THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Marriage Proposal

A Week Later...

The Shang Dynasty’s forces finally arrived in the capital. News of their victory was met with wild celebrations by the city’s people. The gloomy, anxious expressions of the past days vanished entirely.

Without a single guard escort, Princess Xian Lie ran from the palace. The news of the soldiers’ return stirred her emotions—she couldn’t wait to see her beloved.

Without a trace of shame or regard for her royal dignity, the princess ran straight into Fang An’s arms at the front of the marching troops.

Everyone watched and smiled broadly at the joy of the reunited couple.

“The princess has changed so much,” said one citizen.

“Indeed. She’s far more down to earth now,” his friend replied.

“Is it because of that red-haired young man that she changed so drastically?”

“Maybe. Look at how happy they are. I’m honestly jealous!” a young woman chimed in.

Princess Xian Lie didn’t let go of Fang An’s hand as they walked toward the palace. Her sweet smile beamed at the citizens who cheered for the victory against the Ying Dynasty.

At the palace gates, Emperor Li Wei smiled broadly seeing Fang An holding his daughter’s hand. The old man’s joy was complete, knowing his army had won the war.

“I was certain you would bring victory to our kingdom, Fang An,” Emperor Li Wei greeted him warmly.

“The greatest credit goes to Uncle Wang Yihan, Your Majesty. The war was brief and—”

“Enough—save the story for tomorrow. Rest now! Can’t you see how happy my daughter is to see you?” the emperor cut him off.

Princess Xian Lie blushed deeply. She couldn’t deny that Fang An’s return had erased all her worries. It felt as if half her soul had returned.

Emperor Li Wei knew Fang An wouldn’t stay long. He hoped to ask him to marry his daughter before he left again. He feared that Fang An might fall for another woman on his next journey—and that would break the princess’s heart.

Fang An and Princess Xian Lie walked closely side by side into the palace. The palace guards lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the couple. Only after they passed did the guards raise their gaze.

The Following Morning

A meeting was held in the grand hall to discuss the concluded war.

“Everyone who joined the battle will receive a reward from me. For soldiers who died and had families, their wives and children will be supported until the children are grown and able to work,” declared Emperor Li Wei.

His fresh, bright expression that morning showed how elated he was.

Everyone in the hall turned their heads as the door creaked open.

“It seems our hero is finally awake,” Emperor Li Wei said, his warm smile unwavering.

Fang An entered, scratching the back of his head. He grimaced, embarrassed for arriving late. The previous night, he had stayed with Princess Xian Lie, who didn’t want to part with him—not even for a moment.

She knew his time at the palace was short, and she wanted to make the most of it.

“Your Majesty gives me too much credit. The true hero is Uncle Wang Yihan. Thanks to him, the war ended quickly with minimal casualties,” Fang An said as he took his seat.

“And as for governance in the Ying Dynasty, I’ve asked Uncle Wang Yihan to take temporary charge until Prince Zhu Wei comes of age and is ready to rule,” he added.

"Prince Zhu Wei?" Emperor Li Wei furrowed his brow.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Prince Zhu Wei is the son of Emperor Zhu Feng. He’s still a child and not yet old enough to rule. I have asked Uncle Wang Yihan to guide and shape Prince Zhu Wei’s character so he won't grow up to be like his father," Fang An replied.

"Why not have Wang Yihan become king permanently? Doesn’t he have a good personality?"

Fang An smiled before responding, "That’s one of Uncle Wang Yihan’s greatest strengths. He said he would never take something that isn’t rightfully his."

The young man suddenly looked around, searching for Zhao Wen, but couldn’t find his father’s old friend anywhere.

“Are you looking for Elder Zhao Wen?” Emperor Li Wei asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Where is Uncle Zhao Wen?” Fang An asked in return.

“Elder Zhao Wen took his leave this morning to return to the Temple of Immortality. I’m not sure why, but he seemed to be in a hurry,” the emperor explained.

Fang An frowned slightly. He tried to recall all of Zhao Wen’s words while they were on the barren hill and during their journey back to the palace. But nothing he remembered seemed out of the ordinary.

“In that case, I will go after Uncle Zhao Wen tomorrow,” Fang An replied quickly.

“You’re not coming back to the palace after that?” Emperor Li Wei looked startled.

“I’m not sure yet, Your Majesty. If I must continue my journey, then I won’t return to this palace again.”

Emperor Li Wei’s heart pounded. He had to prevent Fang An from leaving the Shang Dynasty palace before expressing his wish to marry him to his daughter.

“Fang An, I would like to speak with you privately after this meeting.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Fang An answered. The red-haired young man couldn’t help but wonder what the emperor wanted to discuss with him.

After the meeting in the grand hall concluded, Fang An and Emperor Li Wei walked together to the ruler’s private chamber.

“Summon my daughter here,” Emperor Li Wei instructed a soldier standing by the door.

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

“Come in, Fang An,” the emperor said once the soldier had left.

Inside, Emperor Li Wei remained silent for a while. The atmosphere made Fang An feel uneasy, prompting him to finally speak up, “What is it that Your Majesty wishes to discuss with me?”

“There is something very important, Fang An. But let’s wait until my daughter arrives first,” Emperor Li Wei replied, still troubled by the fear that Fang An might reject his request.

The tension in the room finally lifted when Princess Xian Lie entered.

“Sit beside Fang An,” the emperor instructed.

Princess Xian Lie was puzzled by her father's formal tone. Still, she didn’t protest and sat next to Fang An.

“Now I want to speak to both of you—especially you, Fang An.”

“Have I done something wrong, Your Majesty?” Fang An furrowed his brow.

“No. I simply want to ask you something.” The emperor paused and took a deep breath. The heavy sigh was loud enough for Fang An to hear.

“This concerns you and my daughter, Xian Lie. Before you leave this palace, I want you to marry her first,” he added.

Fang An was taken aback. He had never imagined that Emperor Li Wei would ask him to marry Princess Xian Lie so suddenly.

“But why so soon, Your Majesty? Didn't I promise I would return after my journey ends?”

“That’s exactly why I’m asking you to marry her now, Fang An. We don’t know what the future holds. Making your relationship official now is the best course of action. What do you think?” Emperor Li Wei asked.