Xia Siheng sat in the pavilion, playing with Wanwan.
This residence had once been his domain, so he knew its layout was largely unchanged without having to look around.
The only difference was the winter plum tree he spotted outside Liu Wan's window.
The variety looked very familiar.
Over a decade ago, his birth mother's palace had contained the same variety, but she had later been banished to the Cold Palace, where she died.
He had secretly broken off a branch and brought it back, hoping he could get it to take root.
He had never expected those eunuchs to nearly beat him to death.
That night had been bitterly cold, and only by clinging to that winter plum branch as his spiritual pillar had he survived until morning.
Fortunately, Lady Susu and Consort Ling had found him the next day.
All of that had been thanks to Liu Wan.
Now, seeing the same variety of winter plum again, his gaze deepened.
Where exactly had Liu Wan gotten this tree?
Wow, wow, wow! I have to tell Mother later! Those people in the Xie family aren't human. They actually ruined Brother Zi Xing's training on purpose!
"Uncle Xia... tell... Mother..."
Xia Wanwan looked up, her little round face puffed with anger.
I really want to blow up my scumbag father's house. If only Uncle Xia would take me!
Xia Siheng pinched her cheek, his eyes gentle. "Not just that. There's something else, too-stop calling me Uncle Xia."
"Then... call..." What should she call him?
Xia Wanwan was utterly bewildered.
Xia Siheng smiled softly. "Call me Father, and I'll take you on a nighttime raid of the Xie Residence tonight. How about it?"
Xia Wanwan huffed and abruptly turned her head away.
"Bad... uncle. Taking... advantage of me..."
"Why... don't you...