The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

When he saw the unshed tears on her eyes, he unconsciously tightened his fists. His chest ached painfully with guilt. He was the cause of her tears and not for a good reason.

Fu Yanqing wasn't used to treating other women kindly so he was groping blindly for answers every time he would try to talk to his little woman.

Even when he was with his mother or younger sister, he treated them indifferently or in a lukewarm manner so Fu Yanqing was in a dilemma.

As one of the number one sources of his problems, he naturally couldn't help but be ruthless every time he was faced with a woman.

Half of the women that had approached him out of greed, he ordered them to be crippled. The other half that had mysteriously disappeared for scheming against him were in fact killed by his subordinates.

He didn't torture them unless they've reached his bottom line. He always made sure to give them a quick and swift death despite the crimes they've committed.

On the other hand, he has no problem making men suffer more brutal tortures, making sure to let them live a living death before ending them.

Although he treated men and women differently, it was for a good reason. He disliked women so much that he didn't want them to live long enough to be seen or heard by him.

He was used to these kinds of methods and it has always worked for him.

But Fu Yanqing was still aware, those ruthless methods would not work on his little woman. She was too soft and kind at heart despite trying to act tough and selfish.

She had been a caged bird just a few months ago and was only getting used to the freedom she has.

But very suddenly, an unexpected variable came to her life and she was left with a sense of caution, trying to make out what to do with him. If he could be trusted or not.

He needed to treat her gently and be more understanding towards her. She was different from other women. He couldn't treat her like them.

Her kind heart did not deserve any kind of cruel treatment. He had hoped that she would gradually began to accept him but it would seem that he still has a long way to go.

He slowed his movements and raised his right hand to gently wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes. The fair face had turned a little red from the influx of emotions.

She suddenly burst into tears and her soft sobbing immediately pained him. Every cry felt like his chest was being stabbed by a knife and his limbs shook as though poisoned had entered through his bloodstream.

He breathed deeply and lowered himself on one knee, tilting his face to look at her crying expression.

He held one of her hands and brought it to his lips, kissing each finger as if they were priceless treasures that he cherished.

"I am sorry," he whispered in the air. It was so quiet that his voice no matter how low could be heard across the room. It was like a lonely ghost's sad pleading voice, hoping for salvation.

Zhao Yan placed her other hand to cover her mouth, to stop the pitiful cries but not matter how much she wanted to stop, the tears didn't stop.

'I am embarrassing,' she thought.

Zhao Yan understood his gesture. He didn't know what to do to calm her so he kneeled in front of her and apologized repeatedly. He knew he was wrong and he willingly admitted it.

Zhao Yan calmed a little. He was still Prince Regent and was a man born to rule. He was used to being on top and being the center of admiration and respect by many.

He was also a war hero who had saved the country countless of times.

He was proud of his achievements and had been relentless fighting for the sake of the citizens.

And this very man who grew up hating women and was a legend among men was kneeling in front of her and treating her hands like they were precious porcelain.

She unconsciously shivered as his lips caressed them. The soft texture of his lips made her insides warm. It was an unprecedented feeling that made her feel awkward and scared.

Just a while ago, those very same lips had teased the corner of her own lips with a soft fleeting kiss.

Her cheeks burned red from immediate shame and embarrassment. No matter how she looked at it, she felt like she had gone way too far into making him kneel like this.

He was still a prince and the most powerful man in the country. If people knew what he did for her, wouldn't it make her appear like she was enslaving him and using crocodile tears to make him do this?

Though she was aware that he isn't that kind of man who will easily get tricked, rumors can't be controlled and people were quick to assume the worst.

"Your Highness...Please get up... Don't do this."

He smiled mysteriously against her hand.

"Yanyan, this prince will continue to kneel until you take back your words."

Zhao Yan tried to pull her hand away but he kept a firm hold on it, not allowing her to leave him.

"Yanyan, I am also selfish. Even knowing that you hate me, I still want you. I will not be at ease until you become my wife."

"Let go, please..."

He didn't let go. Zhao Yan looked up for a few seconds, not wanting to look at his ridiculous behavior.

"Your Highness, if people found out that I made you kneel like this, they would think badly of me, saying that I mistreated you when I'm not even your wife yet."

"You can mistreat me in whatever way you want as my wife."

"Your Highness!" She cried out helplessly.

"Please stop being unreasonable... You are making me uncomfortable. " She fanned herself using her free hand.

"Are you going to marry me?"

Zhao Yan sighed heavily before nodding. She was given the choice to stop him but with his persistent attitude, would it be possible? It seemed hard...

"Yes. I will marry you. So please let Zhao Yan's hand go. Zhao Yan is feeling tired and can no longer continue this conversation." With this, he would let her hand go. Zhao Yan was actually feeling tired now that she said it.

Fu Yanqing finally stood up. Contrary to her expectations, he did not let go of her hand and his expression seemed indifferent but his eyes looked like they were smiling.

"It is late. I will accompany you back to your courtyard."

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