He was not planning to restrain the Empress Dowager with evidence, but to use information to create a rift between her and Si Xuo.
Regardless of who the person in the Cold Palace was or the truth of her words, once Si Zhan released this information, it would cause a storm in the palace. If Si Xuo was indeed not Ling Ziru’s biological child, her character would not allow her to remain passive, prompting her to take action, which would prove the rumors true.
Moreover, once the rumors reached Si Xuo, he would doubt his identity, planting a wedge in his heart. Ning Wanwan never expected Si Zhan to understand human nature so thoroughly.
She observed Si Zhan, whose gentle demeanor and slightly sickly complexion belied his cunning intelligence. He was far more powerful than she had imagined, and she need not worry about his future, as he had countless paths to pursue depending on his choices.
Years later, Ning Wanwan would realize Qian Nan was never Si Zhan’s hiding place; he was destined to shine brilliantly and gain the respect of all.
After Yuan Bi and Zhou Shu left, Si Zhan sat on the armrest and embraced Ning Wanwan. “Now that official business is done, isn’t it time we discuss our own matters?”
Ning Wanwan blinked, surprised. “Our… matters?”
“You really do have a poor memory.” Si Zhan shook his head, then stood up and swept her into a horizontal embrace.
Startled, she clung to him. “Brother Zhan, what are you doing?”
Si Zhan smiled mischievously. “Since you’ve forgotten again, let me remind you.”
As he carried her toward the bed, she quickly grasped his sleeve. “Brother Zhan, I remember now.”
“Oh?” he replied, looking down at her. “Remember what?”
Ning Wanwan, instinctively evasive, said, “How we first met.”
Si Zhan nodded. “And?”
“And… what?” she struggled to recall more.
He stopped beside the bed, gazing at her with burning eyes. “Didn’t you say that when I wake up, you would submit to my punishment?”
Feeling she had shot herself in the foot, she touched her forehead. “I did say… but not this kind of punishment…” Her protest was silenced by Si Zhan’s hot kiss.
After a while, Si Zhan finally let her go, his breath heavy. “How to punish you is up to me.”
