When Long Shen woke from his deep slumber, he realized that all he had was already lost. He did not need to ask the servant next to him to understand that his world was forever changed. The servant knew not to say anything in this moment. She simply handed a letter to Long Shen before giving him some space to read his mother's last words.
"Forgive me, my son. I thought myself clever with a deep understanding of the human heart, but I was still wrong. I underestimated the shamelessness possible within the bounds of human nature. By the time you read this letter, I will already be dead. The Huo clan wants our wealth, and they will do the immoral to get their hands on it. When I noticed the limitless greed within the mayor's heart, I offered him everything we have in exchange for our lives, but this was not ideal for the mayor, who wants to maintain an image of fairness.
