The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

When Fu Yanqing left, Zhao Yan was filled with a lot of questions. She normally did not overthink and always kept calm but after hearing all the things that Fu Yanqing told her, there were many doubts in her heart.

Most of them were directed at her.

"Chun Lan, what do you think of him? Prince Jing... Coming to a small town like this just to find me and ask for my hand in marriage, do you think he is telling the truth?"

Chun Lan who has only been recently bought by Zhao Yan a few months ago was very observant. Chun Lan was also very loyal to Zhao Yan because of what Zhao Yan did to save her mother.

As a master, Zhao Yan was also very kind and generous. Unlike other rich young ladies or masters, she didn't treat Chun Lan like an object or property. Zhao Yan allowed Chun Lan a lot of leeway as long as she remained loyal to Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan who was at her lowest during her early pregnancy couldn't help but be fond of Chun Lan because the girl was bubbly and simple. Chun Lan also served her faithfully and was very considerate.

She never leaked any of Zhao Yan's secrets and could be considered a trusted person who was both honest and upright.

So there were many times when Zhao Yan would ask for Chun Lan's opinion because she never really had friends her age and she was discovering how nice it was to have someone to talk to.

Especially when Chun Lan was very honest and forthright with her. She did not sugarcoat her words and was very blunt. Of course, she was still sensible and kept them to a minimum.

"My lady, I don't doubt His Highness' identity. He wears fine robes and brocades every day, not to mention that Chun Lan saw just how extravagant his carriage was! He even bought the courtyard next door! I heard from the landlord that the money paid wasn't a small amount at all!" She said with disbelief.

"He must really be someone from a wealthy background. His bearing and gait alone... Chun Lan has never seen someone saw imposing and frightening!" Zhao Yan chuckled a little after seeing the girl's somewhat terrified face.

"But how come he is here in Tang Country? If he really is a prince, he needs a lot of guards to protect him." A regent has always been an envied position by many.

Chun Lan deliberated for a while before answering, "Thinking simply, someone with his kind of status must be careful and discreet because he must have a lot of enemies, right, my lady? And Chun Lan saw just a few moments ago that he has two guards trailing behind him. They were wearing black attires. My lady, after seeing them leap across the yard, they must be proficient with martial arts!" Chun Lan concluded. Although she grew up as a mere peasant girl, she was still very observant. Because folks in the countryside didn't have much entertainment, they took notice of every small thing. Chun Lan wasn't any different.

"Really?" Zhao Yan was surprised to hear this. If that was indeed true, then that meant that Fu Yanqing being Prince Regent and the war hero of Zhao Country is also true...? She did saw his body before...

She remembered clutching on his strong shoulders and--

Zhao Yan blushed and dismissed that part.

Fu Yanqing was very well rounded with toned muscles and an impressive foundation. She realized that the scars she found on his body and the calluses on his hands, were the product of his hard work as a general in the army when he led the front lines.

And according to Fu Yanqing, he was trained since young and learned many war tactics and military strategies. He practiced swordsmanship and archery because it was the only way he could survive and protect himself in the palace.

Now, Chun Lan witnessed his Qing gong and saw his people who were probably Fu Yanqing's shadow guards. She knows this because Prince Li's mansion has many shadow guards especially her father, Li Zhong.

A notoriously paranoid man like him was always surrounded by his men so even someone as sheltered and as hidden away like Zhao Yan knew just what kind of people are shadow guards.

Zhao Yan didn't have to hesitate anymore. Fu Yanqing was indeed royalty, there was no mistaking it. He showed his identity token to her but Zhao Yan was still very doubtful. This time, she really has nothing to say anymore.

Zhao Yan was extremely rude to him. Would he be angry at her attitude? Wait, no. How dare he be angry? She was supposed to be the one angry...

She was the one who was wronged by him...

"Chun Lan, he wants to marry me. With his character, what do you think I should do? I am still afraid since he has a history in war." Zhao Yan admitted. She was afraid that she would end up accepting him so easily.

No matter, even if he was merely a victim of being drugged by aphrodisiac, he didn't have to force himself on her because Zhao Yan could have fed him a medicine to help his body! She was angry over this fact.

"My lady... Even Chun Lan is afraid but please don't worry because I will do my best to protect you. I will not let him harm you, my lady." Even if she needs to sacrifice her life, Chun Lan would have no hesitations. Since her lady has treated her so well and helped her, Chun Lan was eternally grateful to her and vowed to be loyal to her until the day she dies.

"As for marriage... Chun Lan does not dare make any suggestions. The decision is solely up to you, my lady. This is your marriage and your future. As Jae Ha said before, His Highness seems to like you and he is not short of money but maybe he is also not short of women?" Chun Lan immediately felt apprehensive.

"My lady, Chun Lan does not want you to be unhappy but if His Highness can treat you well and make you content, I won't be against it. Still, I will respect your decision."

Zhao Yan smiled and patted the little girl's head. Her genuine care and concern towards Zhao Yan made her feel happy and warm inside.

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