The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

The brother that Zhao Yan loves so much was her only biological sibling. Her three older sisters were from her father, Li Zhong's three other concubines.

She had always thought it was unfair that she, Zhao Yan, the fourth miss from the main wife was ostracized and treated unfavorably. Other than being born a woman, Zhao Yan wasn't incompetent.

She could read, write, cook, and was even knowledgeable about medicine. She wasn't ugly or clumsy. Zhao Yan has grown under Li Hua, her grandfather's meticulous care so her poise and posture were tempered over the years.

She was also very patient because of the oppressive environment she grew up in.

After all, it was all for Li Dabao, her older brother.

He was the eldest son and the only male child in their family. Everyone paved the way smoothly for him.

Zhao Yan has sacrificed so much for him and always thought that Li Dabao also cared about her. Other than being siblings from the same mother, Zhao Yan has always supported him.

Even though everyone was against her engagement and marriage to Wei Gao Xi, Zhao Yan supported him and stood by his side. She defended him and argued for him so he could marry the woman he loves.

Even though that woman was Wei Gao Xi, who hates Zhao Yan, Zhao Yan didn't care as long as her brother was happy.

But the brother who she treated the most, loved the most, and cared about the most plotted behind her back for his own selfish gain.

"Yanyan, do this for big brother. You just have to agree to the marriage between you and Tian Luo. This way, Tian Luo would help speak up for me and persuade Father to agree to my own marriage with Xi'er." Li Dabao said to her while smiling as if he was sure that she would agree to his request.

This was her marriage that they were talking about.

Zhao Yan was too shocked to react. Who did not know Tian Luo, the second young master of Duke Ying's family? Not only was he Duke Ying's biological son, but he was also famous in the capital for being a lecherous man who had ruined a lot of young maidens. He was even seen frequenting the brothel house in broad daylight while drinking with a bunch of prostitutes.

Tian Luo was your typical young master who was spoiled since birth. Because he was a man, he always gets whatever he wants and would even beat his servants in broad daylight whenever he felt like it.

And Li Dabao, wanted her to marry this guy? For what? Just to help persuade their father to allow him to marry Wei Gao Xi? He was willing to sacrifice her happiness to secure a political tie with Duke Ying's second young master?

He had even set her up to meet with Tian Luo in private. Was he crazy?

Tian Luo's unruly and bad character was known throughout the whole capital. Zhao Yan was also unmarried and he wanted her to meet with Tian Luo in private to agree to marry that lecherous fiend?

"Big brother...Tian Luo, he's..."She wanted to say what kind of man Tian Luo was, but Li Dabao cut her off.

"Yanyan, don't be unreasonable. It's your fortune to be able to marry into Duke Ying's family. Although Duke Ying's family is lower than Prince Li's mansion, the status of Duke is still high. Tian Luo has only one concubine. You can marry as the primary wife and be able to enjoy a prestigious and wealthy life." Li Dabao said somewhat impatiently when he saw her hesitation.

"Big brother..." Zhao Yan with wide eyes. Her body was trembling from shock.

"Li Zhao Yan!" A female voice suddenly called.

Zhao Yan saw Wei Gao Xi's approaching figure. Her face was arrogant and she looked at Zhao Yan with disdain.

"Brother Li is kind enough to arrange a marriage for you with Duke Ying's second young master. It's your honor for being able to attract Tian Luo's attention. You get to marry as the main wife even though you're just an unfavored missy! Don't get too full with yourself, you're not even that pretty! Don't you dare reject Brother Li's kindness!" Wei Gao Xi warned with narrowed eyes.

Zhao Yan's eyes were wide and her whole body stiffened. What right did they have to decide her marriage?

"Gao Xi, it's my fortune to marry Tian Luo?" Zhao Yan said with clenched fists. "You know just what kind of character that man has. Even if he is the second young master of Duke Ying's residence, his character is poor and he has no respect for women. I'll only be suffering if I marry that man."

Li Dabao furrowed his brows. "Yanyan, don't say that."

"Li Zhao Yan, are you looking down on Duke Ying's second young master?" Wei Gao Xi with a raised brow.

"That's not it..."Zhao Yan tried to say but Wei Gao Xi interrupted her words.

"Li Zhao Yan, you care about Brother Li's marriage, right? Brother Li loves me and I love Brother Li. If you marry Tian Luo, not only will Prince Li have gained a connection with Duke Ying's residence, Tian Luo will also help make my and Brother Li's marriage possible. Don't you want me and Brother Li to be happy?"

Zhao Yan didn't know what to say. She wanted her brother to be happy but she also didn't want to marry Tian Luo.

She could already imagine how terrible her life would be if she married that lecherous fiend.

Zhao Yan looked at her brother, Li Dabao, wanting to plead with him.

"Big brother..." She began.

"Yanyan, you aren't young anymore. Back then, Grandfather has spoiled you too much and prevented you from marrying. You're already 18. Do you want to remain an old maid? Even our eldest sister married when she was only fourteen! Don't you want to have your own family? Duke Ying's second young master would take care of you and your big brother will definitely make sure he treats you well. So Yanyan, help big brother. This is also for your own good." Li Dabao said softly. Zhao Yan wasn't stupid.

She could hear the impatience and insincerity in his voice. She glanced at her cousin, Wei Gao Xi who was also looking very impatient.

They didn't even try to hide their intentions, believing that she would readily agree.

How could they treat her like this?

"What's taking you so long?"

A male voice sounded. All three of them looked at a tall figure.

Zhao Yan subconsciously took a step back when she saw Tian Luo, only that Wei Gao Xi pinched her arm and pulled her to the front.

"Li Zhao Yan, don't be selfish. "She whispered to Zhao Yan.

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