chapter 10

After the New Year came the Crown Prince’s consort selection, and Zhen Yuting could no longer keep up her usual prideful act.

The very next day, she asked me to meet her at a teahouse. Wiping away tears, she apologized to me. “It was truly my fault. I shouldn’t have let you bear all that gossip-people wagging their tongues, saying you were copying me. From now on, we’re real sisters. If anyone dares smear you again, I’ll tear their mouths apart.”

I looked utterly moved. “Sister, we were fated to meet. Being close to you is my blessing.”

Zhen Yuting cried like pear blossoms in the rain. “In the end, I’ve wronged you. You’re the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Mansion, yet the Crown Prince used you as a piece to spite me. It’s simply unfair.”

Hearing that, the emotion on my face shifted from gratitude to disappointment.

Zhen Yuting went on, “I know you’re proud, too. There are countless good men in this world-you can’t possibly be someone’s substitute. A few days ago on my birthday, the Crown Prince even had people deliver several cartloads of gifts. And I thought of how awful you must be feeling right now.”

When she saw me lower my head and cry without saying a word, Zhen Yuting let out a sigh.

“My good sister, I’m only saying this because I care about you. If you trust me, I’ll go plead with the Crown Prince on your behalf. I’ll have him give you your freedom back-let him understand that you are Gu Hanyu, a true lady of noble blood.”

Zhen Yuting sighed again and again as she spoke up for me, calling it unjust, calling it heartbreaking that I was being used.

She was certain that with my family background and looks, I’d never accept being anyone’s stand-in.

But she miscalculated.

I was more than willing.