Ning Wanwan, though unaware of the specifics, sensed Qianan must be truly challenging. Still confused, she asked, “But why did the troop-hiding plan only start six months ago? If the bandit-nurturing plan has been ongoing for years, shouldn’t the troop plan have started earlier?”
Si Zhan took her hands, looking into her eyes. “Before, I never thought to compete for anything. My only desire was you. Knowing my life was short, I feared I couldn’t give you lasting love. I thought the Crown Prince was your best destination, so I wanted only to watch over you…”
“Until six months ago, when I discovered you cared for me. Despite trying to control my desires, I wanted to possess you. That was when I secretly initiated the troop-hiding plan.”
Ning Wanwan’s heart trembled. She had never imagined her past self would leave such a deep mark on Si Zhan’s life, nor that her every move could influence his destiny.
Si Zhan continued, “Later, I learned my illness might be due to poisoning. I suddenly understood I had a glimmer of hope to survive… Heaven knows how happy I was.”
“His lips curved in a smile, as if the joy had not yet dissolved, ‘So, I immediately resolved to reclaim you at any cost. Unexpectedly, heaven favored me, allowing you to become my wife so quickly.’
His smile vanished, his phoenix eyes darkening as he spoke fiercely, ‘Rest assured, if I can protect your peace for a lifetime, even if it means turning the entire world into a river of blood, I, Si Zhan, will not hesitate.’
He was raising troops to protect her lifelong peace.
‘Don’t!’ Ning Wanwan quickly raised her hand to cover Si Zhan’s mouth, her tone urgent.
Si Zhan was stunned, then gently moved her hand, softly asking, ‘What’s wrong?’
Ning Wanwan looked at him, her water-like eyes trembling, speaking with hidden worry, ‘In your previous life, you turned the world into a river of blood and died under universal condemnation. This life, I don’t want your hands to stain with the blood of any innocent people or loved ones again.’ Her gaze became extremely determined. ‘Brother Zhan, I absolutely won’t hide behind you for protection. I want to stand beside you, together defying fate.’
