Zhu Nan hid amongst the crowd, her heart pounding as she timidly glanced at the figure seated at the head of the room.
She felt a mixture of fear and admiration for this 'older brother' of hers.
The fear stemmed from the fact that he had thrown her own brother, Zhu Ji, into prison. Zhu Ji was to be beheaded soon, and she would never see him again.
Although her brother had been in the wrong, Zhu Ju's willingness to disregard their kinship and send him to the chopping block still filled her with resentment.
The admiration came from how, despite his young age, he commanded such authority that no one in the entire Zhu Family dared to question his decisions.
Just like now.
He had only to say he wanted to see his siblings, and the members of the second and third branches had all obediently rushed over.
"Go on!"
Aunt Zhou gave Zhou Nan a push, urging in a whisper:
"Go and greet your older brother."
Zhou Nan pursed her lips.
