Ning Wanwan nestled in Si Zhan’s arms and said patiently, “If the Empress Dowager wants to target me, she won’t let me go even if I escape to Qian Nan. Moreover, if I go to Qian Nan first, she’ll only be more wary of you.”
“But it’s no longer safe for you to stay by my side.”
“Brother Zhan, Wanwan is not afraid of death. I just want to be with you, to live and die together. Please don’t think about sending me away.” She tilted her head, resting her chin on his chest, gazing at him.
“…Okay.” Si Zhan held her tighter.
After a moment, Si Zhan spoke resolutely: “Don’t worry, we will definitely go to Qian Nan. If Ling Ziru doesn’t want me to leave, then I’ll stay and turn Biandu upside down.”
Ning Wanwan pushed Si Zhan away, looking anxious. “No, we must have other ways.”
Si Zhan frowned, murmuring, “What did I do in my previous life that makes you so afraid?”
The blood light of the Purple Gold Palace seemed to flash in Ning Wanwan’s eyes: “In your previous life, you burned down the Eastern Palace, killed the Crown Prince, forced the Empress Dowager to death, and ultimately forced the Emperor to his death by anger, ascending the throne.”
However, your illegitimate position led to neglect in state affairs, resulting in widespread dissent. Ultimately, you committed suicide in the Golden Hall…”
Si Zhan mocked himself: “Hmm… that does sound like me.”
Ning Wanwan replied seriously: “I don’t want you to repeat the mistakes of your past. We need a different way to leave Biandu.”
Si Zhan comforted her, stroking the back of her head: “Don’t worry, I promise I won’t resort to such measures unless absolutely necessary.”
Suddenly, water splashed as seven or eight masked men in black emerged, attacking Si Zhan from all directions with long swords.
“Master! Be careful!” Yuan Bi pulled Ning Wanwan behind him, glaring at the assassins.
Seeing the threat, the boatman jumped into the river and fled.
Si Zhan had thought the Empress Dowager had given up on them, but she made an unexpected move, sending assassins in broad daylight, which was uncharacteristic of her.
As the cold sword approached, Si Zhan remained motionless, meeting the blade with fierce composure.
