechi Kingdom.

This scene moved even the assassins from Chechi Kingdom; their hands, holding bows and arrows, trembled slightly.

Whether it was the arrows aimed at the houses in the village or the arrows aimed at Zhu Yunwen, the hands holding them trembled slightly.

They were shocked.

They were shocked by Zhu Yunwen.

From beginning to end, they never imagined that the ruler of a country would ever sacrifice himself for the people.

He never imagined that his subordinates would rather die than give up their lives to replace Zhu Yunwen.

These assassins from Chechi Kingdom were death squads.

So-called "death warriors" are those who live for death, do everything for death, and are always ready to face death.

Their existence is solely for carrying out such deadly missions, and they will resolutely give up their own lives at crucial moments.

But they gave up their lives not because they were so loyal to or willing to do so for the powerful figures behind them.

Rather, it's a silent act of care and support for family members.

Indeed, among the assassins of Chechi Kingdom, the vast majority of the death squad members were actually forced into it.

From the moment they were chosen, their parents, their wives and children, and even their relatives and friends were all secretly controlled, forcing them to risk their lives at any time.

If they cannot be prepared to die at any time during a mission.

Then not only will they die, but their family and friends will also die because of him.

This was a forced death; there was no affection or loyalty to those in power, only helplessness towards family and a desire to protect them.

However, Zhu Yunwen was different.

These guards of Zhu Yunwen were all volunteers who stepped forward to face death.

Zhu Yunwen never forced them, and their flushed faces, bloodshot eyes, and gritted teeth clearly showed that they truly did not want Zhu Yunwen to die.

This is different from the suicide soldiers of Chechi Kingdom, because they personally demonstrated their feelings, their loyalty to Zhu Yunwen, their admiration for Zhu Yunwen, and their willingness to die for Zhu Yunwen.

This was not a threat, nor was it cultivated in any way; it was purely an emotion that deeply moved the assassins of Chechi Kingdom.

The contrast between the two situations seemed to evoke a peculiar feeling in the hearts of the assassins from Chechi Kingdom.

At the same time, combined with Zhu Yunwen's determination to die for those thousands of people, it can be seen that Zhu Yunwen was indeed a very good ruler.

He was willing to die for the sake of those people.

One who, for his own benefit, allows his subordinates and his people to die.

What kind of gap is this?

How can such a gap not be disheartening?

The Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty held an extremely prestigious position, second only to the emperor, above all others.

Wealth and glory, everything in the world—what wasn't in his hands?

He was far more noble than any other king or prince, yet he was willing to give his life for the sake of the people in a mere village.

The assassins from Chechi Kingdom trembled even more, and the burly man in the lead aimed his bow and arrow at Zhu Yunwen.

Unable to control his hands, he slowly began to speak:

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, you are a respectable person, but I am very sorry, as a citizen of Chechi Kingdom, and as an assassin trained by Chechi Kingdom, I have no choice but to do this..."

I have family, children, friends, and relatives. If we fail to complete the mission, it doesn't matter if we die, but we can't let them die.

Just like now, you don't want the people of that village to die. Please rest assured, today, I have no choice but to kill you. Afterwards, without the Ming soldiers' help, I will end my own life to atone for my sins.”

Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath. Yes, everyone has their helplessness and times when they are forced into situations.

These assassins aren't fools; who would willingly be born to serve others?

Then Zhu Yunwen said again:

"I have given orders that if you do not harm the villagers today, the Ming soldiers behind me will not be allowed to harm you either."

The assassins from Chechi Kingdom had once again aimed their bows and arrows at Zhu Yunwen.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!