The rain fell heavily upon Uncle Fu and Fu Fong as they knelt on the cold ground, the water soaking through their clothes without mercy, their bodies stiff with discomfort, yet neither of them dared to move.
Their mouths remained shut tightly, as though pride itself had sealed them, while the entire courtyard stood frozen beneath the shelter, watching in tense silence.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then slowly, Uncle Fu lowered his head.
"Elder Brother…" he began, his voice strained, each word forced past reluctance.
Fu Fong swallowed painfully before following.
"Uncle…"
The rain continued pouring over them.
"We apologize."
The words were spoken.
But everyone present could feel it.
The emptiness.
The lack of sincerity.
It was not remorse.
It was obedience.
Master Fu stood near the steps, his expression calm, yet the heaviness in his eyes betrayed everything he kept buried beneath the surface. He did not respond immediately. He did not acknowledge their bowed heads.
