Alex turned towards the sisters, a surprised smile spreading across his face. "Oh, you guys were here?" he asked, his tone light and friendly.
Li Yunhua nodded, her expression a mix of embarrassment and relief. "We couldn't help but overhear," she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "We... we had no idea about Zhin's sacrifice."
Li Luoyang stepped forward, her eyes filled with remorse. "We misjudged him," she said, her voice heavy with regret. "We thought he had betrayed us, but he was actually protecting us all along."
Alex smiled gently. "It's understandable," he said, his voice reassuring. "Zhin's actions were... unconventional, to say the least. But his heart was always in the right place."
He turned to the Emperor, who was still standing near his throne, his expression contemplative. "Your Majesty," Alex addressed him respectfully, "I believe it's time to welcome your son back into the fold. He has proven his loyalty to the kingdom, even at great personal cost."
