The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

Zhao Country was located in the north, Tang Country in the west and Xing Country on the east.

Lastly, Yang Country was to the south.

The southwest was occupied by people of the secular world and it was a territory that three countries dare not approach or invade.

This was also where the Medicine Valley was located.

Fu Yanqing placed his hands together and rested his elbows on the table while thinking.

His little woman was now in his country and he would make sure it continues that way.

However, he also knows that she would want to go back someday to look for her grandfather.

There was a high chance that her grandfather wasn't in Tang Country anymore and was currently at the Medicine Valley. It was only a possibility so he wasn't very sure.

"Your Highness, Tang Country wants to send envoys next month for peace delegations. They would definitely try to curry favor so we would help them in the war." Zhang Yuan didn't hide his irritation. They were finally enjoying peaceful days but Tang Country was trying to stir trouble.

They had recently just invaded a small territory in the southeast and they still want more? They were too greedy.

Zhang Yuan inwardly sneered. As if they would help them.

Fu Yanqing didn't say anything for a while but then a small corner of his lips curled upward.

"Hmm."

If war can be avoided, then it was for the best.

Though that didn't mean he wouldn't start preparations for it. It was better to be prepared lest the other party attempts to strike them behind their backs.

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At the capital, there was a group of people gathering around Red Flower Pavilion. These people consisted of many noble ladies and young masters that were accompanied by chaperones or servants. It was a gathering of sorts to share their arts and talents as well as build connections and relations with powerful families. This gathering also became a place where nobility can flaunt their wealth and status, a place where they could show off while maintaining a deceiving smile and pretending to be dignified infront of others.

"I heard that Prince Jing is going to get married in three days.." One of the noble ladies whispered which brought the attention of the surrounding people.

"I also heard about this."

"Even so, Prince Jing is a war hero and the country's prince regent. His power and authority has now become stable and cemented ever since 'that incident'."

They became quiet at the mention of 'that incident.' The noble ladies know they were referring to the rebellion and how the late emperor's concubines had been killed. Only the Empress Dowager and Concubine Ning were spared since they were on Prince Jing's side. There was also the matter about the princess getting poisoned. The palace kept a tight lip about this but somehow, rumors still leaked and eventually spread around the capital, causing tongues to wag.

Now, a new rumor appeared. The woman hater of the century was about to get married in three days which had shocked the whole capital, even more so than the death of the late emperor! Everyone speculated who the unfortunate soul was and was wondering if the woman came from a renowned background or if it was really an outsider who was picked by His Highness in order to keep his authority and power stable.

Outside the Red Flower Pavilion, even the common folk were also whispering to themselves and gossiping about the mystery bride of the famed woman hater of the century.

"They said that the bride was a cripple who was only picked up by His Highness to rear children."

"I also heard that it was an outsider who came from outside the capital. It's probably a country bumpkin!"

"Tch. Tch. With Prince Jing's bad reputation among women, no sane young lady would want to get married with him!"

"No, no.. I heard that the third miss from the Empress Dowager's family committed suicide when she found out that Prince Jing was about to get married. Aiyoo, youngsters nowadays are really delusional. Just because they are cousins and have blood relations, they think they could rise in power through marriage.."

"But with His Highness' temperament, those kinds of tricks wouldn't be possible."

Huang Yi who was sitting inside a carriage had his eyes closed quietly but his ears were alert as he listened to the gossips of the people. His fingers tapped at his arm rhythmically while his lips were pressed into a thin line.

One of his guards knocked on the door to his carriage. "Young master, are we heading to the Huang residence now?"

Huang Yi did not immediately answer. He was still listening to the people talking outside.

"I heard that the Empress Dowager and the Chancellor went to personally visit Prince Jing when he got back. Rumor has it that the mystery bride is staying at Prince Jing's mansion!"

"Well, we don't know if it's true yet.. We can only wait until three days. With the Empress Dowager's love for her son, the wedding day of Prince Jing would surely be extravagant."

"Young master?" The guard asked again.

Huang Yi shifted in his position. "Go."

The guard bowed and went to order the drive to start driving. No one paid attention to the modest looking carriage who did not carry any family insignia. The common folk continued to talk even as the carriage had left their sight.

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