"Do you know? Punishing you all is not what I wished for!" Murong Junsheng forced a smile and, for some reason, developed a sense of confiding in Xiao Rufeng. "Everyone envies me for being high above, wealthy and influential in the world. But who knows that within this imperial palace, I am also constrained and controlled by the Empress Dowager at every turn. Even this punishment of yours was ordered by the Empress Dowager. I can't even bring myself to disobey."

Xiao Rufeng remained silent. At this moment, what else could he possibly say?

Fortunately, Muren Junsheng did not expect Xiao Rufeng to respond, and continued, "When I was young, I often envied Xiaosan and Xiaosi because they were loved and cared for by their mothers. However, since I can remember, I have never known what motherly love is. And Father Emperor has never truly cared for me either. When I grew a bit older, I finally had a mother consort, and I thought I could experience the affection of an ordinary family. Indeed, Dong Fei, who is now the Empress Dowager, was kind to me at that time. I was once immersed in that love. But the good times didn't last long. She forced me to study martial arts and literacy. If I made the slightest mistake, I would be scolded or even beaten. That was when I realized that all the kindness she had shown me before was just a façade. Dong Fei only wanted to use me to advance her position. In the scorching flames of my upbringing, I learned to scheme and deceive, and also learned to bide my time and hide my capabilities." He let out a cold laugh, "Haha, the irony of the powerful being controlled by the imperial relatives, while the emperor holds no power. But she thinks I am a docile little lamb, and believes that I will always be under her control, letting her mold me as she pleases. One day, the Dous will cry because of me."

Xiao Rufeng's demeanor suddenly turned cold. This was the majestic and imposing aura of a true emperor. It seemed as if the vulnerable and sorrowful expression from earlier was just his imagination.

He never knew that the childhood of emperors was as tragic as his own. The emperor's words resonated with him, and he empathized deeply.

"I believe, Your Majesty, that one day you will truly reign over the world," Xiao Rufeng said earnestly. At that moment, his heart trembled with conviction as these words slipped out. He believed that the emperor needed affirmation more than consolation at this moment.

Mu Rong Jun Sheng was taken aback. It wasn't that no one had ever said similar things to him before, but no one had ever shaken his heart as much as Xiao Ru Feng's extremely affirmative words.

"Xiao Rufeng, are you willing to eliminate all difficulties for me and assist me in ruling over the world?" Murong Junsheng asked sternly. Although he had asked similar questions before, he still wanted to confirm once again, because after today, he planned to officially employ him.

"I am willing to be a vanguard for Your Majesty. Wherever the Emperor points, I shall strike!" Xiao Rufeng's voice resonated through the air. Perhaps, when the Emperor opened his heart to him, he had already made up his mind. In this lifetime, he was willing to forever follow behind the Emperor. Perhaps, when the Emperor first taught him military strategies, he had already decided to sacrifice himself to repay his kindness."

"Good! Very good! Today, I also make a promise to you. If you wholeheartedly pledge your loyalty to me, I will ensure your lifetime of prosperity. However, if you betray me, I promise to make your life worse than death." Murong Junsheng's eyes were filled with malice. This person had witnessed and heard about his most desperate and shameful moments. If he dared to betray him, Murong would personally kill him.

"Please trust me, Your Majesty, I will never betray you!" Xiao Rufeng solemnly promised. Perhaps from this moment on, he was no longer merely seeking fame and success, but truly handing his life over to the emperor.