The bustling restaurant was packed to capacity always for the most renowned establishment in the capital. Crowds poured in without pause, filling every seat in the house. The private rooms on the upper floor, reserved exclusively for the city's alte, offered a quieter place, but the restaurant's formed dishes from the Eight Great Cuisines kept people coming back for more.

In front of a private room marked with the character "Bamboo" a young maid in a green satin dress lifted the beaded curtain and hurried inside, holding a skewer of candied hawthorns, "Miss, Aunt Wang didn't set up her stall today, so I had to get these from the shop in East Alley

Inside, the private room was calm as the faint scent of tea drifting through the air. A round purplewood table was laden with the restaurant's signature dishes, knows throughout the city. By the window sat a woman in a delicate pale lotus-pink dress with a floral pattern on smoke-like gauze. She leaned on her hand, gazing thoughtfully out the window. Her bright, clear eyes held a hint of melancholy, her elegant brows slightly furrowed on a refined and gentle face

"I heard that those two petty women, Wu Yu and Zhou Xitong, are in the room next door. Should have Xiao Lu eavesdrop on what they're saying?" a girl in a blue dress seated at the table axted tentatively

With a sidelong glance, Liu Yin accepted the candied hawthorn skewer from Xiyun and took The fartness scrunched up her delicate, fair face.

"Aunt Wang's are still better" she said, handing the skewer back to Xiyun.

"Those two ungrateful wrenches! Last time, they even sided with Shen Yoo to argue against you. One

of these days, they need to be taught a lesson the blue-dressed girl muttered indignantly

Liu Yin shot her a lock, then returned her gaze to the window, her expression looked melancholy once more, Ah, so every sidetick to a villainess always comes with terrible ideas.

The truth was, Liu Yin had simply gone in for on appendectomy, but after waking up, she found herself in some unknown dynasty. But when she realized she was now a high-born young lady, she couldn't help but feel a bit pleased. A life of food, drink, and being waited on without the need to work what a corefree existence.

Soil, her new status was dauntingly loty. So lotty, in fact, it made her feal vaguely unsettled

Her father held a prestigious position as the Minister of Personnel, wielding considerable influence-enough that even the Emperor had to treat him with caution. Her brother was a powerful general commanding troops of the border, while her aunt was the Empress, and her cousin, none other than the Crown Prince himself. It was a life bathed in glory, the kind that usually belongs to a background character in novels who rarely survives more than a few chapters

The Crown Prince was born of the late Empress, who had died in childbirth, from then on, he was raised under her aunt's care. The Crown Prince seemed unstoppable, achieving impressive feats of fourteen, he handied a major flood in Jiangnan, of fifteen, he quelled a plague in the northwest, and by eighteen, he reclaimed vast territories from foreign enemies. His position as the crown prince was solidified, yet anyone with halt a mind would see her family's powerful influence as a threat and wouldn't hesitate to remove them,

Unfortunately, the original Liu Yin was infatuated with the Crown Prince to an extreme degree, refusing to tolerate him being near any other woman. Spoiled from a young age, she developed an attitude that demanded the world to bend to her whims. With beauty os her only redeeming quality she was the epitome of a side character destined for a bad ending-barely even qualified to be a third-rate antagonist.

Despite her aund's matchmaking attempts, the Crown Prince was distant, ignoring her overtures and keeping Liu Yin at arm's length. Undelerred, she staged frequent "chance" encounters with him, hoping to win his attention.

Today was one such attempt. Her sidekick had discovered the Crown Prince would be visiting, so Liu Yin rushed here, unwilling to miss any opportunity. She had only recently inhabited this body and hadn't yet seen the Crown Prince in person, but she knew she had to follow the original character's path. Suddenly deciding not to the him would rase suspicion-and her parents and ourt would never allow it

To them, the position of Crown Princess could only belong to a Liu

"Sitting here is making my back ache, I'll take a stroll Liu Yin sighed, standing up with an air of melancholy, in the modern world, she'd never chased after anyone, but here in ancient times, she was expected to pursue a man relentlessly.

At this, Lin Xuan looked worried. "But the Crown Prince will be here soon"

Putting on her velled hat, Liu Yin replied solemnly, "Til just be wandering nearby. Who knows? I might run into the Crown Prince first

To the original Liu Yin, the Crown Prince was everything-her deepest obsession.

Hearing this, Lin Xuan nodded in agreement watching as Liu Yin left the private room

A chance encounter," she said-Liu Yin had no intention of waiting longer than a few hours. Whether he showed up or not was out of her hands, and she had done her port.

After wandering the bustling streets for a while, Liu Yin enjoyed the perks of wealth, fully embraced the spirit of "buy, buy buy She only stopped when Xiyun could no longer carry everything Returning to the restourant, she bit into a sugar figurine she had picked up along the way, relishing the thrill of spending without restraint.

She wondered if the Crown Prince had arrived yet. As she made her way upstairs, she saw Lin Xυση arguing with two other women in the corridor. The moment Lin Xuan noticed her return, she stormed over, looking absolutely exasperated and ready to lodge a complaint.

"Liu Yin, thank goodness you're back! These two have gone too far. I overheard them bodmouthing you, sol stepped in to defend you, but they actually dared to get physicall

Lin Auan was practically shaking with anger. As the original Liu Yin's most loyal aldekick, she was occustomed to wielding power alongside har and couldn't stand being slighted. However, the two women across from her clearly had a different perspective.

"It was you whe eavesdropping outside of them reforted. "When Sister Wu noticed, you insulted us first. We were just defending ourselves, and then you shoved Sister Wu. Muer only bumped into you by accident while trying to protect her. How can you twist the truth like this?"

The one speaking was Zhou Xitang, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites. If anyone could be called Liu Yin's biggest rival, it was Shen Yao, the daughter of the Grand Tutor. Unlike the original Liu Yin who was completely uneducated, Shen Yao was known as the most accomplished woman in the capital, excelling in everything from music and chess to poetry and painting. Just because the Crown Prince had once spoken to Shen Yao, Liu Yin had seen her as an enemy, viewing her with bitter resentment. Zhou Xitong and Wu Yu were Shen Yoo's close friends, so Liu Yin constantly clashed with them but rarely gained any advantage.

They had often mocked Liu Yin indirectly but she'd never noticed. While people outwardly feared her, they likely held her in contempt behind her back. Liu Yin couldn't help but feel sorry for the original owner, after all, no matter how powerful one's family, lacking wisdom or depth left them vulnerable.

"You... you're lying! That girl clearly pushed me on purpose!" Lin Xuan's face flushed red with anger, her intelligence scarcely better than the original Liu Yin.

Seeing this, the two women stepped back with looks of feigned fear. Wu Yu whose face was full of innocent grievance, explained softly. "It was a mere accident. Besides, Sister Lin was the one eavesdropping at the door. Is that the behavior of a true lady?"

Her words caught Lin Xuan off guard, especially as people from the main hall below started glancing up curiously.

"Besides. Tong'er's remark about 'birds of the same feather wasn't aimed at Sister Lin or Sister Liu. So, for Sister Lin to accuse us without knowing the full story is truly unfair." Wu Yu said, looking as if she might cry.

Lin Xuan's anger flared up again, and she turned to Liu Yin, desperate. "Liu Yin, you mustn't let these vile giris deceive you! I heard them clearly, calling you stupid and brainless, saying the Crown Prince would rather marry a pig than you. I heard every word!"

At this, Liu Yin calmly removed her veiled hat. She didn't need Lin Xuan's confirmation to know these two had always looked down on the original Liu Yin, thinking she was a simpleton compared to Shen Yao, But she wasn't the original Liu Yin anymore, and she was going to teach these two a hard truth: that in the face of absolute power, all their sweet, simpering pretense was worthless.

"Sister Lin, please don't falsely accuse us. Even if we were given hundreds of lives, we wouldn't dare speak ill of Sister Liu like that. They bowed their heads with feigned anxiety, pretending to be meek and intimidated.

Liu Yin bit down on her sugar figurine as she stepped forward, inching closer to them. Suddenly, she narrowed her eyes and seized Wu Yu's chin between her fingers. "Such a pretty face," she mused. "I wonder how it would look with a few cuts?"

As their gazes met, Wu Yu's face instantly paled, her whole body trembling. Liu Yin's notorious arrogance and daring were well-known, and if she said she'd scar Wu Yu's face, she just might actually do it.

"You.. you can't treat Sister Wu like this..." Zhou Xitong stammered, stepping in front of Wu Yu with a pale face, playing the part of the protective friend.

At this, Liu Yin arched her brow, mimicking the original's haughty tone. "And just because you say so, I shouldn't? You two had the nerve to gossip behind my back? You're braver than I thought. Maybe a little lesson will help you remember your place."

"Exactly! Teach them a lesson they won't forget! Lin Xuan laughed smugly from the side.

To their shock, Liu Yin looked completely serious. Both girls instinctively backed away, visibly shaken.

"Of course," Liu Yin continued, biting into her sugar figurine with a casual air, "if you're willing to bring me tea, apologize, and tell me exactly where you went wrong, I might be gracious enough to let this slide."

The two exchanged wary glances, clearly doubting that Liu Yin would actually dare to harm them. After all, as daughters of high-ranking officials, they assumed her throats were empty.

Straightening their backs, they declared. "We absolutely won't admit to something we didn't dol"

Liu Yin had no real intention of disfiguring them, but seeing them trying to gamble on her courage ignited her desire to give them a good scare.

With a sharp clap, she called out crisply, "Hold them for me!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Xiyun, clearly accustomed to these situations, sprang into action. With her martial arts background, she grabbed Wu Yu's arm and forcefully pinned her against the wall. Downstairs, patrons in the main hall stood up, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the commotion on the upper floor.

Lin Xuan, ever the loyal sidekick, quickly handed over a hairpin, embodying her role to perfection.

"Sister Wu!" Zhou Xitong's eyes reddened with worry.

Taking the hairpin, Liu Yin stepped forward with a pleasant smile, savoring the flash of fear in Wu Yu's eyes. The satisfaction was undeniable-why waste energy scheming when bullying could be so much fun?

But just as she approached Wu Yu, the atmosphere suddenly shifted to a tense silence. Faces around her paled, and Zhou Xitong abruptly dropped into a low bow, trembling as she spoke. Lin Xuan quickly followed suit, both of them saying in unison, "This humble subject greets His Highness, the Crown Prince."

The people around tham bowed respectfully, and Xiyun quickly released Wu Yu, standing obediently to the side. She hadn't expected the Crown Prince to show up of this moment, and now it seemed that Liu Yin's impression would only worsen.

At the sound of the announcement, Liu Yin froze as her gaze fisating on the hairpin in her hand What terrible luck!

But what was there to fear? The Crown Prince already despised her, so she might as well act as if she didn't care. Besides, she certainly hadn't been seeking the role of a Crown Princess

Remembering how the original character had spoken to the Crown Prince, she composed herself and turned around, lifting her skirt with a beaming smile as she approached him. "Crown Prince gegel

gege-older brother

Her coy tone was a stark contrast to the earlier boldness, meanwhile, Wu Yu rubbed her sore arm feeling frustrated. Once she got back, she would definitely tell Sister Shen to help her get revenge.

A group was standing in the corridor, each person wearing a different expression. At the forefront was a man in a dark trocade robe with sharp brows and bright eyes. His chiseled features revealed no emotion, and before Liu Yin could get close, a servant immediately stepped in front of her.

Pausing for a moment, Liu Yin glared angrily of the servant before furning to the man in the dark robe with a beaming smile. I can't believe I'd run into my Crown Prince Gege hers. What a coincidencel

After a quick glance, Liu Yin had to admit that the original character had good taste seeing that the Crown Prince was indeed quite handsome... Ah, but such a cold and distant person was not her type.

At her words, a man in a white robe nearby nearly burst out laughing as if he could sense that Liu'er was waiting here specifically for the Crown Prince.

"Lody Liu, what's this all about?" he said, glancing meaningfully at Wu Yu

This man was Xia Yi, the son of a high-ranking official and currently a scholar at the Hanlin Academy. He had a good relationship with the Crown Prince, and the original character had once tried to win him over but her efforts had ended in failure.

"I was just joking with Sister Wu; it's nothing serious," she replied with a serious expression, already hiding the evidence of her mischief up her sleeve.

Zhou Xilong shepped forward, her eyes watery as she said. "Sister Liu wanted to harm Sister Wu's face. Please help me, Your Highness

Seeing her dare to complain, Liu Yin blinked innocently. "T'm such a coward so how could I ever de something like that?"

The Crown Prince's entourage couldn't help but chuckle, furning their heads away. If Liu'er was really timid, there wouldn't be anyone in the world brave enough

"You Zhou Xitong's eyes reddened further with anger.

Liu Yin pouted, still feigning innocence but the man in the dark robe walked right past her, seemingly

uninterested in interfering.

"Crown Prince Gege... Crown Prince Gega..." Liu Yin clung to him, fully embodying the essence of a clingy person. Seizing the moment when the servant was distracted, she suddenly grabbed the hem of the man's sleeve.

As expected, he halted in his tracks. Liu Yin quickly withdrew her hand, only to find herself storing into his deep, bottomless black eyes

The woman in the flower-patterned skirt had a slender figure, and her bright, clear eyes sparkled with mischief. The man cost her a casual glance before turning and continuing on his way.

The servant couldn't help but feel surprised. Today, His Highness actually acknowledged Liu'er with a look

It wasn't until they had walked some distance away that Liu Yin came back to her senses and continued to call out. "Crown Prince Gegel"

After a few more calls, she calmly turned around and waved to Lin Xuan. "Let's go home"

Life was like a play, entirely dependent on one's acting skills, and she was more than capable of playing the role of a lovesick girl.

"Go go home?" Lin Xuan shot a reluctant glare at Wu Yu and Zhou Xitong. "What about them?"

Walking ahead, Liu Yin replied nonchalantly. "Today, I'm feeling merciful and letting them off the hook"

Hearing this, Lin Xuan could only give the two giris a sarcastic glance. "Hmph, I'll let you off this timel

With that, she quickly fell in step behind Liu Yin while the two behind them clenched their fists, their eyes filled with envy. If it weren't for her family background, what would Liu Yin even be?

Once they climbed into the carriage and returned home Liu Yin heard from a servant that her mother was looking for her, so she headed toward the Tinghe Courtyard

As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw several boxes arranged outside with servants mathodically sorting through them. Upon noticing her return, they immediately bowed and greeted her. "We greet the Second Miss."

Waving her hand, she went straight into her room where a graceful and charming woman was seated on a soft couch. She appeared to be brewing tea, her movements elegant and fluid, like a graceful dance. This was the standard of refinement, but Liu Yin knew that she was nowhere near such elegance.

"Mother, I heard you were looking for me?"

She settled herself casually on the soft couch then lifted a cup of fragrant tea, and curiously glanced outside. "What's with all the boxes out there?"

The spacious and tranquil room was filled with a subtle aroma of tea. A maid in green suddenly chimed in with a smile, "These are items that the eldest young master specially had sent back from the border. He knows that the young lady likes peculiar trinkets, so he collected quite a few boxes of them."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yin's eyes lit up. So her brother was that good!

Seeing her silly expression, Madam Zhang playfully tapped her forehead. "Half of the letters your brother writes mention you, while your father and I only get a single greeting."

Covering her forehead, Liu Yin smiled as her eyes crinkling with delight. "Isn't it enough that Mother and Father have me?"

The green-clad maid couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. For some reason, she felt that the Second Miss had been particularly charming these past few days, her words sweet as honey.

Madam Zhang couldn't help but smile as she poured Liu Yin a cup of tea, casually asking, "Did you see His Royal Highness today?"

At the mention of this, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Liu Yin pouted, resting her chin on her hand, looking somewhat downcast. "I did see him, but the Crown Prince just wouldn't acknowledge me."

She was definitely going to continue her act; after all, it wouldn't cost her anything. Once that prince married someone else, she would finally be free.

Seeing her daughter unhappy, Madam Zhang let out a vague chuckle. "Don't worry, I have good news for you."

After taking a sip of tea, Liu Yin looked at her mother with curiosity, a nagging sense of foreboding creeping in.

"I went to the palace today to see the Empress," Zhang Shi said. "After some discussion, it has been decided that you will be the study companion for the Sixth Princess. You'll have the chance to enter and exit the palace daily, which means you'll run into the Crown Prince much more often." It seemed like Madam Zhang could already envision her daughter's ecstatic reaction.

Liu Yin: "..."

So, she was to present her warm face to someone's cold backside every day?

Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. "That's wonderful!"

But then as if remembering something, her expression fell, and she sighed with a frown. "But what if the Crown Prince still ignores me? What if he ends up marrying someone else?"

After speaking, Liu Yin kept an eye on her mother's reaction, and Madam Zhang's expression suddenly hardened. "That's impossible."

Grabbing her daughter's hand, Madam Zhang leaned in, her demeanor serious. "With your aunt's help, and the Emperor's inclination, it's just a matter of timing before the marriage is granted. Don't worry, I will make sure you become the Crown Princess!"

It wasn't just for her daughter's sake; it was also for the Liu family. Although they appeared to be flourishing, in reality, they were treading on thin ice. The Emperor already harbored suspicions, and with some scheming individuals stirring trouble, failing to secure the Crown Prince would spell disaster for their future. Only by having her daughter become the Crown Princess, or even the future Empress, could the Liu family continue to thrive.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yin projected confidence on the surface, but inside she was filled with dread. Even if the Crown Prince did marry her, she would likely end up as someone who was not well-regarded. With her family background, how could any ruling power tolerate an overly influential maternal relative?

What rises must eventually fall. Their family should be keeping a low profile, not pushing her to become the Crown Princess. What if they ended up discarded once they were no longer needed?

After leaving the Lotus Courtyard, she felt all enthusiasm drain away. She directed the servants to move the items her brother had sent into the courtyard, picking out a few interesting pieces to take to her room, all the while gloomily munching on her watermelon.

The Sixth Princess was two years younger than her. Liu Yin knew that the previous study companion was the daughter of a Minister of Rites, but her aunt had quickly replaced her with an excuse to help Liu Yin. This made Liu Yin's feelings complicated because her rival, Shen Yao was also in the academy as the study companion for the Fifth Princess, meaning they would face each other daily.

However, she couldn't let her momentum falter. According to the original character's nature, encountering a rival would energize her like a shot of adrenaline.

On the first day of her new role as the study companion, the sun shone brightly. She chose a cherry blossom pink gown-only the Empress could wear true red, and not just anyone could don other shades of red. But Liu Yin was different; as the Empress's favored niece, she had no restrictions except for true red.

When she arrived at the palace gates, she had to walk to the academy, which was yet another palace regulation.

Looking at the towering palaces that stretched endlessly before her, Liu Yin felt as insignificant as a speck of dust. They say once you enter the palace, it's like sinking into a deep sea. Yet the original character had dived right in. Even if she became the Crown Princess, she would likely be torn apart by the women of the Eastern Palace.

As she passed through the Meridian Gate, she heard a familiar voice. Although Liu Yin had no intention of acknowledging it, she couldn't help but recall the original character's nature which compelled her to put on a show.

"Brother Xiayi!"

From a distance, a lively voice called out. The man who had been heading toward the Hall of Political Affairs, suddenly halted and turned to see a dazzling woman running toward him. His expression changed instantly; it was this lady again.

Seeing him attempt to walk away, Liu Yin quickly dashed forward to block his path, glaring at him in discontent. "Why are you leaving? Don't you want to see me?"

The palace corridor was quiet with palace attendants passing by, their heads bowed, afraid to look around. In this place, knowing too much could be a death sentence.

"Not at all! I just happen to be in a hurry," Xiayi replied, lightly shaking his folding fan and smiling as if it were no big deal.

Not wanting to expose him, Liu Yin suddenly glanced around, leaning in curiously. "Where's Brother Crown Prince?"

Xiayi: "..."

He knew all too well that this lady was only after the Crown Prince. She had even pursued him all the way to the palace today, showing remarkable persistence.

Clearing his throat, he replied earnestly. "His Highness is currently discussing matters with the Emperor. Is there something important that Miss Liu wishes to convey?"

The way he spoke without a hint of embarrassment, showed he intended to evade her question. However, Liu Yin was merely putting on an act to express her interest in the Crown Prince.

Upon hearing his response, she feigned disappointment, letting out a soft, "Oh." Then, suddenly inspired, she snatched a box of pastries from Xiyun's hands. "Brother Crown Prince must be working hard on state affairs every day. I made these myself; could you please deliver them to him for me?"

At that, Xiyun's expression shifted, after all, hadn't Miss Liu just asked her to buy these pastries from Juyuefang when they passed through the East Alley?

She hadn't expected this lady to actually make pastries! Xiayi's opinion of her began to change. After a moment of hesitation, he kindly accepted the box. "Don't worry, I'll make sure they reach him."

Seeing him take the pastries made Liu Yin's heart ache a little, after all, she had sent Xiyun to wait in line for quite a while to buy them.

Though reluctant, she smiled sweetly, nodding her head in appreciation. "Thank you so much!"

Upon closer inspection, he realized the woman before him was exceptionally beautiful-her skin like snow, her features like a painting. Previously, he had thought her arrogant and domineering, but now she exuded a charming allure.

He found himself thinking that even if the Crown Prince were to marry her, it wouldn't be so bad. A woman with such shallow thoughts could be easily managed. With that in mind, Xiayi offered a polite smile. "It's just a small favor, so no need to mention it."