The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

Zhang Yuan repeatedly voiced out his grievances yet again while cursing out the sources of his trouble and saying how much he misses his wife, Si'er.

"Wuu... Si'er, I have wronged you... That damn Fu Yanqing is worse than a snake... I'm going to resign after this!"

Si Yao and Si Chong shared a look.

"Chancellor Zhang, please mind your words." Si Chong reminded him.

"Yes, Chancellor Zhang. This is still His Highness Prince Jing that you are badmouthing. Even if you are sworn brothers, Chancellor Zhang must watch his words..." Si Yao wasn't able to continue. He saw that there was a small and thin figure wearing light lilac clothes standing by the window and watching them with confused eyes in an innocent manner.

Zhang Yuan was oblivious of their sudden change in demeanor. He was filled with injustice inside that he didn't hold back at all and ignored the two shadow guards that were Fu Yanqing's most loyal subordinates.

"What sworn brother? He treats me like a slave, I tell you! I'm older than him by two years and he acts so high and mighty! He should be ashamed of himself! He even brought home a baby doll who is younger than my sister and got her pregnant, ah! I am so disappointed! As his older brother figure, he should be more sensible and learn to be more considerate towards me! Especially after I did such a thankless job while keeping those snakes in the court in line!" Zhang Yuan yelled out. His voice was very loud and could be heard across the yard.

"He got back a few hours ago but didn't even think of informing me! I am so mad; I am going to resign and... What are you both looking at? What's with those faces?" Zhang Yuan finally noticed that two looked very stiff as if they had been struck by thunder.

The two brothers weren't looking at him but rather on the figure by the window. Zhang Yuan scratched his chin and followed their line of sight.

His gaze landed on the window where a thin lit figure was standing with black doe eyes staring at them... or more precisely at Zhang Yuan.

He immediately straightened himself. His heart was beating madly and was about to jump from its ribcage. He looked like a child that had been caught doing something wrong as he stood rigid in an upright manner.

Jae Ha approached the window, took one look at the two brothers, Si Yao and Si Chong then to Zhang Yuan, the Chancellor, before concluding one thing.

She must not let the young miss converse with Chancellor Zhang. That man was rude and would pollute the lady's mind.

Calmly, Jae Ha talked, "Greetings, Chancellor Zhang. I remember that His Highness said that Chancellor Zhang is banned from entering His Highness' mansion. Wondering why Chancellor Zhang is here?"

Zhao Yan's eyes lit up. So this was Zhang Yuan? The Chancellor of Zhao Country and also a person that Fu Yanqing trusts?

She was curious and excited to meet the chancellor so she could ask about Fu Yanqing.

She was about to open her mouth when Jae Ha spoke again, "My lady, it's cold by the window. Please go back inside. His Highness will worry."

"But..."

Jae Ha cut her off, "My lady must watch her body closely. Today, my lady was delayed from eating so please go back inside before the food gets cold."

Zhao Yan could see that Jae Ha didn't want her to stay and talk to the Chancellor. She was even deliberately blocking her view of Zhang Yuan.

Zhao Yan just sighed. She wouldn't be naughty right now because her stomach was still hungry so she ended up going back with a reluctant look on her face.

When Zhao Yan was at a safe distance, the three shadow guards looked at Zhang Yuan as if they want to strangle him to death.

"Chancellor Zhang..." They chorused together. Their voices coming in all directions felt like a warning as the thin veil of death almost descended on him. Zhang Yuan trembled. He suddenly felt like he had aged a few years.

The baby doll didn't hear him badmouthing Fu Yanqing, right?

Based on the three shadow guards' faces, it looked like she did.

Zhang Yuan immediately paled. He was about to forego his plans and just leave, feeling a sudden sense of self-preservation when a deep masculine voice laced with coldness sounded not far away.

"Chancellor Zhang Yuan."

Zhang Yuan choked as he turned around and saw Fu Yanqing as well as the Empress Dowager standing beside him.

Years of risking his life in the battlefield and standing in court to temper his poise and patience didn't betray him. Zhang Yuan immediately straightened like a rod, calmed his face then saluted to express his respect.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and to His Highness Prince Jing."

The other three shadow guards echoed his sentiment and saluted.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and to His Highness Prince Jing!"

His dark eyes narrowed when he realized that Zhang Yuan was in a place near his little woman.

What if Yanyan heard him? Fu Yanqing suddenly felt a sense of worry but he inwardly admonished himself. His little woman was not unreasonable and he had already told her a bit of Zhang Yuan's personality when they were in the carriage.

She should know what to expect.

"Chancellor Zhang, you are here already. I remember you saying that there were some important matters of the court that must be tackled with the ministers." The Empress Dowager said, standing tall in her red and black brocade dress with embroidered phoenix, a golden belt sash and tassels hanging on her waist. Her hair was in a bun and decorated with a golden phoenix hairpin.

She closely resembled Fu Yanqing but in a more feminine manner.

"That..." Zhang Yuan tried very hard to think of an excuse.

"Chancellor Zhang, it isn't good to neglect one's duties. This prince is very disappointed in you. "

Zhang Yuan's face changed.

If Fu Yanqing hadn't been so impulsive to leave for one month, Zhang Yuan wouldn't be in this situation.

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