Chapter 3: Swapping Identities

Meanwhile, over there, Lan Xiaoyu was still speaking. "I'll just say a few words to the Crown Prince; I won't disturb him for too long."

The hexagonal pavilion where the Crown Prince was situated was partitioned by thin yellow curtains. One could vaguely see silhouettes inside, but the actual situation within was impossible to discern.

At this moment, two people were sitting upright inside, carefully savoring their tea.

When the outside grew lively, Jian Ningxi frowned. This woman had no sense of propriety; he had never seen a woman so bold and proactive. It seemed she had gone mad with the desire to become the Crown Princess.

"Let her in."

Just as he was lost in thought, he heard the person beside him speak aloud.

Jian Ningxi was slightly surprised. "Crown Prince?"

The Crown Prince, Zhou Lingtian, pressed the rim of his cup against his lips and shook his head. "Don't forget what I just told you."

Jian Ningxi's brow furrowed even deeper.

The Crown Prince had just come up with a plan: the two of them would temporarily swap identities. He would play the role of the Crown Prince, while Jian Ningxi would play him—the Great General of the Great Yan Dynasty.

Originally, Jian Ningxi could never have agreed. He was a naturally reserved and meticulous person; how could he possibly impersonate the Crown Prince?

However, Zhou Lingtian knew his friend best. He used his own lifelong happiness as an excuse, leaving Jian Ningxi with no choice but to agree.

This selection of a consort for the Crown Prince was, on one hand, something done out of necessity due to the pressure from the Empress. Since that was the case, Zhou Lingtian naturally wanted to choose a woman he actually liked. If he used his true identity as the Crown Prince, how could he see the true nature of those women?

The guard lifted the curtain, and Lan Xiaoyu entered cheerfully. The golden bells on her person jingled crisply, a truly pleasant sound.

The young girl was full of spiritual energy and showed no sign of fear, appearing like an elf who had wandered into the wrong world.

This was Zhou Lingtian's first impression of Lan Xiaoyu.

The yellow curtain behind her was immediately lowered again, blocking the gazes of the young noble ladies. This made the hexagonal pavilion even more mysterious and alluring.

By then, Zhou Lingtian had already stood up. Only Jian Ningxi, impersonating the Crown Prince, remained seated. He was exceptionally cold and stern, sitting perfectly still without a trace of expression, like a piece of cold stone.

Anyone else under such an aura would likely have been frightened into kneeling long ago.

Yet, as Lan Xiaoyu looked at the two of them, her eyes actually brightened.

She had not forgotten her manners; she performed a deep bow to the seated Jian Ningxi using the somewhat non-standard etiquette of a Great Yan woman.

Without waiting for him to respond, she simply stood up straight.

Immediately, Jian Ningxi's frown deepened, while His Highness the Crown Prince, Zhou Lingtian, watched with great interest.

What a bold little woman.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!" Lan Xiaoyu called out sweetly, her voice as crisp as a bell. She quickly turned to the side. "You must be the Great General, Jian Ningxi!"

"You know the two of us?" Zhou Lingtian couldn't help but ask.

Lan Xiaoyu covered her face with her hands, her large eyes filled with mischief. "In the entire capital, who wouldn't know the two of you? But to be able to see you both together today, I feel so truly blessed!"

She peered at the two of them with a strange, twinkling gaze.

Truly blessed?

Jian Ningxi and Zhou Lingtian exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of confusion in the other's eyes. However, while General Jian's eyes held a trace of coldness, Prince Zhou's eyes were filled with intrigue.

He gave Jian Ningxi a meaningful look, forcing the cold-faced general to speak.

"What is your name?"

"Little Fish," Lan Xiaoyu said cunningly. If she told her real name, she'd be dead meat; she only wanted to be a good person who left no trace~

"Indeed, a happy and free little fish," Zhou Lingtian said with a smile.