chapter 3

“This chestnut-braised chicken was made by the palace’s imperial chefs. Have a taste.” The Crown Prince thoughtfully picked up a piece of chicken and a chestnut for me.

I smiled faintly. “Thank you for your kindness, my lord, but I prefer chestnut-braised chicken without the chestnuts.”

The Crown Prince froze for a moment, then, as if testing the waters, picked up some oil-braised shrimp. “This dish is rich but not greasy.”

I didn’t refuse. Only after I’d finished an entire shrimp with practiced grace did I say, “The flavor is good, but I think live shrimp should be steamed or boiled. That’s the only way to keep their true taste.”

The Crown Prince no longer tried to hide the shock-and delight-on his face.

“You’re exactly like her. Even your eating habits are the same.”

Of course they were. That information had cost the Marquis of Dingguo a fortune to buy. I knew her daily habits better than my own.

“Is that so? Then I truly must have fate on my side with that older sister,” I said, beaming.

Even I have to admire my acting. When you’re putting on a show every day, it’s hard not to get good at it.

After the Spring Day Banquet, everyone knew the Marquis of Dingguo’s legitimate daughter bore an uncanny resemblance-eight parts out of ten-to Zhen Yuting, and that I’d chatted with the Crown Prince as if we’d known each other for years.

In the streets and alleys, people laughed that the Crown Prince had simply found himself an obedient, compliant version of Zhen Yuting.

The Marquis of Dingguo punished me with confinement for disgracing him.

Feeling guilty, the Crown Prince bribed a steward in the Marquis Mansion and had a pair of Magnolia Earrings delivered to me.

At the birthday banquet for the old madam of the Duke of Ying, the young ladies of the great families glittered in gold and silver to flaunt their status. I alone wore that pair of jade earrings.

That was the first time I met Zhen Yuting. Her eyes were filled with nothing but indifference.

“Those were a gift from the Crown Prince, weren’t they? Magnolia is my favorite. He specifically had a pair made-too bad I don’t like them.”

She said it lightly, in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, and then left without even lifting her eyes.