The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

She met the man about five months ago and nursed him back to health for one and a half months before he left without a word.

Who knew that guy would come back to ask for help again and he was so shameless, showing up again after she specifically told him that she doesn't want anything to do with him.

She didn't want his money, his gratitude, or whatever. What she wanted was for him to disappear from her life and never bother her again.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Yet the shameless man showed himself yet again only two weeks after he disappeared.

"Woman, help me...." He said through gritted teeth while breathing heavily. His hands around her wrists were warm and his usually pale face was red as if he was suffering from a high fever.

But Zhao Yan was aware it wasn't an illness caused by bacteria. His eyes dilated and a strangled noise left his mouth. He took a step forward with great difficulty.

Zhao Yan looked at his pitiful expression once before finally conceding.

For the second time, she decided to help him. When she was about to reach for her medicine cabinet, she unexpectedly found herself lying on her back, her gaze on the bedroom ceiling.

It turns out he wanted her to 'physically' help him with his problem. There was medicine though...

In the end, she was bullied in bed by this bad man.

When she woke up, the bed beside her was cold and empty. There was a written letter on the table.

"I will come back for you. Be good and obediently wait for me."

Zhao Yan reread the letter once, twice, then thrice until she had memorized it and could recite the briefly written lines with her eyes closed.

She was so angry that she immediately packed up and left, burning the letter to ashes along with the house she bought.

Zhao Yan was so mad and frustrated at what happened. Instead of gratitude, she had been taken advantage of!

She left Zhao Country, closed her shop, brought all her servants with her, and reluctantly went back to Tang Country. This time, she settled in a small town in the countryside, away from the capital where she could live in peace.

She bought a courtyard, established yet another shop, hiding her identity this time, and allowed Shopkeeper Liang to face the customers instead of her.

Chun Lan was recently bought by Zhao Yan from Madam Zhu who was a slave trader.

Chun Lan came from a peasant family in a nearby village. Because her mother was sick, Chun Lan sold herself to earn the money to pay for her mother's medical expenses.

Zhao Yan happened to stumble upon her and since her character was good, Zhao Yan bought her slave contract and even helped treat Chun Lan's mother.

Since then, the fifteen-year-old has been grateful to her and was deeply loyal to Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan was peacefully establishing herself in Xing Town during the first month when she found herself in a dilemma.

The shameless man she had saved managed to get her pregnant after only one spending one night with her.

Zhao Yan was so shocked and angry that she fainted. Fortunately, Chun Lan was there to help her.

Just like that, three months passed after her embarrassing experience and she was taking care of her body, nursing her pregnant belly.

She was only three months pregnant but Zhao Yan was very cautious. Although she didn't like the way she had gained a child, this was still her baby and she would take care of it.

She'd stay far away from the shameless man who had done this to her and raise her baby alone.

Zhao Yan was still mad at that person. She really regretted saving him.

Well, there was no use crying over spilled tea. Zhao Yan was still sensible and didn't let herself be affected and made sure to care for her body and baby.

Mama Yang was also very helpful and told her all the things a pregnant woman must watch out for and prepared dishes that both satisfied Zhao Yan's tastes and helped nourished her body.

She was still a bit thin but Zhao Yan has been small ever since. She wasn't worried since her body was strong and healthy despite her small stature.

Anyway, she has Chun Lan and Mama Yang to help her.

Zhao Yan was also pretty rich because of her medicine shop. She could afford more servants but she felt that it was enough.

She wasn't greedy for money as well since she had already saved quite a lot. Moreover, both Chun Lan and Mama Yang were very nice and watchful over her.

Zhao Yan also knows her own body's condition because of her medical knowledge and skills. She was aware of what she could and could not eat.

Other times, her own body would tell her and even the smell of food alone was enough.

"Miss, it's already mid-autumn. The preparations for winter should be arranged. Miss' current clothes aren't suitable for the winter season." Chun Lan kindly reminded her.

Zhao Yan wasn't ignorant. Being the unfavored fourth miss, most of her needs were deprived. During winter, she barely had anything to warm herself up. The clothes or quilt wasn't enough or they were too old.

Even though Prince Li's mansion didn't lack money, Zhao Yan still ended up living a frugal life so she knew what she needed to do to prepare for winter.

It was also getting colder and Zhao Yan didn't want to risk her health due to a moment's carelessness.

"Then, come with me to buy some things."

Chun Lan paled. "Miss, the weather is starting to get cold. What if you get sick from exposure...? Chun Lan will run the errands for you! Chun Lan's body is very tough."

Zhao Yan smiled and patted the little girl.

"It's fine. It's only for today. We'll use the carriage and go home immediately. "

"Miss.." Chun Lan still looks worried but with Zhao Yan's firm attitude, they prepared themselves. The carriage was ready and Zhao Yan was wrapped in a bundle by a paranoid Mama Yang along with Chun Lan's urging.

Zhao Yan just laughed at the two worried women and repeatedly reassured them.

With two bodyguards and one male servant driving their carriage, Zhao Yan along with Chun Lan left.

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